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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 Norton Museum of Art has something different each week for attendees to the after-hours Friday event. Art After Dark mixes art and entertainment with live performances, film screenings, art workshops, tours, presentations and more. For Black History Month: BSTEW TRIO When: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. Where: Norton Museum of …

Read More about Art After Dark for Black History Month, West Palm Beach, Feb. 27

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

The public is invited to enjoy the festivities and get in on the fun at this event. Find out what a “Wife-carrying contest” is! Members of the Finnish-American community in Palm Beach County gets together once a year to celebrate their homeland, with lots of music, food and family fun; and everyone is welcome to …

Read More about Celebrate Midnight Sun Festival, Lake Worth, Feb. 27-March 1

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. 36th annual ArtFest by the Sea Saturday-Sunday, March 7 & 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 …

Read More about Free entry: ArtFest by the Sea, Juno Beach, March 7-8

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

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, March 6

The public is invited to help celebrate diversity in the arts at the Multicultural Youth Arts Festival on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. Works displayed will include elementary, middle, and high school art, performances, ethnic food, crafts, and entrepreneurship that relate to their culture. No admission fee; vendor prices vary. What …

Read More about Free Multicultural Youth Arts Festival, Delray Beach, March 6

From food and music festivals to art and nature vendor fairs, here’s our guide to some of the popular free and cheap events in March in the Palm Beaches for 2026.  Festivals & events in greater Palm Beach Multicultural Youth Art Festival, Delray Beach Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Old …

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

The Good Day Market is a free curated, outdoor community Sunday market hosted in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. It’s a farmers market, but with so much more. They not only highlight small and local businesses, but also offer handmade goods, artisan products, boutique finds, vintage pieces, art, plants, specialty food, drinks, and activities for …

Read More about Free: The Good Day Markets, Delray & Boynton Beach

Delray’s winter GreenMarket is open every Saturday to mid-May, 2026, with farm-to-fork produce, organic meats, juices and flowers, plus live music and more. Delray GreenMarket When: Saturdays through May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Old School Square, Delray Beach Cost: Free admission; vendor prices vary Features the following: Fruits, vegetables, flowers and …

Read More about Delray GreenMarket open Saturdays to mid-May

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events in 2026. Food Truck & Music, plus Lakeside Market When: Thursday, from 5 to 9 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater Features: Lakeside Market, Food Truck & Music series Cost: Free admission; …

Read More about Free: Concert & Lakeside Market, Wellington, Feb. 26

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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