Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by celebrating Lunar New Year at the Tết parade in Westminster or by taking your kids to a family-friendly movie screening at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
On Sunday, attend a screening of a ‘50s movie at the Donald Dungan Library or go on a fitness hike.
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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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.
Central Orange County
Tet Parade
Celebrate Lunar New Year and the Vietnamese-American community of Orange County at the Tết parade in Westminster. The parade features floats, lion dances, color guards, marching bands, martial arts, multi-cultural attire, elected officials, service organizations and businesses.
The parade will start at the intersection of Bolsa Avenue and Magnolia Street, heading eastbound on Bolsa Avenue. The Parade will turn right on Bushard Street and head southbound, ending at Bishop Place.
When: February 21, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Bolsa Ave., between Magnolia St. and Bushard St., Westminster
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the city at (714) 898-3311
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon.
Registration is required.
When: February 22, 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
Movie Screening
Watch a screening of the 1957 film “Witness for the Prosecution” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library. The film was adapted from a play by Agatha Christie.
When: February 22, 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 at (949) 646-8845
North Orange County
Meditate at the Library
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: February 21, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Yarn and Crochet
Work in a group on a project during the Placentia Library District’s crochet and knitting circle.
When: February 22, 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
Enjoy playing cards, party games, social deduction games and other types during a game day at the Hunt Branch Library in Fullerton.
When: February 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 201 S. Basque Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6365
Coastal Orange County
Learn to Garden
Attend a talk on creating a pollinator garden in your own yard at the Laguna Beach Library. Attendees will learn about the different types of pollinators.
When: February 21, 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
Volunteer at a Seed Library
The Huntington Central Library welcomes teens to volunteer to sort and package the seeds donated to their seed library. Volunteers will label and pack new seeds for circulation in the community.
Registration is required.
When: February 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
“Around the World” With Crafts
Take the kids to learn about a different culture through a craft activity every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Dana Point Library.
When: February 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 33841 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 496-5517
South Orange County
Lunar New Year Craft
Take your kids to work on a Lunar New Year-themed craft at the San Juan Capistrano Library.
When: February 21, 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 (714) 649-2216
Learn Cross Stitch
Adults and teens are welcome to the Library of the Canyons for a beginner lesson on cross stitch techniques. Using embroidery floss, Aida cloth and a tapestry needle, attendees will create a handmade treasure. All supplies will be provided.
When: February 21, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7531 Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216
Watch a Kid-Friendly Movie
Enjoy a screening of the 2025 version of “Smurfs” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library as a family.
When: February 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
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.