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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

The public is invited to help celebrate the gathering of gentle sea cows that call Florida home at the 10th annual party by the Lake Worth Lagoon. Grab the family and spend the day Mia and friends. Live entertainment, art displays, with activities and lots of fun for kids – plus manatees – are all …

Read More about Free: ManateeFest in West Palm Beach, Feb. 7

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse in West Palm Beach supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Prices may vary per performer. Groove Merchant (Jazz, Blues, Soul, Pop)  When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $5 This group’s collective experience …

Read More about $5-$10 Weekend shows: Northwood Warehouse West Palm Beach

On Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County will present The Black Joy Series, a multi-part experience designed to inform, immerse, and celebrate our community. Black Joy Series Collection & Showcase The Black Joy Panel Discussion, with networking and Q&A The Black Joy Experience Tickets are free …

Read More about Free: Black Joy series, Lake Worth & West Palm Beach, Feb. 18 & 21

Delray Beach is hosting a free family movie night in February and March. Take a blanket or chair, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready for a cozy night of laughs, food, and fun under the stars. Movies at The Square Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026: The Lion King Thursday, March 19, 2026: Inside Out Where: Amphitheatre …

Read More about Free: Movies at The Square, Delray Beach, Feb. 11, March 19

February is another busy month in South Florida. It’s especially a popular time for outdoor events, given the slightly lower temps. Here’s a brief overview of what’s in store in 2026. Check out our recommendations for the best free and cheap things to do in February in Palm Beach County. We also have lists of the …

Read More about Top things to do in February in Palm Beach County

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events in 2026. The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats or blankets to enjoy festivities under the stars. Free Food Truck & Music Series: Feb. 5, …

Read More about Free: Music concerts, Wellington, Feb. 5 & 7

Opa! If you’re a fan of Spanakopita, spinach and feta pie and other Mediterranean specialties, you’re in luck. Saint Catherine Greek Food & Wine Fest, West Palm Beach The Saint Catherine Greek festival is an annual tradition and will be held Friday through Sunday, Feb. 13-15, 2026, in West Palm Beach. There will be live …

Read More about Greek Festival at Saint Catherine’s in West Palm Beach, Feb. 13-15

More than 600 artists will transform the streets of downtown Lake Worth Beach into a stunning outdoor exhibit that will also feature live entertainment on three stages, plus a food court. Admission is free. Watch as original artworks and reproductions of masterpieces come to life, only to fade away with the next rain. What: Lake …

Read More about Free: Lake Worth Street Painting Festival & music, Feb. 21-22

The Carlin Park After Dark experience takes everything you love about a beach day to the next level. Arrive early to walk along the Jupiter Beach shoreline at sunset. Enjoy an evening picnic with local food vendors on site and live music. Next up: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. Carlin Park …

Read More about Carlin Park After Dark: Free Women of Country music, Jupiter, Feb. 14

The Delray Beach Old School Square Amphitheatre once again will host its free Twilight Concert series. Gates open at 5 p.m. For more details, visit delrayoldschoolsquare.com. Twilight  Concert FREE: Journey & Styx tribute Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. Old School Square (map) The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority invites you to enjoy …

Read More about Free Twilight Concert, Feb. 12, Delray Beach

The City of Boynton Beach continues to offer a free concert series on the First Friday at 5 p.m., monthly through November, 2026. There will be food trucks and beverage vendors and activities for kids, plus an artisan market. First Friday @ 5 When: First Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m.  Where: …

Read More about First Friday @ 5 free concert, vendors & activities, Boynton Beach

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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