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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.

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

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

Lake Theatre Revival Series will celebrate Black History Month with a special screening of “The Wiz,” the 1978 musical classic. The Wiz: A FLAVAR Film Event When: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County HQ, 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach Cost: Free admission — RSVP required …

Read More about See ‘The Wiz’ film for free with RSVP in Lake Worth, Feb. 6

Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular self-guided First Friday Art Walk, and the “any time” Art Trail. Both offer public art displays, murals, installations and open galleries, but also a variety of free music and pop-up performances. Start off the New Year in an artful way by attending the …

Read More about Free: First Friday Art Walk & ‘anytime’ Art Trail in Delray Beach

Each week, after regular hours, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more, called Art After Dark. Every Friday there’s something new to do and see, plus a showcase of up-and-coming and established performers. In essence, this after-hours weekly discounted event …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark features Jazz Friday, West Palm Beach

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

Lake Worth Beach’s free oceanside bonfires and night market are once again a great place to go when, especially when the temperature drops. The gatherings are held on the first and third Fridays, through February, 2026. What to take to the bonfire Pack your towels, beach chairs, coolers and s’mores kits to the Lake Worth …

Read More about Free beach bonfire with music & night market, Lake Worth, Feb. 6 & 20

If you have a partner and dancing shoes and want to participate in the Que Bacano! Latin Dance Showcase, you will need to register in advance. However, even if you just want to watch on the sidelines and tap your toes under the table, you should still register since seating is limited. Admission is free and …

Read More about Free Latin Dance Showcase, West Palm Beach, Feb. 6 & March 6

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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