Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by visiting the Hilbert Museum, or take a sunset fitness hike.
On Sunday, take the kids to an Arabic storytime, or spend time volunteering outdoors.
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, October 19
Visit the Hilbert Museum
Spend time at the Hilbert Museum of California Art, one of the largest collections of California narrative art from from the late 19th century to present day.
Reservations are required, but admission is free.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 167 N. Atchison St., Orange, CA 92866
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the museum at (714) 516-5880
Work on a Creative Project at Placentia Library
Visit the Placentia Library’s Hangar DIY Lab – a creative makerspace.
Use the cricut, sewing machine, embroidery machine or craft materials on a creative project.
The equipment can be used by adults and teens ages 14+ with a valid library card, ID and signed waiver, available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 14 years old can use the craft materials with parental supervision.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 5281906
Sunset Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a sunset fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road.
Registration is required.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Sunday, October 20
Arabic Storytime
Take the kids to a bilingual Arabic storytime with songs and crafts in Arabic.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 936-4040 or ocpl.heritage@occr.ocgov.com
Garden Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer to maintain the Native Seed Farm’s demonstration garden, used to demonstrate how to build a garden with regionally-suitable plants. Activities include weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering and more.
Registration is required.
When: 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Halloween Decorations
Enjoy photo opportunities with Halloween and Fall decorations at Heritage Hill Historical Park.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the park at (949) 923-2230 or heritagehill@ocparks.com
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.