Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by meditating at the Yorba Linda Public Library, or take a sunset fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road.
On Sunday, attend the third annual Chicano Heritage Festival in Santa Ana, or take the kids to play with Legos at the La Habra 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, August 10
Meditate at the Library
Spend the morning with guided meditation at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: 9:o0 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Learn About Rose Gardening
Attend a talk with the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County to learn about the basics of rose gardening: selection, planting, care and feeding, pest management and pruning.
When: 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 or email at ocpl.lagunabeach@occr.ocgov.com.
Sunset Fitness Hike on Paved Road
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a sunset fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road. The hike will travel 6 miles out and back, crossing over Loma Ridge.
Registration is required.
When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.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
Sunday, August 11
Chicano Heritage Festival
Carnival rides are stationed on the street for the first time at the Santa Ana Chicano Heritage Festival on Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC
Celebrate Santa Ana’s Mexican-American history at the annual Chicano Heritage Festival. Enjoy live performances, food, community art, a kids zone, cultural exhibits and a car cruise and show.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the city at (714) 571-4200
Lego Mania at La Habra Library
All ages are welcome to play with legos at the La Habra Library every Sunday.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 221 E La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or (562) 694-0078
Volunteer Opportunity at Newport Back Bay
Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in restoring OC’s natural habitat. Activities can include non-native plant removal, watering, trash cleanup and more.
No experience necessary, and tools will be provided. Advanced registration is highly encouraged, as space is limited.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
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.
