Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by harvesting citrus fruit at the George Key Ranch Historic Park, or take a walking tour of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
On Sunday, consider going on a hike through Baker Canyon, or take the kids to a children’s movie screening.
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, August 3
Summer Citrus Harvest
Learn about Orange County’s agricultural history and harvest citrus at the second annual Summer Citrus Harvest. Other activities include crafts for kids, live music, demonstrations and an “open house” style tour of the ranch home.
Two sessions are being offered, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
The event and parking are free, but registration is required for each session. Event parking is located at Sierra Vista Elementary School, 1811 N. Placentia Ave.
When: 10:o0 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 625 W. Bastanchury Rd, Placentia, CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, email keyranch@ocparks.com
A look at the George Key house in Placentia on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Credit: CARISSA NELSON, Voice of OC
Vietnamese Storytime
Take the kids to a Vietnamese storytime at the Newhope Library in Santa Ana.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 122 N Newhope St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-6992
Walking Tour of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Join volunteer naturalists on a walk through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Learn about the history, restoration, endangered species and ecology of the coastal reserve.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the reserve’s South parking lot on Pacific Coast Highway, halfway between Warner Ave. and Seapoint St..
Sign ups are required.
When: 9:00 a.m.
Where: 17885-17911 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Amigos de Bolsa Chica at (714) 840-1575 or info@amigosdebolsachica.org
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve on Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC.
Sunday, August 4
Double Loop Hike
Enjoy views of Orange County on a challenging hike through Baker Canyon.
Registration is required.
When: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 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
Children’s Movie
Take the kids to the Anaheim Central Library to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog, enjoy popcorn and craft.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (71) 765-1880
Basic Technology Help
Get assistance with technology from volunteers at the Irvine University Park Library.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 786-4001
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.
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