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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.

Here’s a free family film for kids. Be sure to take your blankets or chairs for a great night of community, connection, and entertainment. Raya and the Last Dragon When: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6) Where: Athletic Fields, 226 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs, FL Admission: Free Website Enjoy FREE …

Read More about Free family movie night: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ Palm Springs, Feb. 13

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.  – a …

Read More about Free: Women of Country music concert, Jupiter, Feb. 14

Here’s a treat that features authentic Louisiana-rooted sounds mixed with electronic funk, reggae, rock, soul, jam-band heat, DJ switchovers, Mardi Gras masks, and neon, pop-up performances. Early evening is for families, while late-nighters can carry on at Propaganda where the party continues … ! Mardi Glow J Street Block Party When: Friday, Feb. 13, from …

Read More about Mardi Glow J Street Block Party, Lake Worth, Feb. 13

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: Something new each Friday, West Palm Beach

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

All of Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavour shows are free of charge for visitors. Plus, artists are on site for the duration of the events, allowing visitors to discover the creative inspirations and processes behind every piece. Town Center at Boca Raton When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 14-15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to …

Read More about Free entry: Art and Craft Festival, Boca Raton, Feb. 14-15

Art & Jazz on The Avenue, is the signature art and music event produced three times a year in different areas of downtown Delray Beach. It’s a community block party and admission is free. Website Art & Jazz on the Avenue: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Location: West Atlantic Avenue from …

Read More about Free: Art & Jazz on the Ave., Delray Beach, Feb. 25

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

The inaugural Muscle on the Beach classic car show rolls into Delray Beach with Stingrays, Barracudas and other top-flight muscle cars of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s on display at Old School Square. The event is free for spectators. WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Old School Square, 51 …

Read More about Free classic car event ‘Muscle on the Beach’ in Delray

Here’s a good event to take the kids to, since it’s a teacher planning day for Palm Beach County public schools. The City of Boca Raton has organized a free community event offering fun giveaways, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn important life safety skills. Kids Safety Fair When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, from 9 …

Read More about Free: Kids Safety Fair for ages 5-10, Boca Raton, Feb. 18

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and The Village of Royal Palm Beach present the 6th annual Shakespeare by the Palms production of this classic tale. MACBETH Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 12-16, 2026, at the Veterans Park Amphitheater, located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd B, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. All performances start at 7 …

Read More about Free: Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ Royal Palm Beach, Feb. 12-15

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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