Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by learning about birds on a walk through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, or go on a hike in the Saddleback Wilderness.
On Sunday, embark on an ultra distance hike through the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
These are 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
Bird Walk
Go on a “bird walk” with volunteer docents at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of birds. People will learn about a variety of birds from birding experts.
When: February 28, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve South Parking Lot, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For questions, please email info@amigosdebolsachica.org or call (714) 840-1575
Volunteer Opportunity at Newport Back Bay
Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in restoring OC’s natural habitat. Activities can include non-native plant removal, watering, trash cleanup and more.
Registration is required, as space is limited.
When: February 28, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
Craft Swap
Swap clean, new or gently used craft supplies during the craft swap at the Huntington Beach Central Library.
People who donate supplies for the public to take home will receive an early entry ticket to this event. Early entry is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, while general entry is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No registration is required for attendance.
When: February 28, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
North Orange County
Princess Project Pop-Up
High school students in grades 9-12 are invited to select a free prom dress and accessory at a giveaway at the Anaheim Central Library
Attendees must reserve an appointment and complete the liability waiver sent to their email after booking. A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver for participants under the age of 18.
Participants must also bring proof of current high school enrollment such as a school email, progress report, school ID or report card to their appointment.
Attendees will receive one free prom dress and one accessory. Multiple appointments for the same person will be cancelled.
When: February 27 & February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details or questions, contact the library at (714) 765-1880 or email Princess Project at getadresssd@princessproject.org
Family Movie Matinee
Enjoy a screening of the 2024 movie “Sketch” on the Fullerton Public Library’s 184-inch screen.
When: February 28, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Talk on “Demystifying” AI
Learn about artificial intelligence during a presentation on different types and uses at the Yorba Linda Public Library. Attendees will receive an introduction to large language models and generative AI. No registration required.
When: February 28, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 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
Wilderness Access
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: February 28, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 3081 Santiago Canyon Rd., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Teen Cooking Class
Teenagers are invited to the Westminster Library to learn to make pancakes. No registration is required.
When: February 28, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 8180 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 893-5057
Long Distance Hike
Embark on a 17.5-mile hike through the Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike will include over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, travelling across steep ascents, rolling ridgelines and exposed terrain.
Registration is required.
When: March 1, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Creek staging area
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
South Orange County
Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Foothill Ranch Library. Event attendees will work on a craft, then watch a drum and lion dance performance by Thiên Ân Performing Arts.
When: February 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8072
Talk on Coping with Trauma
Adults are invited to a talk with a grief educator to learn about strategies for coping with changes in life such as loss, illness or trauma.
When: February 28, 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
Read to a Dog
Take your child to practice their reading skills by reading to a therapy dog at the Mission Viejo Library. Registration is not required, but the event is recommended for kids age 6 and up.
When: February 28, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 100 Civic Ctr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343
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.