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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.

For this, you need arrive early since parking is limited. It’s a fun family outing; refreshments will be available to purchase. Admission is free. Free Drive-in Movie Night, Lantana What: “How to Train Your Dragon” When: 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 Where: Lantana Sports Park, 903 N. 8th St, Lantana Website To keep up …

Read More about Free drive-in movie night: ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ Lantana, Jan. 9

Grab your socks and take the family to Catherine Strong Park for a fun-filled evening where the skating is free!  Free Skate Night When: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Catherine Strong Park. 1500 SW 6th St., Delray Beach Features: A live DJ spinning great music Skates provided (or take your own!) …

Read More about Free Skate Night at the park, Delray Beach, Jan. 9

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse in West Palm Beach supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Prices may vary per performer. The Slowpokes When: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Where: Northwood Art and Music Warehouse, 933 28th St., West …

Read More about $5-$10 Weekend shows: Northwood Warehouse West Palm Beach

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

The Fiesta De Pueblo & Business Expo is a free, community-wide event being held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Greenacres. Admission is free; prices for food and vendors, etc. vary. This festival promises to be a colorful display of Hispanic culture that not only features parades, games and …

Read More about Free ‘Fiesta De Pueblo,’ Greenacres, Jan. 10

To honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a list of some of the activities planned to commemorate and celebrate his life with events taking place across Palm Beach County. While most activities are free to attend, many require RSVP. Riviera Beach Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, parade at 10 …

Read More about Martin Luther King Day events in Palm Beach County, Jan. 17 & 19

The annual Downtown Delray Festival of the Arts When: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach Admission: Free of charge This is an annual juried art festival that includes original arts and fine crafts from over 100 exhibitors. Event offers an extensive display of sculptures, …

Read More about Free Downtown Delray Beach Festival of Arts, Jan. 10-11

This new film from Sony Pictures Classic is directed by Nicholas Hytner and stars Ralph Fiennes. It is rated-R and it takes place in 1916, as war rages on the Western Front. THE CHORAL When: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura 24, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Tickets are free and seating is on …

Read More about Free screening of Sony Classics ‘THE CHORAL’ at AMC Aventura, Jan. 14

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: Jan. 8, …

Read More about Free weekend concerts, Lakeside Market & more, Wellington

The City of Boca Raton will celbrate MLK Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, with day-long festivities, including a march with jazz bands, a ceremony and public Unity Celebration at Mizner Park. The day starts with a community breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Ruby St. Unity March at …

Read More about Free MLK ceremony & celebration in Boca Raton, Jan. 19

BocaFest will be back to Town Center at Boca Raton and for 2026, it promises to be bigger and better, with everything from paint on canvas, to photography, 3D media, sculpture, jewelry, and other unique artisan crafts. Entry is free. 38th annual Boca Fest at Town Center When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 17-18, 2026, from …

Read More about Free entry to Boca Fest at Town Center, Jan. 17-18

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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