Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by working on an art project with your children at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe performance later in the day at the Cypress Library.
This is just two 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
Family Art Experience
Take the kids to create artwork together at the Laguna Beach Library. Families will work on an art project using provided materials, following instruction from artists.
This event occurs the second Saturday of each month into May 2026.
When: March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733
Board Games
Take the kids to play board games at the Newport Beach Public Library’s central branch.
When: March 14, 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
Chess Club
Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn to play chess.
Registration is required.
When: March 14, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 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
OC Archives Bazaar
Enjoy exhibitions, presentations and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Bazaar at the Great Park.
When: March 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Hangar 244, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Orange County Archives in Action at ocarchivesbazaar@gmail.com
Trail Stewardship
Volunteer to remove weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park’s Habitat Adventure Trail.
Those that volunteer are recommended to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, snacks and wear long pants. Tools and some gloves will be available on-site.
The program will begin near parking lot G at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead.
Registration is required. Parking is free for volunteers. Attendees must notify the park attendant you are volunteering when they arrive for free parking.
When: March 14, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (657) 253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Journaling Program
Learn how to “junk journal” and other journaling ideas at the Delhi Center in Santa Ana. Journals and art supplies will be provided.
When: March 14, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the center at (714) 647-5358
North Orange County
Hike in Gypsum Canyon
Explore six miles of trails in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness on a wilderness access day. The region features prehistoric rock formations formed 16 to 20 million years ago.
Although no registration is required, access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached.
When: March 14, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 390 South Gypsum Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA 92887
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
[Read: 500 Acres of Sweeping Views in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness]
Book Exchange
Bring 1-4 books to exchange at the Placentia Library during a book exchange.
When: March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Music Experience
All ages are invited to visit the Cypress Library for a performance by bagpiper John McLean Allan.
When: March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-0350
South Orange County
Nowruz Celebration
Celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, with a bilingual English-Persian storytime. Attendees will work on crafts and snacks will be available.
When: March 14, 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
Computer Basics Class
Adults and seniors can learn email setup, USB navigation and other computer skills every other Sunday at the Mission Viejo Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring personal devices, but library laptops will be available during program hours.
Registration is required to attend.
When: March 8, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 100 Civic Ctr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343
Pi Day Celebration
Enjoy math and science activities during a Pi Day celebration at the El Toro Library. Pie will also be available while supplies last.
No registration required.
When: March 14, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
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.