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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.

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

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

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

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 something new every Friday, West Palm Beach

Well, this looks like an exciting animated film from Sony Pictures Classic, so you’d better hurry and register to get a free pass because seats are limited and they are first-come, first-served.  “Scarlet” (PG-13) When: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Where: AMC 24 Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive, …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Scarlet’ in South Miami, Feb. 3

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

The spirit of Black History Month is multifaceted, as witnessed by the annual series of events that take place in February. Not only do these events honor individuals, families and communities affected by the African diaspora, but they also recognize their rich cultural contributions, in order to educate, uplift and inspire current and future generations. …

Read More about Black History Month events, Palm Beach County

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

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

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.  Where: …

Read More about First Friday @ 5 free concert, vendors & activities, Boynton Beach

Here’s an advance screening of the new crime thriller from Amazon MGM – “Crime 101,” starring Halle Berry and Mark Ruffalo. Complimentary passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Crime 101 (rated-R) Aventura When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura FREE pass here! South Miami When: …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Crime 101,’ Aventura & South Miami

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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