Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to make Valentine’s Day cards at the Stanton Library or view a screening of the film “Loving” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
On Sunday, learn about the origins of chocolate during a talk at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library or consider visiting the Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa.
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.
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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.
Central Orange County
Make Valentine’s Cards
Enjoy making cards for Valentines Day at the Stanton Library. All materials will be provided and this program is open to kids of all ages.
When: February 14, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 7850 Katella Ave., Stanton, CA 90680
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 898-3302
Chocolate Workshop for Teens
Teens are invited to the Fountain Valley Library to make chocolate bon bons.
When: February 14, 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
History of Chocolate
Learn about the history of chocolate and participate in a hands-on truffle making activity at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library. Attendees will learn about cacao’s origins in Mesoamerica and its rise as a symbol of romance.
There is no registration, but space is limited to the first 25 attendees.
When: February 15, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
South Orange County
“Loving” Film Screening
View a screening of the 2016 film “Loving” at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library. “Loving” is based on the true loving story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose arrest for their interracial marriage in Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the landmark 1967 civil rights decision.
When: February 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Kid’s Craft
Take your children to the San Juan Capistrano Library to work on a heart wreath craft. The craft is meant for children ages 4-11.
When: February 14, 11:00 a.m.. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 493-1752
Coloring at the Library
All ages are welcome to color at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. Coloring supplies are provided.
When: February 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 707-2699
North Orange County
Literary ‘Speakeasy’
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and soft-jazz in celebration of bell hooks at the Central Library in Anaheim.
When: February 14, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 500 w. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Origami Craft
Learn to create an origami heart at the Yorba Linda Library. Registration required and attendance is limited to one session.
When: February 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Hike in the Wilderness
The entrance to the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness in Sept. 2024. Credit: FASHION CASTILLO, Voice of OC
Explore six miles of trails in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness on a wilderness access day. The region features prehistoric rock formations formed 16 to 20 million years ago.
Although no registration is required, access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached.
When: February 14, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 390 South Gypsum Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA 92887
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org
[Read: 500 Acres of Sweeping Views in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness]
Coastal Orange County
Family Art Experience
Work on artwork with your kids during a family art event at the Laguna Beach Library. Participants will receive instruction from artists on an art project. All materials are included.
When: February 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733 or email ocpl.lagunabeach@occr.ocgov.com
Work on a craft
Adults are invited to the Dana Point Library to work on a craft in the company of others.
When: February 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 33841 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 496-5517
Lego Playtime
Take the kids to play with Lego bricks or toddler-safe Duplos at the Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library.
When: February 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 707 Electric Ave., Seal Beach, CA 90740
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (562) 431-3584
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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