Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the City of Irvine’s health expo or by exploring Limestone Canyon on a wilderness access day.
On Sunday, embark on a 13-mile hike through the Irvine Ranch Open Space, including parts of Fremont Canyon.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.
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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.
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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
Founders’ Park Open House
Learn about Anaheim’s history at the Founders’ Park open house, a one-acre park featuring some of the city’s earliest homes.
When: October 4, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 400 N. West St., Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Founders’ Park at (714) 765-5155
Board Games
Enjoy playing board games and other games at the Fullerton Public Library. The
North Orange County Boardgamers Game Day is held the first Saturday of each month.
When: October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Stitchin’ in the Stacks
Work on a crochet or knitting project at the Yorba Linda Public Library’s DIY studio among other needle crafters.
When: October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Central Orange County
Healthy Living Expo
Attend the outdoor Healthy Living Expo with health screenings, fitness demonstrations and other resources at the City of Irvine’s Civic Center. Educational presentations at the event will include topics like internet safety and fraud prevention.
When: October 4, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606-5207
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 724-6900
Dental Health Talk
Learn about dental care and other health tips during a talk at the Tustin Library by Dr. Quynci Nguyen, D.D.S.
When: October 4, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 345 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725
Pumpkin Decorating
Use materials like paint available at the Cypress Library to decorate a pumpkin brought from home.
When: October 5, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-0350
Coastal Orange County
Chess Club
Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn to play chess. Registration is required.
When: October 4, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068
Lego Mania
Take the kids to play with Legos at the Seal Beach Library.
When: October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 707 Electric Ave., Seal Beach, CA 90740
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (562) 431-3584
Sensory Playtime
Take the kids to engage in ‘sight, sound and touch’ playtime activities at the San Clemente Library.
When: October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493
South Orange County
Columbian Folk Dance
Enjoy a Columbian folk dance performance by San Diego-based group Algarabía Colombiana at the Foothill Ranch Library.
When: October 4, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8072
Wilderness Access Day
Explore Limestone Canyon on a wilderness access day. Trails vary in distance and difficulty level, with choices ranging from one-hour walks to 15-mile cardio treks.
Preregistration is required.
When: October 4, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Augustine Staging Area, 5524 Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Advanced Distance Hike
Embark on a ‘strenuous’ 13-mile hike through the Irvine Ranch Open Space. The 5-hour hike will travel through the Fremont, Weir and Blind Canyons.
Registration is required.
When: October 5, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Fremont Staging Area, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
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.