Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the 31st annual HB Civil War Days, or the Orange International Street Fair.
On Sunday, take the kids to Casa Romantica to learn about history, or to play with legos at the Garden Grove Main 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 31
HB Civil War Days
The Huntington Beach Historical Society will host the 31st annual Civil War Days Living History Event at Huntington Beach Central Park this Saturday and Sunday.
When: Saturday Aug. 31 & Sunday Sept. 1
Where: 18002 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Huntington Beach Historical Society President Kelly Rivers at kelyinc@aol.com
Morning Meditation
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: 9:00 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
Orange International Street Fair
Enjoy international food, music, art, entertainment, crafts and other amenities at the Orange International Street Fair.
The fair runs from Friday until Sunday.
When: Friday Aug. 30 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday Aug. 31 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. & Sunday Sept. 1 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: 100 S. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866
Cost: Free
For more details, contact OISF, Inc. at (714) 633-4816
Sunday, September 1
Learn About Casa Romantica’s History
Enjoy free admission to Casa Romantica, the historic home of San Clemente’s founder, and learn about the history of the property. Enjoy crafts, performances and more.
RSVP is required.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Casa Romantica at (949) 498-2139 or info@casaromantica.org
Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
Experienced mountain bikers are welcome to bike from Irvine to Limestone Canyon with OC Parks.
Advanced registration is required.
When: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Hicks Haul Road, more specific location and directions to be provided after registration
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Kids Lego Club
Children under 6 years old are welcome to play with legos at the Garden Grove Main Library.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 11200 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 530-0711
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.