Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by working on a creative project at the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace or work on holiday crafts in a group at the Heritage Park Library.
On Sunday, visit the Corona Del Mar Library open house during the Christmas Walk or catch the final evening of Heritage Hill Historic Park’s annual Candlelight Walk.
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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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
Teen AI Demo
Teens are welcome to learn about AI and its impacts at the Anaheim Central Library.
When: December 6, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Learn to Sew
Attend Sewing 101 at the Placentia Library for a hands-on demo of a sewing machine, including winding a bobbin and types of stitches. Materials will be provided for a starter project making a fabric gift bag.
Entry tickets will be issued starting at 12:30 p.m. the day of the program at the library.
When: December 6, 1:00 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
Meet the Author
Attend a talk with author Carolyn Huynh, who will be discussing her latest book “The Family Recipe.”
When: December 6, 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100
Central Orange County
Winter Family Craft
Families may stop by the Villa Park Library anytime during open hours to work on a paper chain snowman craft.
When: December 6, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 17865 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park, CA 92861
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 998-0861
Holiday Handicrafts
Adults aged 18 and up are welcome to work on holiday crafts at the Heritage Park Library, including ornaments with UV resin and a holiday photo book.
When: December 6, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 724-4444
‘Ultra’ Distance Hike
Embark on an 18-mile hike in a group through the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Participants can expect to be on the trail for around 7 hours.
Registration is required.
When: December 7, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Coastal Orange County
Gardening Talk
Attend a talk at the Laguna Beach Library on seasonal gardening techniques.
When: December 6, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733
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 equipment.
To reserve equipment, attendees must make an appointment.
When: December 6, 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
Library Open House
Visit the Corona Del Mar Library open house for a family storytime and other activities during the 46th annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk.
When: December 7, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 644-3075
South Orange County
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: December 6, 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
Read to a Dog
Kids age 6 and up are invited to practice reading to certified therapy dogs. Attendees can bring a book from home or grab one from the library shelves.
When: December 6, 11:00 a.m.
Where: 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343
Candlelight Walk
Enjoy Christmas decorations at Heritage Hill Historic Park during the 39th annual Candlelight Walk. The event takes place across three evenings Dec. 5, 6 and 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Attendees will hear live musical performances, holiday crafts and a visit with Santa Claus. Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.
When: December 5, December 6 & December 7, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com
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.