Clicky Skip to Content

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.

Memorial Day weekend celebrations will feature live music performances on the Lawn at CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach, from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25, 2026. Memorial Day Weekend Music Friday, May 22 6 to 10 p.m.: Mikayla Smith, with Pop, Soul, & Contemporary Covers Saturday, May 23 1 to 4 p.m. features: …

Read More about Memorial Day weekend: Live music & more, free on The Lawn at CityPlace

If you enjoy shopping for handcrafted items and homemade treasures, head over to the Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival. You can find all sorts of items, from works of art and jewelry to one-of-a-kind handmade decorations and much more. This event has become a must-stop-by institution, with nearly 100 craft artisans from around the state …

Read More about Free Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, May 23-24

PEW-PEW! May the Fandom Be with You. Fans of all ages are invited to have fun at this year’s Mandel Fan Fest, a celebration of “All Things Fandom.” This PG-13 mega event is for all ages, including adults. Mandel Fan Fest When: Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Mandel Public Library, 411 …

Read More about Free Fan Fest: May the ‘Fandom’ be with you, May 23

The Norton Museum of Art is so much more than just an art museum. It has also become a conduit for bringing people together by hosting free community events and interactive activities. This is not your mother’s boring downtown museum. It is actually a museum in a garden setting, with exhibits inside to explore and …

Read More about MOSAIC buy-one, get-one entry to Norton Museum in West Palm

If there’s one thing the folks in Wellington know how to do, it’s … party! And Memorial Day weekend is no exception. Here’s a list of free concerts and events for the whole weekend. Memorial Day Weekend Music Celebration When: Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24, 2026 Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. …

Read More about Free concerts & Memorial Day celebrations, Wellington, May 21-24

Spend Monday, Memorial Day, 2026, with free admission for active military and veterans and a vintage garden shop experience at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail,  in West Palm Beach, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I.D. required. Mounts Botanical Garden welcomes everyone to kick off summer with a day filled with beauty, reflection, …

Read More about Free entry for active military and veterans at Mounts Botanical Garden on Memorial Day

Before there were superheroes, there were legends — and the ultimate battle is about to begin. Get your free pass for an advance screening from Amazon MGM Studios using the link below. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (132 minutes) When: Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7 p.m.* Where: AMC Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Get free …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Masters of the Universe’ in Aventura, June 1

Memorial Day weekend 2026, for some, means the beginning of summer with picnics at the beach or shopping discounts etc. But for many, it also means taking the time to remember those who have passed in service to their country and reflect on the cost of liberty and freedom for all. The holiday originated in …

Read More about Memorial Day ceremonies in greater Palm Beach

Movement and creativity are a great recipe to help boost a healthy body and mind. Here’s an event that may facilitate both in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Arts & Wellness Community Fair When: Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Where: Cultural Council for Palm Beach, 601 Lake Ave., Lake …

Read More about Free Arts & Wellness Community Fair, Lake Worth, May 30

Where can you find hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products in one place? Check this out: West Palm Beach Spring Home Show When: Friday to Monday, May 22-25, 2026 Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm …

Read More about Get buy-one-get-one entry to Palm Beach Spring Home Show, May 22-25

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media