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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

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The Fountains shopping and dining plaza in Plantation is featuring a Fall Festival. The event offers pumpkin painting, photo op, face painting, DJ entertainment, vendors, and trick or treat stations at participating vendors.  Pets are permitted. The event includes a costume contest for furry friends.  The event in 2025 is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. …

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Nab a free game at Puttshack, which is opening at Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach.  Puttshack is an indoor venue that features a nightclub vibe with high-tech mini golf, where the golf balls keep track of your points.  Earn free games, including a free game for your birthday, if you register for the rewards …

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Play games. Paint pumpkins.  Riverwalk Fall Festival in Fort Lauderdale includes food vendors, pumpkin bowling and adult beverages.  Fall Festival on  Riverwalk in 2025 is 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 18, and entry is free. Pets are welcome to attend. Fees apply for various activities. The fees for activities like pumpkin painting and …

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With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The schedule includes: Oct. 24: Life in Technicolor – A Tribute to Coldplay Oct. …

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Funk or reggae. Motown or jazz.  Fort Lauderdale hosts occasional Carter Park Jamz concerts featuring a live band and food vendors.  Events in 2025 include: May 16: Full Circle: Top 40 & others September 19: Larry Dogg Band October 17: Miami Brown and Friends Venue: Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33311 Bring …

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Plantation is rocking out with free Rock The Park outdoor events that include live bands and food trucks. Events are usually first Fridays and sometimes first Saturdays, at Pine Island Park, with food vendors set up at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 7 p.m. and entry is free.  Featured bands in 2025 and 2026 include: …

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Pumpkins are popular in South Florida, for decorating, eating and festive photo opportunities.  If you’re looking for the perfect place to pluck your orange orbs, Broward offers a variety of pumpkin patch venues and events in 2025, including Fall Festivals. With pumpkin patches, it’s wise to phone to ensure pumpkins are available when you want …

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Butterfly World is a popular walk-through attraction in North Broward with free-flight aviaries with tropical foliage and thousands of butterflies and birds from different parts of the world. Discount opportunities are offered. Regular prices are $32.50 for guests age 12 and older, $22.50 for children age 3-11 and free for age 2 and younger. However, …

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Free Halloween events for kids and families are offered at several parks in Fort Lauderdale. Halloween and Fall Festival events  in 2025 at  Fort Lauderdale Parks. Snyder Park LauderBOO 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at Snyder Park, 954-828-4585, 3299 SW Fourth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33315. The event includes trick-or-treating, games and bounce …

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See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. third Saturdays on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment featuring a  magician. Downtown Hollywood is …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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