Consider spending this Saturday listening to a talk on sustainability for Orange County beaches or at a movie screening with the kids at Napoli Park in Mission Viejo.
On Sunday, learn about tidepools at the East Anaheim Branch Library or watch a movie at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL CALENDAR HERE
Every week, Voice of OC reporters work hard to help residents stay connected to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable.
You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.
You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings impacting your quality of life during the week.
That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
North Orange County
Morning Meditation
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: September 27, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Tidepool Craft
Take the kids to make a craft tidepool and learn more about California’s coastline — the habitats, ecosystems, and marine life – at the East Anaheim Branch Library.
When: September 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 8201 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA 92808
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-3887
Crochet and Knitting Circle
Beginners and experts are welcome to an adult-only knit or crochet group at the Placentia Library. Attendees are asked to bring needles, crochet hooks and yarn.
When: September 28, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Central Orange County
Advanced Cardio Hike
Embark on a challenging, fast-paced hike in the Red Rock Wilderness, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This strenuous hike is best suited for hikers experienced with multiple steep climbs and descents.
Registration is required.
When: September 27, 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Where: Airfield Staging Area, address to be released after registering
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com
Aztec Dancers
Take the kids to work on a craft and watch an Aztec dance performance afterwards at the Garden Grove Chapman Library.
When: September 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 9182 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92841
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 539-2115
Talk on Beach Cleanups
Enjoy a talk on how to protect local beaches, hosted by the Surfrider Foundation of North Orange County at the Westminster Library. Learn ways to reduce plastic use as well as beach cleanup opportunities.
When: September 27, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 8180 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 893-5057
Coastal Orange County
Makerspace Open Hours
Visit the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace – a creative space with machines such as a laser engraver, embroidering machine, 3D printers and other crafting equipment.
To reserve equipment, attendees must make an appointment.
When: September 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
Drone Flying Demo
Take the kids to a hands-on drone flying demonstration at the Laguna Beach Library. Hands-on drone flying is offered on a first come, first served basis.
When: September 27, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733
Afternoon Movie
Enjoy a screening of the 1960 film “The Apartment” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
South Orange County
Volunteer Outdoors
Volunteer to plant and tend to native plants in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park alongside OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation.
Registration is required. Rain will cancel the program.
When: September 27, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Aliso & Wood Canyons Visitor Center, 28373 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Laguna Canyon Foundation at volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Family Movie
Take the kids to a screening of the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” at Napoli Park. Activities, music and games will kick off at 5:00 p.m. when the movie starts. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
When: September 27, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: 27682 Napoli Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 859-4348 or email fitness@cityofmissionviejo.org
Open Sewing Lab
Teens ages 14+ and adults are welcome to the Laguna Niguel Library’s open sewing lab. Receive support and inspiration for sewing projects.
Participants are asked to register by emailing ocpl.lagunaniguel@occr.ocgov.com or by calling the library.
When: September 27, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 249-5252
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.
