Consider attending a screening of “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library or attend a computer basics class in Mission Viejo this weekend.
For those looking to get outdoors, embark on a self-guided hike through the Saddleback Wilderness on an access day.
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.
Coastal Orange County
Movie at the Library
Enjoy a screening of the 1981 comedy film “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: January 25, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library (949) 646-8845
Board Games
Take the kids to play board games at the Newport Beach Public Library’s Central branch.
When: January 24, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Teenagers are welcome to the Oak View Library to play Dungeons & Dragons, a tabletop roleplaying game.
When: January 24, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, Ca 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068
Central Orange County
Wilderness Access Day
Hike 3.3 miles of trails in the Saddleback Wilderness during a scheduled access day.
No registration is required, but access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached.
When: January 24, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 3081 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Vietnamese Bilingual Storytime
Take the kids to a family storytime featuring songs and stories in Vietnamese at the Westminster Library.
When: January 24, 11:00 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
Sunset Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike at sunset through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails.
Registration is required.
When: January 24, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 11911 Hicks Haul Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com
South Orange County
Mobile Library Visit
Access information and some library resources during a mobile library visit to the Soka Performing Arts Center.
When: January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the mobile library at (714) 566-2708
Computer Basics
Adults and seniors are welcome to the Mission Viejo Library Tech Center for a lesson on computer basics, like email setup and USB navigation.
When: January 25, 10:00 a.m.. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343 or libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org
Persian Culture Talk
Attend a talk on Shahnameh, or “The Book of Kings,” a Persian epic composed by the poet Ferdowsi over a thousand years ago at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: January 24, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
North Orange County
Fiber Arts
Work on fiber arts projects – including crochet, embroidery, knitting and cross stitch – in a group at the Fullerton Public Library’s main branch. All experience levels are welcome.
When: January 24, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326 or info@fullertonlibrary.org
Diorama Craft
Adults are invited to work on a winter diorama at the Brea Library. All materials will be provided while supplies last.
Registration is required.
When: January 17, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Cir., Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 671-1722
Lego Mania
Take the kids to play with LEGO bricks at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: January 24, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
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.