This Saturday, take the kids on a scavenger hunt through Newport Back Bay, or hit the trails at Fremont Canyon for a challenging mountain bike excursion.

On Sunday, consider going on a fitness hike starting on the paved Hicks Haul Road.

This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.  

CHECK OUT OUR FULL CALENDAR HERE

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. 

Sign up here.

You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings impacting your quality of life 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. 

Coastal Orange County

Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt

A group with parents and children walks onto a hike along trails near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Take the kids to a scavenger hunt along the trails near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The event will also have educational activities and prizes for those who complete the scavenger hunt.

All are welcome to participate, but the program is designed for children aged 7 through 12. The scavenger hunt takes 45 minutes to complete, and participants may start anytime between 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

When: March 7, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.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 at (657) 692-5401

Beginner Sewing Class

Adults are invited to learn basic sewing machine skills at the San Clemente Library. Attendees will work on a basic project like a napkin or pouch.

Those that are interested must register by calling the library or in-person.

When: March 7, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493

Visit the Balboa Island Museum

Learn about Newport Beach history at the Balboa Island Museum. The museum features exhibits on surfing, fishing and The Wedge – a surf spot known for 30 foot waves.

When: March 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: 210 B. Marine Ave., Balboa Island, CA 92662

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the museum at (949) 675-3952

info@balboaislandmuseum.org

Central Orange County

Mountain Bike Ride

A view of Fremont Canyon on Oct. 27, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

Embark on a 25-mile, docent-led mountain bike ride through Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak. 

Registration is required for participation.

When: March 7, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org

Fitness Hike

Hicks Haul Road on April 10, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

See panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon.

Registration is required. 

When: March 8, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Where: 11911 Hicks Haul Rd., Irvine, CA 92602

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at info@irconservancy.org or visit letsgooutside.org

Mahjong at the Library

Children over the age of 6 and adults are welcome to a Mahjong meetup at the Mesa Verde Library in Costa Mesa.

Attendees will learn Hong Kong-style rules.

When: March 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. E., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 546-5274

South Orange County

Outdoor Volunteering

Marjorie Rhodes, Laguna Canyon Foundation Restoration Project Manager, stops to talk to a volunteer about the native plant seed that they are collecting in Laguna Beach, Calif. on Oct. 5, 2024. Credit: FASHION CASTILLO, Voice of OC

Spend time volunteering in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park alongside Laguna Canyon Foundation staff. Assist with removing weeds, watering, collecting seeds and planting native species.

No experience is necessary, but registration is required. 

When: March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: Aliso & Wood Canyons Visitor Center, 28373 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Cost: Free

For more details, contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.

Sign Language Storytime 

Take your child to a storytime featuring baby sign language at the Mission Viejo Library. Attendees will learn basic signs through stories and songs.

The program is geared towards children aged 2 through 6.

When: March 7, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: 100 Civic Ctr., Mission Viejo, CA, 92691

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343

Photojournalist Talk

Attend a talk with photojournalist and canyon resident Leo Hetzel at the Library of the Canyons. Hetzel will talk about his work as an award-winning Long Beach Press-Telegram photographer and his photography from the last five decades. 

When: March 7, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: 7531 Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216

North Orange County

Knit at the Library

Work on a knitting or crochet project in a group at the Yorba Linda Public Library.

When: March 7, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873

Board Games

Enjoy playing board games and other games at the Fullerton Public Library. The

North Orange County Boardgamers Game Day is held the first Saturday of each month. 

When: March 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326

Financial Planning Workshop

Learn about budgeting for emergencies and long-term planning as a family during a workshop at the Placentia Library.

When: March 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906

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.

Related