{"id":165189,"date":"2026-02-05T14:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/165189\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:25:08","slug":"oc-black-history-parade-and-cultural-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/165189\/","title":{"rendered":"OC Black History Parade and Cultural Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oc-hc.org\/events\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OC Black History Parade<\/a> in Anaheim or by embarking on a <a href=\"https:\/\/letsgooutside.org\/activities\/2026\/02\/07\/mesa-loop-exploration-at-the-library-of-the-canyons-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hike<\/a> at Mesa Loop in Silverado Canyon.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday, enjoy playing <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/16217446\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mahjong <\/a>with others at the Mesa Verde Library in Costa Mesa.<\/p>\n<p>This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County \u2013 funded by public tax dollars.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/events\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CHECK OUT OUR FULL CALENDAR HERE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the <a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/subscribe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">free Voice of OC daily email <\/a>newsletter.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/subscribe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings impacting your quality of life during the week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>North Orange County<\/p>\n<p>OC Black History Parade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"434\" data-attachment-id=\"3168240\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/2023\/02\/a-look-at-the-43rd-annual-oc-black-history-parade-unity-festival\/blackheritage_2023_02_james_12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BlackHeritage_2023_02_James_12.jpg?fit=1500%2C844&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1500,844\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON Z 6_2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1585472372&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;320&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0015625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"BlackHeritage_2023_02_James_12\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Soul Train makes a reappearance for the OC Black History parade. The float carried a party of retro-soul dancers who made their way down the procession on Saturday morning.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BlackHeritage_2023_02_James_12.jpg?fit=336%2C189&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BlackHeritage_2023_02_James_12.jpg?fit=771%2C434&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BlackHeritage_2023_02_James_12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3168240\" style=\"width:810px;height:auto\"  \/>Soul Train makes a reappearance for the OC Black History parade. The float carried a party of retro-soul dancers who made their way down the procession on Saturday morning. Credit: DEVON JAMES, Voice of OC<\/p>\n<p>Celebrate Black history and culture at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oc-hc.org\/events\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OC Black History Parade<\/a> off Anaheim\u2019s Center Street Promenade.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Community organizations, schools, dance groups, local Black sororities and fraternities\u00a0 will march down Anaheim Blvd. during the 46th annual OC Black History Parade.<\/p>\n<p>The event will also feature food vendors and information booths alongside other entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the Orange County Heritage Council at office@oc-hc.org<\/p>\n<p>Learn Cross Stich<\/p>\n<p>Visit the Placentia Library to learn basic cross-stitching techniques during a <a href=\"https:\/\/placentialibrarydistrict.ca.gov\/2026-02-07-cross-stitch-creating\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">workshop<\/a> for adults and teens. Supplies will be provided for a beginner project.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Seating is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906<\/p>\n<p>Game Day at the Library<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/fullertonlibrary.libcal.com\/event\/14959634\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">playing board games<\/a> with others in the conference center at the Fullerton Public Library\u2019s main branch. Experiences and new players are welcome.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The library hosts a board game day the first Saturday of every month.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326<\/p>\n<p>South Orange County<\/p>\n<p>Mesa Loop Exploration Day<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy panoramic views of Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon and the Cleveland National Forest during an <a href=\"https:\/\/letsgooutside.org\/activities\/2026\/02\/07\/mesa-loop-exploration-at-the-library-of-the-canyons-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">exploration day at Mesa Loop<\/a>, a 2.5-mile <a href=\"https:\/\/letsgooutside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/MesaLoopExploreDayMap_Lion-1.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">trail<\/a> extending behind the Library of the Canyons through an oak woodland grove.<\/p>\n<p>Stop in to the library for a <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/16057638\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">craft and free seed packets<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Registration is not required, but is <a href=\"https:\/\/letsgooutside.org\/activities\/2026\/02\/07\/mesa-loop-exploration-at-the-library-of-the-canyons-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">available<\/a> for those that want directions to the library.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 7531 Santiago Cyn Rd, Silverado, CA 92676<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at <a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/2026\/02\/free-events-orange-county\/mailto:info@irconservancy.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">info@irconservancy.org<\/a> or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/letsgooutside.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">letsgooutside.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Read to a Dog<\/p>\n<p>Take your kids to practice their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094<\/p>\n<p>Romcom Author Panel<\/p>\n<p>Readers are invited to the Norman P. Murray Community Center for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofmissionviejo.org\/events\/writers-present-galentines-romcom-author-panel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">panel of romantic comedy authors<\/a>, including Julie Christianson, Ellie Hall, Melanie Jacobson, Becky Monson, Emma St. Clair, and Savannah Scott.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdv9zU2Nif9yQpViHDOK9MkXZwM9Eu9VG5MS9oNGRQ-ixuawA\/viewform\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Registration<\/a> is required.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details and to register, contact library programs at (949) 452-8342 or <a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/2026\/02\/free-events-orange-county\/mailto:libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">libraryprograms@cityofmissionviejo.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Central Orange County<\/p>\n<p>T\u1ebft Lunar New Year Festival<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"434\" data-attachment-id=\"3192886\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/bothwell_tetlunarnewyear_santaana_2024_14\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bothwell_TetLunarNewYear_SantaAna_2024_14.jpg?fit=1500%2C844&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1500,844\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON Z 6_2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Qing Wei Cultural Troupe perform a lion and Dragon dance to cap off the night at the Tet Lunar New Year Festival in Santa Ana.&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1706970228&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;20000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Bothwell_TetLunarNewYear_SantaAna_2024_14\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Qing Wei Cultural Troupe performs a lion and Dragon dance to cap off the night at the Tet Lunar New Year Festival in Santa Ana.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bothwell_TetLunarNewYear_SantaAna_2024_14.jpg?fit=336%2C189&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/voiceofoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bothwell_TetLunarNewYear_SantaAna_2024_14.jpg?fit=771%2C434&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Bothwell_TetLunarNewYear_SantaAna_2024_14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3192886\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7764984064973783;width:810px;height:auto\"  \/>Qing Wei Cultural Troupe performs a lion and Dragon dance to cap off the night at the Tet Lunar New Year Festival in Santa Ana. Credit: GIL BOTHWELL, Voice of OC<\/p>\n<p>Celebrate the year of the horse at the annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.santa-ana.org\/tet-lunar-new-year-festival\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">T\u1ebft festival<\/a> in Santa Ana\u2019s Centennial Park. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances, exhibits, live entertainment and food vendors at the festival.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, 92704<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>T\u1ebft Celebration<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy a <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/15962187\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">celebration<\/a> of Lunar New Year at the Westminster Library featuring cultural performances such as a lion dance, crafts and traditional foods.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 8180 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (714) 893-5057<\/p>\n<p>Mahjong at the Library<\/p>\n<p>Children over the age of 6 and adults are welcome to a <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/16217446\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mahjong meetup<\/a> at the Mesa Verde Library in Costa Mesa.<\/p>\n<p>Attendees will learn Hong Kong-style rules.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. E., Costa Mesa, CA 92626<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (714) 546-5274<\/p>\n<p>Coastal Orange County<\/p>\n<p>Coloring Club<\/p>\n<p>Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/15249897\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">color<\/a> at the Dana Point Library on the first Saturday of each month.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 33841 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA 92629<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (949) 496-5517<\/p>\n<p>Visit the Balboa Island Museum<\/p>\n<p>Learn about Newport Beach history at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.balboaislandmuseum.org\/about\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Balboa Island Museum<\/a>. The museum features exhibits on surfing, fishing and <a href=\"https:\/\/visitnewportbeach.com\/beaches-and-parks\/the-wedge\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Wedge<\/a> \u2013 a surf spot known for 30 foot waves.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7 &amp; 8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 210 B. Marine Ave., Balboa Island, CA 92662<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the museum at (949) 675-3952<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofoc.org\/2026\/02\/free-events-orange-county\/mailto:info@balboaislandmuseum.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">info@balboaislandmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Beginner Adult Sewing Class<\/p>\n<p>Learn the basics of <a href=\"https:\/\/ocpl.libcal.com\/event\/15893443\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">using a sewing machine<\/a> at the San Clemente Library. Attendees will work on a beginner project like a napkin or pouch.<\/p>\n<p>No experience necessary and all supplies will be provided.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Registration by phone or in-person is required.<\/p>\n<p>When: February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493<\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p>For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.<\/p>\n<p>\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the annual OC Black History Parade in Anaheim or by&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":165190,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[163,165,164,4799,2267],"class_list":["post-165189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-anaheim","tag-anaheim","tag-anaheim-headlines","tag-anaheim-news","tag-free-things-to-do-this-weekend-across-oc","tag-voice-of-oc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=165189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/165190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=165189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=165189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=165189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}