Consider attending a food preservation demo or learning to grow summer vegetables at the Laguna Beach Library.
For those interested in catching a free movie, watch a screening of “The Devil Wears Prada” this Saturday at the Fountain Valley Library, or take the kids to see “Zootopia 2” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library on Sunday.
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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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.
North Orange County
Youth Literacy Workshop
Youth are welcome to work on creative activities that test reading, writing and reflection skills with Troy High School volunteers at the Fullerton Public Library’s main branch.
The program is intended for students from 3rd through 7th grade. No registration required.
When: March 21, 2:30 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
Food Preservation Demo
Attend a demonstration on basic canning techniques to make homemade strawberry kiwi jam at the Key Ranch Historic Park.
The program will meet near the historic home.
Registration is required due to limited on-site parking.
When: March 21, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 625 W. Bastanchury Rd., Placentia, CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact George Key Ranch Historic Park at keyranch@ocparks.com
Teen ‘Zine Workshop
Teenagers are welcome to a ‘zine workshop at the Anaheim Public Library’s central branch, where they will learn to create a “disappearing” page made with a unique folding technique.
Registration is encouraged.
When: March 21, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Central Orange County
Play Ukulele
Ages 16+ are invited to practice songs on the ukulele at the Orange Public Library’s central branch. Attendees may check out a ukulele from the library with a library card or call the Adult Reference Desk at (714) 288-2410 to place a hold on a kit.
From 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the library will host a session for beginners. All levels are welcome to the second session from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When: March 21, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 288-2400
“The Devil Wears Prada” Movie Screening
Adults and teens are welcome to watch the 2006 movie “The Devil Wears Prada” at the Fountain Valley Library. No registration required.
When: March 21, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Fitness Hike
Embark on a fitness hike through the Weir Canyon back country. The trail features multiple steep climbs and descents.
Registration is required.
When: March 22, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 2 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Coastal Orange County
Gardening Talk
Learn how to grow summer vegetables during an educational talk at the Laguna Beach Library.
When: March 21, 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
Wildflower Hike
Learn about what flowers are in bloom around Newport Bay during a 2.5-mile hike.
Registration is required.
When: March 22, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
Family-Friendly Movie
Enjoy viewing a screening of “Zootopia 2” as a family at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: March 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library (949) 646-8845
South Orange County
Wilderness Access Day
Explore the Red Rocks Wilderness during a self-guided access day. Attendees will be able to hike on a trail network more than 8 miles long with a scenic overlook that offers views of the nearby Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake and Santiago Canyon.
When: March 21, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Augustine Staging Area, 5524 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
Cross Stitch Workshop
Learn cross stitch using embroidery floss, Aida cloth and a tapestry needle at the Library of the Canyons. All supplies provided.
When: March 21, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7531 Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8072
Mobile Observatory
Visit the Science Heads Mobile Observatory at the El Toro Library to see rare views of the Sun. Learn about the Sun and its effects here on Earth from an official NASA Solar System Ambassador on-site.
When: March 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
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.
