Consider spending your Saturday afternoon learning math as a family at the Brea Library or by watching an animated version of “The Addams Family” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
On Sunday, volunteer in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or head out on a fitness hike.
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.
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
Makerspace Open Hours
Work on a creative project at the Placentia Library’s Hangar Makerspace, featuring various crafting projects.
When: October 18, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
[Read: A Space to Create]
Math Activities
Explore hands-on math activities with your children at a workshop for families at the Brea Library.
When: October 18, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Cr., Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 671-1722
Preserve Jam
Learn to preserve jams and jellies safely at the La Palma Library at an event hosted by the UC Master Food Preservers.
When: October 18, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7842 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 523-8585
Central Orange County
Bilingual Storytime
Children of all learning levels are welcome to a storytime in Vietnamese and English at the Westminster Library.
When: October 18, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 8180 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 893-5057
Rice Cooker Demo
Adults can learn about tips and benefits of using a digital rice cooker during a demonstration at the Fountain Valley Library. The rice cooker is available in the Library of Things collection.
When: October 18, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a 8.5-mile fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road.
Registration is required.
When: October 19, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 11911 Hicks Haul Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Coastal Orange County
LEGO Playtime
Take the kids to play with LEGOs at the Newport Beach Central Library.
When: October 18, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800
Sensory Playtime
Take the kids to engage in sensory playtime activities at the San Clemente Library.
When: October 18, 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
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Spend Sunday morning volunteering in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Depending on the season, volunteers will assist with land stewardship activities, such as non-native plant removal, seed collection, hand watering and planting.
No experience necessary, and tools will be provided. Advanced registration is required.
When: October 19, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org
South Orange County
Pumpkin Painting
Children ages 4-12 are welcome to the San Juan Capistrano Library to paint a pumpkin. Pumpkins and supplies will be provided while supplies last.
When: October 18, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 493-1752
Family Movie
Enjoy a screening of the 2019 version of “The Addams Family” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: October 18, 2:00 p.m. to 3:35 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Coloring Club
All ages are welcome to color at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. Coloring supplies are provided.
When: October 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 707-2699
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.