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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.

Happy Earth Month! What started out as one day each year designated to honoring and appreciating Mother Earth, has evolved into more tree giveaways, seed plantings, nature exhibitions and water cleanups that are more than just a one day or one-time event. Below are some of the popular tributes to Mother Nature we found. April …

Read More about Earth Month celebrations in Palm Beach County

Some consider this a garden party with cars, art, live music and vendors. But whatever you call it, it’s what’s happening in Delray Beach. This year’s theme is set around vintage Gatsby. What: The 5th annual Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show When: Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Great …

Read More about Free: Classic car show, Concours d’Elegance, Delray Beach, April 19

If you love Italian food, but also enjoy the music, art and cultural traditions. Here’s a chance to really have some fun. The Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington is a two-day Italian festival that features live entertainment, food and beverages, plus shopping. There’s even a cooking stage. What: Festa Italiana of Wellington When: Friday, Saturday …

Read More about Free weekend festival: Festa Italiana, Wellington, April 17-19

This year’s 561 Music Festival once again promises nonstop music flowing, as well as dozens of beers on tap and food trucks and art vendors on site; prices vary. FREE admission gets you 30 bands on 3 stages. No tickets required. This festival is completely free to attend for all ages and is open to …

Read More about Free admission to 561 Music Festival, West Palm Beach, May 2

The 2026 Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night in Wellington is a free public event, celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. Event features cultural performances, food trucks, and special demonstrations. Vendor prices vary. When: Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. Website Activities include the following: …

Read More about Free: Asian American & Pacific Islander Night, Wellington, May 7

Golf with Us is free and open to the first 150,000 new participants who enroll before June 15, 2026. The program offers kids 6-18 a free one-year membership to Youth on Course, giving them access to tee times for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide. Returning Golf with Us participants can renew their …

Read More about Golf With Us, Bank of America offer free and discount golf memberships for kids

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse is a creative cooperative that supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Prices vary per performer. JP Soars & The Red Hots (blues) When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Where: Northwood Art & Music …

Read More about $10 show at Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, West Palm Beach, May 9

Ready, set, shuck! That’s the call for everyone in South Florida who loves sweet corn to show up at the annual Sweet Corn Fiesta: When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Yesteryear Village at South Florida Fairgrounds Tickets: $5 for kids, $10 for adults; ride tickets $10-$15 Featured: Live music …

Read More about Sweet Corn Fiesta at Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, April 26

The Delray Beach Old School Square Amphitheatre once again will host its free Twilight Concert series. Gates open at 5 p.m. For more details, visit delrayoldschoolsquare.com. Twilight  Concert FREE: Bee Gees NOW tribute band Thursday, April. 23, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. Old School Square (map) The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority invites you to …

Read More about Free Twilight Concert, Delray Beach, April 23

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach hosts seasonal special events that feature taiko drumming performances and other activities, including a seasonal sunset stroll. For more details, visit Sunset Stroll – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The seasonal monthly Sunset Stroll is a rain-or-shine event, April-September (except July & August).  You can also …

Read More about Morikami monthly Sunset Stroll, Delray Beach, April 23

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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