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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.

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

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

If you’re a fan of watching champion equines compete in jumping and dressage events, then this is the time to visit Wellington and see live events for free! For the 2026 season at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival, spectators get free general admission Wednesday through Sunday during the main winter season (January-March) during daytime events. …

Read More about Free daytime entry through March at Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington

Cheers to 100 Years!  Boca Street Fest will mark 100 years with Centennial Celebrations that include  live music, local flavors and unique vendors. The festival promises something for everyone. Admission is free. When: Saturday, March. 28, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. Where: Mizner Park, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton Get ready to continue the city’s …

Read More about Celebrate 100 years with Boca Street Fest, March 28

Nature Fest, MacArthur Beach State Park’s annual outdoor festival! This family friendly event will feature environmental exhibitors, live music, Florida native plant vendors, touch tank, food trucks, Kids Zone, kayaking, and much more! When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Where: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North …

Read More about Free Nature Fest, MacArthur Park, North Palm Beach, March 7

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.https://sandoway.org/ The event is free for spectators, and a fundraiser to support sandoway.org. WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 …

Read More about Free classic car event ‘Muscle on the Beach’ in Delray, March 7

The Palm Beach Reggae Music & Arts Festival in Delray Beach is in March, but if you act soon, you can save $10 on admission. Buy tickets now for $25 instead of $35; deal ends Feb. 28, 2026. Palm Beach Reggae Music & Arts Festival When: Friday-Saturday-Sunday, March 20-22, 2026 Where: Old School Square Amphitheater, …

Read More about Early bird $10 discount for Palm Beach Reggae Festival before March 1

Mark your calendar and grab your green for this family friendly event features live Irish music, dancers, authentic food, a Guinness Beer Garden, plus whiskey tastings and a variety of other activities. Key Event Details: Date & Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd. …

Read More about Free Irish Festival, Wellington, March 7

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 Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band will perform two more seasonal concerts at various venues. Tickets are $10 at the door; children under 12 get in free. Going for the Gold When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. Where: Coral Lakes Theater, 12751 El Clair Ranch Road Program: Olympic-themed  Tickets: Get here! Happy Birthday, …

Read More about $10 concert, Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band, Feb. 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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