Clicky Skip to Content

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.

Despite its name, Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festive celebration in South American and Central America to honor deceased relatives, satirize the living, and entice the spirits to visit flower-laden altars with food “offerings.” It is considered a cheerful celebration rather than one of mourning. Admission is free; vendor …

Read More about Dia de los Muertos celebration in Lake Worth Beach

Ahoy Matey! Here’s an annual signature event put on by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency that you won’t want to miss.  The 2025 Pirate Fest will sail into Downtown Boynton Beach at the Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 25-26, 2025, starting at noon. Click HERE for a complete schedule of …

Read More about Free entry to Boynton Beach Pirate Fest, Oct. 25-26

It’s not too late, there’s still time to pick out the best jack-o-lantern. Pick your perfect pumpkin and capture the spirit of fall in the heart of West Palm Beach. Pumpkin Patch on The Lawn When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct.  25–26, 2025 Where: CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary …

Read More about Pumpkin Patch on The Lawn at CityPlace, West Palm Beach, Oct. 25-26

Celebrate Halloween with the animals! Annual Halloween Celebration at Busch Wildlife What: Trick-or-treating, Trivia, Tattoos, & more When: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter Cost: Free Website Trick-or-treat along the nature trails while supplies last, after joining the staff for the following special …

Read More about Feathers, Fangs, Fur, & Fun, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Oct. 26, Jupiter

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. So, if it’s Friday, shake off the sand and head down to The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series that features something new and different each week. …

Read More about Art After Dark: Something new every Friday, West Palm Beach

CityPlace Doral is hosting another monthlong celebration of Dias de Los Muertos in 2025 and the public is invited to take part in the festivities. Ancestral celebrations While this seasonal celebration originated in Mexico and other pre-Columbian societies, Day of the Dead cultural traditions from Mesoamerica have been popularized here at home, as well. Festivities …

Read More about CityPlace Doral to be decorated for free ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration

Downtown Lake Worth Beach is hosting a free block party on Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to midnight will transform into a Halloween celebration of music, costumes, and community. What: The Halloween J Street Block Party (Presented by Zoo Gym Lake Worth) Where: Downtown Lake Worth Beach – J Street & Lake Avenue Block Admission: …

Read More about Free Halloween block party, Lake Worth Beach, Oct. 31

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. Attendees can stroll along city blocks and chat with artists while viewing their works, including larger-than-life …

Read More about Free entry to Art & Craft Festivals in Palm Beach County

Ticketing for this free event is already under way, so don’t miss out and register to get your free ticket soon, while they last. What: Free Block Party and Third World concert  When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 1 to 8 p.m. Where: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. Cost: Free, with …

Read More about Free with RSVP: Block Party & concert at Kravis Center, Nov. 8

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media