Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by trying a cardio hike in Weir Canyon, or by taking the kids to a bilingual storytime.
On Sunday, spend time volunteering outdoors, or watch a movie at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan 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 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.
Saturday, November 23
Cardio Hike in Weir Canyon
Try exercising outdoors on an introductory cardio hike through Weir Canyon.
Registration is required.
When: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Vietnamese Bilingual Storytime
Take the kids to a family storytime featuring songs and stories in Vietnamese at the Fountain Valley Library.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Board Games
Kids ages 3 to 11 are welcome to play board games at the Newport Beach Central Library.
When: 2:30 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
Sunday, November 24
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Ryan Gladych (right), a volunteer, helps collect acorns at Laguna Canyon Foundation on Oct. 5, 2024. Credit: Fashion Castillo, Voice of OC
Assist with land stewardship in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Volunteers will remove non-native plants, water, collect seeds and aid with other activities.
No experience is required to participate, but registration is required.
When: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133
Cost: Free
For more details, contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org
Afternoon Movie
Attend a screening of the film “12 Angry Men” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
Learn About Sashiko Mending
Adults are welcome to learn about Sashiko hand mending at the Placentia Library’s Hangar Makerspace.
When: 2:00 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
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.
