Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by learning about Orange County’s natural and cultural history at Prehistoric OC, or by taking the kids to an evening movie screening.
On Sunday, explore Black Star Canyon on a morning geology hike, or learn about best gardening practices.
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, October 12
Prehistoric OC
Take the kids to explore Orange County’s natural and cultural history at Prehistoric OC. Enjoy educational activities and exhibitors from local cultural, paleontological and geological organizations.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621
Cost: Free
For more details, call (714) 973-3170 or email clarkpark@ocparks.com.
Meditate at the Library
Enjoy meditation at the main branch of the Fullerton Public Library.
No registration required, but loose clothing and socks are recommended. The meditation is an adult program, but minors ages 13+ are allowed if accompanied by an adult.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Movie in the Park
Enjoy a screening of “Inside Out 2” at Napoli Park. Activities, music and games will kick off at 5:00 p.m. when the movie starts. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
When: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: 27682 Napoli Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 859-4348 or email fitness@cityofmissionviejo.org
Sunday, October 13
Geology Hike
Enjoy views of the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon on a morning geology hike.
Registration is required.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 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
Gardening Workshop
Asia Rikard helps weed in some of the common areas at the Hamilton community garden work party in Costa Mesa, Calif. on August 20, 2024. Credit: Fashion Castillo
Learn about best gardening practices from the UCCE Master Gardeners at the Anaheim Central Library.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Volunteer Opportunity
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 Drive, 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.
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