Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by planting trees in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day, or by a celebration at the Laguna Beach Library with a composting workshop.
The Mariners Library in Newport Beach is also offering a presentation on year-round gardening and a planting workshop this Saturday.
For those interested in celebrating childhood literacy as a family, the Santa Ana Library is hosting its 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration this weekend. The celebration grew from the Latin American tradition of Día del Niño, celebrated on April 30 across many Spanish-speaking countries.
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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Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
South Orange County
Plant Trees
Attend a celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day with a planting event and Green Expo.
Volunteers will plant trees and shrubs along the section of Oso Creek Trail north of Jeronimo Road. Participants should bring a hat, boots, gloves and sunscreen.
The City of Mission Viejo is also hosting a Green Expo beside Oso Creek Trail, with themed activities and environmental exhibits featuring topics like recycling and pollution prevention.
Parking will be available at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, with a complimentary golf cart shuttle service will be provided to the event location.
When: April 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Parking and complimentary shuttle service is available at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, 27474 Casta Del Sol, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Cost: Free
For information on the Green Expo, contact Denise Matson at dmatson@cityofmissionviejo.org. For information on planting, contact Kristine Rosenbaum at (949) 470-8463
Make a Mini Zen Garden
Adults are welcome to make a mini zen garden to celebrate Earth Day at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: April 25, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Coastal Orange County
Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day at the Laguna Beach Library with a composting workshop, face painting and other themed activities.
When: April 25, 11:00 a.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
Spring Planting Event
Get month-by-month guidelines for growing fruits and vegetables year-round during a presentation by a UC Master Gardener at the Mariners Library in Newport Beach.
After the presentation, attendees can decorate containers, fill them with soil, and sow seeds or plants.
All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: April 25, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3838
Movie Screening
Enjoy a screening of the 1982 romantic comedy “Tootsie” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: April 26, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, please contact the library at (949) 646-8845
Central Orange County
Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros
Attend the 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration at the Plaza of the Sun behind the Santa Ana Main Library. This event celebrates the importance of children and literacy, and families. The event includes a community outreach fair and entertainment.
When: April 25, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-5358
Family Bingo
Play bingo as a family at the Stanton Library. No registration is required.
When: April 25, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 7850 Katella Ave., Stanton, CA 90680
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 898-3302
North Orange County
Fiber Arts Circle
Work in a group on a project during the Placentia Library District’s crochet and knitting circle.
When: April 25, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Morning Meditation
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: April 25, 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
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.