38 upcoming · checked by a human
Free Events in Irvine & Orange County
Everything on our Orange County calendar that costs nothing to attend — free museum days, library workshops, nature walks and the trail restoration and beach cleanup days. Where a free event needs a reservation, or is free only for residents, the card says so.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy
FRI, OCT 23Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Sherman Library & Gardens
FRIDAYS · 10:00 AMLittle Seedlings Story TimeSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree of charge for preschool children and their caregiversDetails →Ocean Institute
SAT, OCT 24Spooky SeasOcean Institute · Laguna & South CountyAdults $20 · Seniors (55+) & Military $18.50 · Children (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infants/Toddlers freeDetails →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
$10 (Members FREE)MONDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Ballet ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
$10 (Members FREE)TUESDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Meditation ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
$10 (Members FREE)WEDNESDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Yoga ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
WEDNESDAYS · 10:30 AMWeekly Story TimeCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$8 (Members and children 12 and under FREE)Details →Irvine Ranch Conservancy
THU, OCT 29Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging AreaIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Orange County Great Park
FRI, OCT 30Halloween Movie Night: Minions & Monsters and Hocus PocusOrange County Great Park · IrvineFree admission and parkingDetails →Sea & Sage Audubon / San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
SAT, OCT 31Annual Pancake BreakfastSea & Sage Audubon / San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary · Irvine$15 adults, $10 volunteers, $8 children 10 and under, free for children under 3Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
FreeSUN, NOV 1Free Family Sundays: Fall Harvest FestivalCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South CountyFreeDetails →Bowers Museum
FreeSUN, NOV 1Día de los MuertosBowers Museum · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFreeDetails →Mission San Juan Capistrano
FreeSUN, NOV 1Free Birthday CupcakesMission San Juan Capistrano · Laguna & South CountyFreeDetails →Heritage Museum of Orange County
FREESUN, NOV 1Community Día de los MuertosHeritage Museum of Orange County · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFREEDetails →Irvine Ranch Conservancy
TUE, NOV 3Nurturing Oaks in Weir CanyonIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Ocean Institute
WED, NOV 4Distinguished Speaker Series: Amber Sparks and Emily HazelwoodOcean Institute · Laguna & South County$10 General · FREE Members · FREE Students (with valid ID)Details →Irvine Ranch ConservancyFRI, NOV 6Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
FRI, NOV 6Art Happy HourUC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachAdmission is free; drinks available for purchaseDetails →Orange County Great Park
SAT, NOV 7Dial Up FestOrange County Great Park · IrvineChildren 5 and younger free; VIP packages availableDetails →Irvine Ranch Conservancy
WED, NOV 11Butterfly Series: Monarch Stewardship in Bommer CanyonIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/27/2026 at 8:00amDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
WED, NOV 11Art & Play (Ages 0–2)UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · tickets available two weeks before at 3 p.m.Details →Irvine Ranch ConservancyTHU, NOV 12Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging AreaIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/28/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Irvine Ranch ConservancyFRI, NOV 13Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/29/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Irvine Ranch Conservancy
FRI, NOV 13Dripping Springs Trail RestorationIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/29/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Heritage Museum of Orange County
FREESAT, NOV 14Powwow Celebrating Native American Heritage MonthHeritage Museum of Orange County · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFREEDetails →Sherman Library & Gardens
SAT, NOV 14Sherman Sowers Gift FaireSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachGarden admission is free throughout the entire dayDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
FreeSAT, NOV 14Public Opening: Fall 2026UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFreeDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
SUN, NOV 15MAKE: Painting PoetryUC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · drop-inDetails →Crystal Cove Conservancy
SAT, NOV 21Stewardship SaturdayCrystal Cove Conservancy · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · RSVP requiredDetails →Crystal Cove Conservancy
SAT, NOV 21Explore the Cove: Coastal Ecology HikeCrystal Cove Conservancy · Costa Mesa & Newport Beach$15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual passDetails →Sherman Library & Gardens
THU, DEC 3Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensFRI, DEC 4Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensSAT, DEC 5Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Bowers MuseumFreeSUN, DEC 6International Winter HolidaysBowers Museum · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensSUN, DEC 6Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensTHU, DEC 10Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensFRI, DEC 11Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Ocean Institute
FRI, DEC 11Parade of Lights Viewing PartyOcean Institute · Laguna & South CountyAdult $20 · Senior (55+)/Military $18.50 · Child (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infant/Toddler (0-18 mo.) FreeDetails →
FRI, OCT 23Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Sherman Library & GardensFRIDAYS · 10:00 AMLittle Seedlings Story TimeSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree of charge for preschool children and their caregiversDetails →Ocean InstituteSAT, OCT 24Spooky SeasOcean Institute · Laguna & South CountyAdults $20 · Seniors (55+) & Military $18.50 · Children (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infants/Toddlers freeDetails →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens$10 (Members FREE)MONDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Ballet ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens$10 (Members FREE)TUESDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Meditation ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens$10 (Members FREE)WEDNESDAYS · 9:15 AMWeekly Yoga ClassCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$10 (Members FREE)Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and GardensWEDNESDAYS · 10:30 AMWeekly Story TimeCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South County$8 (Members and children 12 and under FREE)Details →Irvine Ranch ConservancyTHU, OCT 29Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging AreaIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Orange County Great ParkFRI, OCT 30Halloween Movie Night: Minions & Monsters and Hocus PocusOrange County Great Park · IrvineFree admission and parkingDetails →Sea & Sage Audubon / San Joaquin Wildlife SanctuarySAT, OCT 31Annual Pancake BreakfastSea & Sage Audubon / San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary · Irvine$15 adults, $10 volunteers, $8 children 10 and under, free for children under 3Details →Casa Romantica Cultural Center and GardensFreeSUN, NOV 1Free Family Sundays: Fall Harvest FestivalCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens · Laguna & South CountyFreeDetails →Bowers MuseumFreeSUN, NOV 1Día de los MuertosBowers Museum · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFreeDetails →Mission San Juan CapistranoFreeSUN, NOV 1Free Birthday CupcakesMission San Juan Capistrano · Laguna & South CountyFreeDetails →Heritage Museum of Orange CountyFREESUN, NOV 1Community Día de los MuertosHeritage Museum of Orange County · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFREEDetails →Irvine Ranch ConservancyTUE, NOV 3Nurturing Oaks in Weir CanyonIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →Ocean InstituteWED, NOV 4Distinguished Speaker Series: Amber Sparks and Emily HazelwoodOcean Institute · Laguna & South County$10 General · FREE Members · FREE Students (with valid ID)Details →Irvine Ranch ConservancyFRI, NOV 6Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration requiredDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of ArtFRI, NOV 6Art Happy HourUC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachAdmission is free; drinks available for purchaseDetails →Orange County Great ParkSAT, NOV 7Dial Up FestOrange County Great Park · IrvineChildren 5 and younger free; VIP packages availableDetails →Irvine Ranch ConservancyWED, NOV 11Butterfly Series: Monarch Stewardship in Bommer CanyonIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/27/2026 at 8:00amDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of ArtWED, NOV 11Art & Play (Ages 0–2)UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · tickets available two weeks before at 3 p.m.Details →Irvine Ranch ConservancyTHU, NOV 12Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging AreaIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/28/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Irvine Ranch ConservancyFRI, NOV 13Growing Together at the Native Seed FarmIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/29/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Irvine Ranch ConservancyFRI, NOV 13Dripping Springs Trail RestorationIrvine Ranch Conservancy · IrvineFree · registration opens 10/29/2026 at 8:00amDetails →Heritage Museum of Orange CountyFREESAT, NOV 14Powwow Celebrating Native American Heritage MonthHeritage Museum of Orange County · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFREEDetails →Sherman Library & GardensSAT, NOV 14Sherman Sowers Gift FaireSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachGarden admission is free throughout the entire dayDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of ArtFreeSAT, NOV 14Public Opening: Fall 2026UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFreeDetails →UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of ArtSUN, NOV 15MAKE: Painting PoetryUC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · drop-inDetails →Crystal Cove ConservancySAT, NOV 21Stewardship SaturdayCrystal Cove Conservancy · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachFree · RSVP requiredDetails →Crystal Cove ConservancySAT, NOV 21Explore the Cove: Coastal Ecology HikeCrystal Cove Conservancy · Costa Mesa & Newport Beach$15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual passDetails →Sherman Library & GardensTHU, DEC 3Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensFRI, DEC 4Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensSAT, DEC 5Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Bowers MuseumFreeSUN, DEC 6International Winter HolidaysBowers Museum · Santa Ana, Tustin & OrangeFreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensSUN, DEC 6Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensTHU, DEC 10Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Sherman Library & GardensFRI, DEC 11Merry & Bright NightsSherman Library & Gardens · Costa Mesa & Newport BeachMembers: $45 / Non-Members: $65 / Ages 3 and under: FreeDetails →Ocean InstituteFRI, DEC 11Parade of Lights Viewing PartyOcean Institute · Laguna & South CountyAdult $20 · Senior (55+)/Military $18.50 · Child (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infant/Toddler (0-18 mo.) FreeDetails →Free, by what you actually want to do
What “free” means on this page
Free here means no ticket and no admission charge, read off the organiser's own listing by a person. It does not always mean walk-up: planting days, ranger walks and library workshops often cap numbers, so “free · registration required” is written on the card where it applies. Free for residents only, and free with admission, are labelled too, because both matter at the door.