Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the annual OC Black History Parade in Anaheim or by embarking on a hike at Mesa Loop in Silverado Canyon.
On Sunday, enjoy playing Mahjong with others at the Mesa Verde Library in Costa Mesa.
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
OC Black History Parade
Celebrate Black history and culture at the OC Black History Parade off Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade.
Community organizations, schools, dance groups, local Black sororities and fraternities will march down Anaheim Blvd. during the 46th annual OC Black History Parade.
The event will also feature food vendors and information booths alongside other entertainment.
When: February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Orange County Heritage Council at office@oc-hc.org
Learn Cross Stich
Visit the Placentia Library to learn basic cross-stitching techniques during a workshop for adults and teens. Supplies will be provided for a beginner project.
Seating is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
When: February 7, 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
Game Day at the Library
Enjoy playing board games with others in the conference center at the Fullerton Public Library’s main branch. Experiences and new players are welcome.
The library hosts a board game day the first Saturday of every month.
When: February 7, 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
South Orange County
Mesa Loop Exploration Day
Enjoy panoramic views of Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon and the Cleveland National Forest during an exploration day at Mesa Loop, a 2.5-mile trail extending behind the Library of the Canyons through an oak woodland grove.
Stop in to the library for a craft and free seed packets.
Registration is not required, but is available for those that want directions to the library.
When: February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7531 Santiago Cyn 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
Take your kids to practice their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: February 7, 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
Romcom Author Panel
Readers are invited to the Norman P. Murray Community Center for a panel of romantic comedy authors, including Julie Christianson, Ellie Hall, Melanie Jacobson, Becky Monson, Emma St. Clair, and Savannah Scott.
Registration is required.
When: February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact library programs at (949) 452-8342 or libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org
Central Orange County
Tết Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate the year of the horse at the annual Tết festival in Santa Ana’s Centennial Park. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances, exhibits, live entertainment and food vendors at the festival.
When: February 7, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, 92704
Cost: Free
For more details, contact
Tết Celebration
Enjoy a celebration of Lunar New Year at the Westminster Library featuring cultural performances such as a lion dance, crafts and traditional foods.
When: February 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 8180 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 893-5057
Mahjong at the Library
Children over the age of 6 and adults are welcome to a Mahjong meetup at the Mesa Verde Library in Costa Mesa.
Attendees will learn Hong Kong-style rules.
When: February 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. E., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 546-5274
Coastal Orange County
Coloring Club
Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to color at the Dana Point Library on the first Saturday of each month.
When: February 7, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 33841 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 496-5517
Visit the Balboa Island Museum
Learn about Newport Beach history at the Balboa Island Museum. The museum features exhibits on surfing, fishing and The Wedge – a surf spot known for 30 foot waves.
When: February 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 210 B. Marine Ave., Balboa Island, CA 92662
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the museum at (949) 675-3952
Beginner Adult Sewing Class
Learn the basics of using a sewing machine at the San Clemente Library. Attendees will work on a beginner project like a napkin or pouch.
No experience necessary and all supplies will be provided.
Registration by phone or in-person is required.
When: February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493
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.