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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.

Lake Worth Beach’s free oceanside bonfires and night market are once again a great place to go when, especially when the temperature drops. This is the final gathering of the season. Don’t miss the fun. What to take to the bonfire Pack your towels, beach chairs, coolers and s’mores kits to the Lake Worth Municipal …

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

Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with music, crafts, and a fireworks display. Lunar New Year celebration When: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. Where: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach For more details, call 561-832-5196 or visit norton.org.  Other activities include traditional crafts of making …

Read More about Art After Dark: Lunar New Year with fireworks, West Palm Beach, Feb. 20

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse is a creative cooperative that supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Prices may vary per performer. Bonfire Winter Sessions When: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. Where: Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, 933 28th …

Read More about Free: Bonfire, bands & food truck, West Palm Beach, Feb. 20

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events in 2026. Pop-Up Biergarten When: Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 19-21, from 4 to 9 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater Features: Lakeside Market, Food Truck & Music series, Saturday concert; Sunday concert. Cost: Free admission; vendor …

Read More about Free: Pop-Up Biergarten, concerts & Lakeside Market, Wellington, Feb. 19-21

The Norton Museum of Art is inviting families to enjoy performances, art projects, meditative practices to set the tone for the year ahead, Docent-led tours, and authentic snacks to honor the year of the horse. In addition to art projects, docents will host 15-minute spotlight tours of the collection in English and Spanish every Saturday. …

Read More about Free: Lunar New Year celebration at Norton Museum, Feb. 21

This year’s Lantern Festival highlights the energy and symbolism of the Year of the Horse, shining a spotlight on Asian culture and artistry. Enjoy traditional Asian music, a dynamic Lion Dance performance, cultural demonstrations, and a pop-up experience featuring Asian-inspired food. Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, West Palm Beach When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from …

Read More about Free: Lantern Festival, West Palm Beach, Feb. 28

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a South Florida gem and if you’ve never been there, or it’s been a while, make sure you register for free admission early and mark your calendar so you don’t miss this upcoming event. Set against the scenic backdrop where river meets sea, this two-day celebration will spotlight the creativity …

Read More about Free: Festival Days at Jupiter Lighthouse, March 21-22

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

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

Royal Palm Beach will once again host the annual free, family-friendly West Fest in 2026. West Fest When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 20-22, 2026 Where: Royal Palm Beach Commons, 11600 Poinciana Blvd. Cost: Free entry; vendor and activity prices vary. Features: Fun zone, Carnival rides, Pony rides, Stage entertainment, Line dancing and more Website Times: Friday, Feb. …

Read More about Free entry: Royal Palm Beach West Fest features music, rides, dancing, Feb. 20-22

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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