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.

The Spady Museum is hosting an eclectic series of movies and videos that will be shown from June 11 to July 25, 2026, and the public is invited. The Black Movie Experience (BMX) for lovers of cultural documentaries returns this summer. Snacks available for purchase. Free admission. RSVP required — Limited Space. Location: Creative Art …

Read More about Free with RSVP: Black Movie Experience by Spady Museum, June 11-July 25

Juneteenth marks the emancipation of those who were enslaved in the United States. It is about learning new ways to promote economic empowerment in the Black community and sharing ideas to address racial disparities. It is not only a time for commemorating the end of slavery and honoring Black history and its rich heritage, but it is …

Read More about Juneteenth celebrations in Greater Palm Beach

Not only are these seasonal events a chance to relax and have some good, old-fashioned block-party-style fun, but they are also a free, family-friendly event with live music, interactive activities, food and beverage offerings, plus special incentives to help support local businesses. Rock The Marina Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m., Rock …

Read More about Free: Rock the Marina & Plaza, Boynton Beach, June 6, 25

If you’re looking for a way to kick off your weekend in Palm Beach County, this weekly Food Truck and Music & the Summer Concert Series – and more – at the Wellington Amphitheater has you covered. This weekend: Thursday, June 4: Concert features Southern Blood (Southern Rock), with food trucks & Lakeside Market. Sauturday, …

Read More about Free concert at Wellington Amphitheater, June 6

If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Natu ere Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to …

Read More about Free: World Ocean Day at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, June 7

This Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2026, Mounts Botanical Garden invites families to celebrate Dad during Classic Rides & Cool Vibes, a family-friendly outing featuring a showcase of classic and vintage automobiles, a Great Lawn cookout, live DJ entertainment, and lawn games in the Garden. Designed as a multi-generational way to spend the day together …

Read More about Free entry for dads on Father’s Day with Car Show & Cookout at Mounts Botanical Garden

The Northwood Film Festival in West Palm Beach will be held the first week of June at various venues around the Northwood Arts District. When: Wednesday, June 1 through Monday, June 7, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Various sites in the Northwood Arts District of West Palm Beach Cost: FREE admission The films …

Read More about Free Northwood Film Festival, West Palm Beach, June 1-7

There is a statewide initiative being promoted by the Florida Department of Education that uses New Worlds Reading’s books and activities to support students in strengthening literacy skills, building reading confidence, and nurturing a lifelong love of reading. Each month during the school year, eligible children receive a free book tailored to their interests with …

Read More about Free Florida reading program delivers books to eligible students at home

Summer heat means there’s plenty of time to do what Floridians love to do best – play in the water! Marco-Polo — Splish-Splash, come on in, the water’s fine. Grab your swimsuits, it’s time for some aquatic fun under sunny South Florida skies. While some pools, like those at the YMCAs, are usually open year-round, …

Read More about Places to splash and play: Parks & pools in Palm Beach

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum offers Free Fun Saturdays on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring free admission for all, themed arts & crafts, and family activities. Located at 71 N. Federal Highway, the events often include scavenger hunts, face painting, and special workshops. RSVP to reseerve …

Read More about Free & Fun First Saturdays at Boca History Museum

Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular self-guided First Friday Art Walk, and the “any time” Art Trail. Both offer public art displays, murals, installations and open galleries, but also a variety of free music and pop-up performances. And don’t forget to stop by the Cornell Art Museum and check …

Read More about Free: First Friday Art Walk & ‘anytime’ Art Trail in Delray Beach

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