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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.

The public is invited to attend a free block party with beer, brats and bands. DAStoberfest 2025 is a community event with no cover charge or tickets necessary. Vendor prices vary. When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 3 to 10 p.m. Where: DAS Beer Garden, 1203 Town Center Drive, Jupiter Website / Phone: 561-776-8669 Expect …

Read More about Free entry: ‘DAStoberfest’ block party in Jupiter, Sept. 27

This is a free community event but space is limited and registration is required. To attend, leave your name and number of attendees at 561-832-4164, Ext. 306 or send an email to info@pbchistory.org. Hispanic Heritage at The Historical Society Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event begins with a catered reception, …

Read More about Hispanic Heritage celebration, Historical Society, Sept. 17

Miami-Dade Teachers: Jungle Island is offering free admission to Miami-Dade County teachers year-round with no expiration or blackout dates with valid ID. Kids Free Fall Admission: Free general admission for kids through Nov. 13, 2025. Use Code KIDSFREE or call 305-400-7000 to redeem. Offer is valid online or over the phone for children ages 3 …

Read More about Jungle Island free admission for teachers and fall kids discounts

Here’s your chance to dance along with Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble while shopping the weekly Lakeside Market, and grabbing a bite to eat from one of local food trucks. Tito Puente Jr. & Latin Jazz Ensemble When: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025; food trucks 5-9 p.m.; show at 6:30 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater …

Read More about Free: Tito Puente Jr. & Latin Jazz Ensemble, Wellington, Sept. 25

The public is invited to join the Journey of American Jazz presented by Arts4All Florida in Palm Beach County. This event is in partnership with the Elevar Foundation. Journey of American Jazz When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, from 7 to 8 p.m. Where: CMAA Therapeutic Recreation Complex, 2728 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth. Cost: Free. Website …

Read More about Free: Journey of American Jazz, Lake Worth, Sept. 18

Whether you’re rocking your best dirndl or lederhosen, get ready to party! We all know that Oktoberfest (or Octoberfest) is a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions that not only features traditional food, music, and dance, but also large quantities of beer.  So, yes, there will be barmaids in colorful traditional Bavarian costumes serving frothy …

Read More about Celebrate Bavarian culture at Oktoberfest, two weekends in Lake Worth

Would you like to learn about the Miccosukee Tribe and other indigenous communities while enjoying a free cultural event with vendors, demonstrations, rides, and more? Well, mark your calendar because there is a two-day celebration, the tribe’s annual American Indian Day Festival, will be held this year at the Miccosukee Indian Village: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. …

Read More about Free: Celebrate ‘American Indian Day’ with the Miccosukee, Sept. 27-28

Here’s a chance to see this new film for free from Sony Pictures Classics: “Eleanor the Great.” It is an authentic portrait of female resilience in the “New West” inspired and played by the women and girls who live it; set in the Badlands of South Dakota. What: Eleanor the Great (PG-13) When: Thursday, Sept. …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Eleanor the Great,’ Aventura, Sept. 18

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2025. Click HERE to see who’s performing and what else is happening this week and next! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats …

Read More about Free Food Truck & Music Series: Sugar Music Latin Band, Wellington, Sept. 18

The public is invited to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage with music, dancing, family-friendly activities, plus special performances with multiple Latinos In Action (LIA) groups from the Palm Beach County School District. Hispanic Heritage Night, Wellington When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. Join this celebration of cultural diversity and the traditions of …

Read More about Hispanic Heritage Night, Wellington, Sept. 19

Gather your friends, family, blankets and chairs and head over to Canyon Amphitheater in Boynton Beach on the third Saturday of each month (except June-August) the Legends on the Lawn concert series. Legends on the Lawn is free! Just your top outdoor music concert series in a leisurely setting among friends. Legends on the Lawn …

Read More about Next free monthly concert: Legends on the Lawn, Boynton Beach, Sept. 20

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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