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Josie Gulliksen

Josie Gulliksen is a freelance writer and major arts advocate and enthusiast who loves everything cultural and is excited to live in such a thriving community as Miami. A Miami native, aside from Miami on the Cheap, she currently writes for Artburst Miami and contributes to Edible South FL and Miami Media Group. She has contributed to Miami.com, Biscayne Times and Miami New Times. She worked for nearly a decade at Miami Today as Calendar Editor and arts writer and then worked for 13 years in public relations. She has her own blog Scene Around South FL at josiegulliksen.com

Christmas tree lightings and winter fests are happening earlier and earlier each year. Here’s where to watch when they flip the switch and hundreds of lights bring the tree to life! And even though we don’t have much winter weather in Miami-Dade, there are winter festivals to be found. We will add more tree lighting …

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During Miami winters, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden transforms itself into The NightGarden, an enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment, where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Archimedes and Flying Fairies come to life. This magical garden is scheduled to be open Nov. 7, 2025 through Jan. 11, 2026. Feast your eyes on stunning …

Read More about Fairchild’s NightGarden & discounts: new promo code

Some resident “animals” at Zoo Miami get a holiday sprucing up during the attraction’s annual Zoo Lights event, which is offered on select nights from November 21 through December 30, 2025. If you buy your tickets before November 20, you can get a discount. Families and children of all ages are invited to immerse themselves …

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With the City of Coral Gables transforming Giralda Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly street it made sense to create a monthly live music series and calling it Giralda Live. It is conveniently held on the first Friday of the month, the same night as the decades-long running and always popular Gables Gallery Night. On that first …

Read More about Live music first Fridays on Giralda Avenue

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating its annual North Miami Greek Food & Wine Festival, from Nov. 7-9, 2025. Admission to this event is free. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, guests can enjoy a menu of authentic Greek recipes, traditional live music, dancing, …

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Pinecrest Gardens’ Nights of Lights features glittering, larger-than-life installations to celebrate the season in style. Peruse thousands of lights and wander through a holiday-themed maze. This year’s edition is scheduled for Dec. 5-28, 2025. Hours are Dec. 5 and 6; 12 and 13; 18-23 and 26 and 27 from 6:30-10 p.m.; Dec.7, 14 and 28 from …

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The Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series presents a free concert every Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. between 14th Street and 14th Place in Lummus Park on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach in front of The Betsy Hotel.  Concerts feature talented local South Florida performers. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, blankets, and your whole gang to enjoy …

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The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami is the place to check out groundbreaking and thought-provoking exhibitions and catch live jazz acts on the last Friday of the month during the free Jazz at MOCA. However, it’s also where to go for other free and cheap events.   There’s something for everyone all month long …

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Coral Gables Museum welcomes you to “Family Day on Aragon” on the second Saturday of each month, with free admission, live music and special activities.    Upcoming event is on Sat., Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Alliance Francaise Little Prince Book Activity for Children  Bring the timeless magic …

Read More about Free Family Day on Aragon in Coral Gables

HistoryMiami museum hosts a free Family Fun Day the second Saturday of every month, with free admission for all. The free admission is all day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with activities taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required to participate. You can register online.   The theme rotates monthly, …

Read More about Free Family Fun Day at HistoryMiami and other free events

Gables Gallery Night is one of Miami’s longest running first Friday of the month events, spanning nearly four decades now. The evening is a great way to visit the multitude of galleries in the City Beautiful.  Click here to see a list of participating galleries open from 6-10 p.m. While traipsing through Downtown Coral Gables, …

Read More about Free Gables Gallery Night on first Fridays

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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