Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to a poetry workshop at the Orange Public Library’s main branch, or to work on an art project together at the Laguna Beach Library.
On Sunday, consider attending a beginner-friendly lesson on the ukulele or watch a documentary on the James Webb Space Telescope.
This is 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.
North Orange County
Board Games
Enjoy playing board games and other games at the Hunt Library in Fullerton.
When: November 8, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Thanksgiving Storytime
Kids ages 3-12 are welcome to the Buena Park Library for a Thanksgiving-themed storytime led by Kennedy High School students. After the storytime, attendees can make candy-filled tube turkeys while supplies last.
When: November 8, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100
Into to Ukelele
Learn the basics of tuning, simple chords and some easy songs on the ukulele during a beginner-friendly demo at the Haskett Library in Anaheim.
You may bring your own instrument, or borrow one from the library. No prior experience is required.
When: November 9, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 2650 W. Broadway. Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-5075
Central Orange County
Poetry Workshop
Learn how to write poetry by creating your own ‘found’ poem at the Orange Public Library’s main branch.
Registration is required. Call (714) 288-2467 or visit this website to register.
When: November 8, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 288-2400
Veterans Day Celebration
Attend a celebration honoring all who served at Heroes Hall. Enjoy live music from the ’60s and ’70s along with exhibits highlighting the stories of veterans. The event will also have family-friendly activities and booths from veteran resource organizations.
When: November 8, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-5358
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a morning fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road. The hike will travel 8.5 miles, stretching through the West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon.
Registration is required.
When: November 9, 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
Coastal Orange County
Crafting & Conversation Group
Adults are welcome to bring projects to work on and join in convention with others with a crafting group at the Dana Point Library.
When: November 8, 10:00 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
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: November 8, 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
Read to a Dog
Help your child practice their skills by reading to a certified therapy dog at the Huntington Beach Central Library.
When: November 8, 3:00 p.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
South Orange County
Kids Science Activity
Children ages 3-6 are welcome to the Library of the Canyons for an hour-long science activity. Kids will learn how salt makes water ‘heavier’ and what fruits sink or float.
When: November 8, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216
Space Documentary Screening
Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope at a screening of the documentary “Cosmic Dawn” at Mission Viejo City Hall Council Chambers. The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space, according to NASA.
No registration is required. Doors open at 2:45 p.m.
When: November 8, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Civic Center., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 452-8342 or email libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org
Art Journaling
Enjoy an art journaling group at the Laguna Niguel Library on Sunday afternoon. Learn a new art technique from artist Deborah Goldman for use in the journal.
Registration is required due to limited space.
When: November 9, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact the library at (949) 249-5252
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.