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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 deal: Buy advance discount tickets to the South Florida Fair opening day Jan. 16, 2026, and use the same ticket again on another day. The South Florida Fair is a prime attraction packed with family fun and entertainment, with rides, food vendors, exhibits, parades, performers, competitions and so much more. What: South Florida …

Read More about Discount tickets to South Florida Fair before it opens Jan. 16

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. 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 has something for all ages and it’s …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark at The Norton, West Palm Beach, Fridays: Always something new!

Now that the holidays are over (or are they?) South Floridians can get back in the groove of attending feasts, fairs and festivals, with music, dance, activities and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what is happening in Palm Beach County during January of 2026; listed chronologically. 30th Anniversary Celebration, Wellington When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 …

Read More about Top things to do in January in Palm Beach County

Here’s an advance screening of the new horror film from Sony Pictures Entertainment – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Complimentary passes are available for this adrenaline-fueled film on a first-come, first-served basis. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (rated-R) When: Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura …

Read More about Free movie screening of ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,’ Aventura, Jan. 12

The City of Boynton Beach continues to offer a free concert series on the First Friday at 5 p.m., monthly through November, 2026. There will be food trucks and beverage vendors and activities for kids, plus an artisan market. First Friday @ 5 When: First Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. Next: …

Read More about First Friday @ 5 free concert, vendors & healing arts, Boynton Beach, Jan. 2

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2026. The Village of Wellington is turning 30, and we want you to celebrate with friends and neighbors! It’s time for an evening full of live music, entertainment, and community pride on …

Read More about Wellington turns 30 with music, rides, games, ice-skating and more on Jan. 2

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 Friday beach bonfire with music & night market, Lake Worth, Jan. 2

Here’s a sample of the dialogue of this new scary movie from Paramount Pictures: 911. What’s your emergency? He’s acting crazy. He killed all the others. Who killed the others? We’re in Hawaii! This is crazy. The film will be shown at Regal Dania Pointe on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, before it opens nationwide on …

Read More about ‘Primate,’ free movie screening, Dania Pointe, Jan. 7

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, Jan. 2

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

Winter Wonderland at The Ben in West Palm Beach is back for its second season, featuring South Florida’s only outdoor real-ice rink, a free Winter Tree Forest, and a Holiday Market. Winter Wonderland at The Ben When: Now through Jan. 4, 2026; daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Where: The Ben, Autograph Collection, 251 N. Narcissus …

Read More about Winter Wonderland at The Ben has skating & more through Jan. 4

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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