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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 Books, Arts & Music (BAM) Festival is once again coming to the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach. BAM Festival: Saturday, April 11, 2026 When: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Activities will take place inside and outside, Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis St. Cost: Attendance and browsing are free. …

Read More about Free BAM Festival with books, art & music in West Palm Beach, April 11

You may think you already know this story, but think again. Lionsgate is releasing this new PG-13 film, Michael, in IMAX theaters, and here’s the info you need to grab a free pass (limited availability). It’s your chance for a front-row seat to the early life of Michael Jackson as never seen before. MICHAEL – …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Michael,’ April 20 in Pembroke Pines

The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Delray Affair Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12, 2026, along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach. This event is free to attend. Vendor prices vary. Nicknamed the “Greatest Show under the Delray Sun”, the Delray Affair is one of the largest arts and …

Read More about Free Delray Affair art festival has music, vendors & more, April 10-12

Here’s a popular weekend showcase that will not only feature oil and pastel paintings and watercolors, but also metal art, glass & woodworks, sculpture, fine art photography and more. Downtown Palm Beach Gardens Fine Art Festival When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to …

Read More about Free: Downtown Palm Beach Gardens Fine Art Festival, April 11-12

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. Jon Zeeman When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Where: Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, 933 28th St., West …

Read More about $10 Jon Zeeman show, West Palm Beach, April 11

The Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival and it will offer lots of seafood vendors, live bands and plenty of family fun. Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival WHEN: April 11-12, 2026; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 8 p.m. WHERE: Abacoa Amphitheater, 1267 Main St., Jupiter COST: $5 to $7.65 for general admission; free …

Read More about Weekend Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival, Jupiter

Gear up for Earth Day with native plants and access to a self-guided Lighthouse grounds and garden tour – only on one day, for one discounted price. Normally, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse admission is $15, but for the Native Garden Tour, you can explore both for just $10. Native Garden & Self-Guided Lighthouse Tour When: Sunday, …

Read More about $10 special admission for garden tour at Lighthouse, April 12

The Carlin Park After Dark experience takes everything you love about a beach day to the next level. Arrive early to walk along the Jupiter Beach shoreline at sunset. Enjoy an evening picnic with local food vendors on site and live music. Carlin Park After Dark: Given to Fly When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, at …

Read More about Free: Pearl Jam tribute concert, Jupiter, April 11

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: Friday Art Walk & ‘anytime’ Art Trail in Delray Beach, April 10

The public is invited to learn about plants and the environment at this Wellington event. There will be Earth friendly products and demonstrations, giveaways, vendors and more, so mark your calendar. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration When: Saturday, April 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. …

Read More about Earth Day & Arbor Day celebrations in Wellington, April 26

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-September

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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