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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

All aboard! The Gold Coast Railroad Museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month, so get the family or friends together and head on out! The museum, at 12450 SW 152nd St. (next to Zoo Miami) houses historic trains as well as a number of interactive displays. Hours are 10 a.m. to …

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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 & new discount, 25% off

Turn on holiday music in the car and take a drive to a fairyland of outdoor light displays throughout South Florida. You can see Christmas lights in all corners of Miami-Dade County, as well as in holiday lights in Broward, and Palm Beach counties. In some cases, you won’t even have to leave your car. …

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The long-running, popular – and free – Jazz at MOCA has been a fixture in the North Miami community and Miami’s music scene for more than two decades. The monthly event presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami features an exciting lineup of South Florida musicians playing on the last Friday of every …

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Be there, the fair! The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair is happening March 12 through April 5, 2026. The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center is at 10901 Coral Way (SW 24th St.), Miami. General admission at the fairgrounds is $15, but we’ve detailed quite a few discounts below. For all the details, click here.  Children …

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Free Gospel Sundays will be announced at a later date but in the meantime, enjoy the free Arsht Center Gospel Choir Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at 6 p.m. Free first-access passes are now available and you can find those tickets here. They go quickly. It is also possible to wait in line on …

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Behold! The 75th annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art is happening Jan. 17-18, 2026. Held on the lawn of the University of Miami Campus  in Coral Gables on Stanford Dr. in front of the Lowe Art Museum, this free festival features more than 200 juried artists. Displayed artwork includes wood, watercolor, photography, oil and acrylics, …

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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 …

Read More about Tree lightings and free holiday events around Miami-Dade

Pack a picnic, bring a beach chair, and head to New World Symphony for a free WALLCAST Concert. Thanks to a soaring, 7,000-square-foot-projection wall and surround sound speakers, you’ll be immersed in a live symphonic performance beneath the palm trees and bougainvillea You’re invited, free of charge, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the …

Read More about Free outdoor New World Symphony concerts 2025-2026

The iconic all-pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is touring South Florida and will be making three stops in Miami-Dade County. Fans can expect brand-new treats and limited-edition merchandise, including the following: 10th Anniversary-themed merchandise Apparel Collectibles & cup ornaments Sweet Treats When & Where: Miami • Location: CityPlace Doral (Fountain Plaza) • Date: Saturday, Jan. …

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Miami is home to a great number of impressive award-winning local authors. Among them are poet laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and Fellowship winners and they’re coming together on Saturday, Jan. 24 for the 2026 Local Author Book Fair at Downtown Miami’s Main Library. Admission is free. Bibliophiles are sure to love all the afternoon has …

Read More about Local Author Book Fair at Main Library Downtown Miami

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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