Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by learning to use a sewing machine at the Placentia Library or work on your own project at the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace.
On Sunday, visit the Heritage House in Mission Viejo or work on an ornament at the Laguna Niguel Library.
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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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.
North Orange County
Morning Meditation
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: November 15, 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
Indie Author Day
Enjoy the Indie Author Day at the Anaheim Central Library. The gathering will have a book fair and panels with writers and small press publishers.
When: November 15, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Learn to Sew
Attend Sewing 101 at the Placentia Library for a hands-on demo of a sewing machine, including winding a bobbin and types of stitches. Materials will be provided for a starter project making a hot pad.
Entry tickets will be issued starting at 12:30 p.m. the day of the program at the library.
When: November 15, 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
Central Orange County
Dinosaur-Themed Activities
Take the kids to enjoy dinosaur-themed crafts and activities at the Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana.
When: November 15, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-5358
Guitar Concert
Enjoy a short guitar performance at the Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library.
When: November 15, 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Where: 11962 Bailey St., Garden Grove, CA 92845
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 897-2594
Mountain Bike Ride
Experienced mountain bikers are invited to explore trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderate-paced ride through the Fremont, Blind and Weir Canyons. This ride has multiple very steep climbs, with an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet over 15 miles.
Registration is required.
When: November 16, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Lot C in Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Coastal Orange County
Gardening Workshop
Learn to plant a “salad bowl garden” during a presentation at the Laguna Beach Library. The workshop will talk about covering the varieties of greens, the basics of gardening, care and harvesting.
When: November 15, 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
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: November 15, 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
LEGO Playtime
Ages 3-11 are welcome to play with LEGO bricks the Newport Beach Central Library
When: November 15, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800
South Orange County
Family Movie Screening
Take the kids for a screening of the 1988 animated movie “The Land Before Time” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: November 15, 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Ornament Workshop
Create paper mache ornaments at the Laguna Niguel Library. Supplies for two ornaments are included. Registration at the front desk or by calling the library is required.
When: November 16, 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
Heritage House
Learn about the City of Mission Viejo’s history during open hours at Heritage House, a collection of local history located in Melinda Park.
The museum was established in 2003 to educate the public about the city’s history.
When: November 16, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 28951 Melinda Rd., Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact Heritage House at localhistory@cityofmissionviejo.org
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.