Explore Gypsum Canyon during a scheduled access day or create art at the Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens this Saturday.
On Sunday, try a fitness hike that starts on a paved road.
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.
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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
Wilderness Access Day
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: April 11, 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]
Anniversary Screening of “Lady and the Tramp”
Watch a screening of Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” at the Anaheim Central Library.
When: April 11, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Central Orange County
Fitness Hike
See panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon. The hike is just over 8 miles long, most of which on the paved road.
Registration is required.
When: April 12, 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
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Neurodivergent youth are welcome to the Delhi Center in Santa Ana to practice social and reading skills by interacting with ASD robots and sensory toys in a group setting.
When: April 11, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-5358
South Orange County
Art in the Park
Ages 8 and older are invited to create art at the Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.
Attendees must bring their own art materials, including paint, pencils and other materials. The event includes a guided tour about the history of Arden and Helena Modjeska’s artistic life.
Registration is required.
When: April 11, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Learn to Run a Book Club
Adults are welcome to a discussion on how to develop and run a book club at the El Toro Library. No registration required.
When: April 11, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
Coastal Orange County
Makerspace Open Hours
Visit the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace – a creative space with machines such as a laser engraver, embroidering machine, 3D printers and other equipment.
To reserve equipment, attendees must make an appointment.
When: April 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
Read to a Dog
Take your child to practice their reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog at the Huntington Beach Central Library.
When: April 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
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.