Free Events

If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to visit. This information has been updated for 2026. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit. Entry to Manatee Lagoon is free. Parking is also free.  Don’t miss ManateeFest 2026 on Feb. 7 … …

Set your sights for an adventure in the South Florida wilderness. Perhaps you’ll navigate a shady path through a lush forest. Or perch yourself on a riverbank where herons are wading in the water. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some parks, botanical gardens and protected natural areas …

What can you do for fun this weekend without spending a lot of money? Here are our top picks for free and cheap things to do in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida!

The wacky 42nd King Mango Strut Parade, known for being a spoof of the year’s craziest, most outrageous headlines, of which there are plenty in Miami, weaves through the streets of Downtown Coconut Grove on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.  This year’s theme is simply “Everything is Fine,” but don’t let that simplicity …

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 2026 include: Saturday, January …

Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

The Fiesta De Pueblo & Business Expo is a free, community-wide event being held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Greenacres. Admission is free; prices for food and vendors, etc. vary. This festival promises to be a colorful display of Hispanic culture that not only features parades, games and …

If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. NOTE: Normally, general admission is free, however special …

Entry is free for ArtLit,  a popular family event featuring art activities and performances. ArtLit in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 10, in Pembroke Pines. The event emphasizes art and literature. This year’s festival will include creative and artistic interactive experiences related to nature and The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson and the …

For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

For a free family excursion, Sunrise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free drive-in film in West Broward.  The PG-rated animated film in 2026 is “The Wild Robot” produced by DreamWorks Animation 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, and entry is free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and food vendors are at the event if …