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.

Take advantage of these ongoing series of free entry to food trucks and music at outdoor concerts and family events scheduled in 2025. Also, plan to take portable seats or blankets to enjoy festivities under the stars. The amphitheater in the Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Events are typically held on …

Boynton Beach is a thriving seaside community that is welcoming and active for residents and visitors alike. It offers a variety of cultural and community activities year-round. Many are hosted at the Arts & Cultural Center, the public library, at Oceanfront Park, and at various other sites sponsored by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency …

Here’s a fun way to spend your Saturday, attend the Rock the Marina event in Boynton Beach. Event admission is free; vendor prices vary. Rock the Marina When: Saturday, June 7, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. Where: Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, family-friendly activities, plus shopping with …

If you enjoy shopping for handcrafted items and homemade treasures, head over to the Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival. You can find all sorts of items, from works of art and jewelry to one-of-a-kind handmade decorations and much more. Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival When: Memorial Day Weekend, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. …

Enjoy live music every Thursday at Clematis by Night.

Each week, Art After Dark presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. Each Friday, shake off the sand and head down to the lawn at The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series every Friday. Reduced-rate tickets for these programs are $5-$10; …

Local students with passion for the creative arts will be strutting their stuff for four hours during this Spring Recital Showcase, featuring music, dance, theater and visual arts. Spring Recital Showcase, 2025: When: Sunday, May 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. Where: CG Community Development nonprofit building, at 1201 S. Federal Highway Lake Worth Beach, …

There’s music in the air, so get ready to gather and groove to weekly and monthly entertainment. It’s free music and more on The Lawn at CityPlace in the heart of West Palm Beach. Don’t miss the 2025 Memorial Day weekend chock full of live music. For a complete listing of performers and more details, …

There’s always something happening in Boca, so we’ve compiled a list of some popular free and cheap events to bring to your attention. Many are recurring, so we’ve provided links to calendars you can also search to get more details and the best updated information. We’ve also included a list of some of the main …

Miami-Dade Teachers: Jungle Island is offering free admission to Miami-Dade County teachers year-round with no expiration or blackout dates with valid ID. Mother’s Day Deal: On May 11 in honor of Mother’s Day, it’s free admission for moms and a complimentary massage and mimosa between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Click here for full details. …

PEW-PEW! May the Fandom Be with You. Get out your lightsabers because you are invited to have fun at this year’s Mandel Fan Fest, a celebration of “All Things Fandom.” This mega event is for all ages, including adults. Mandel Fan Fest When: Saturday, May 24, 2025, from noon to 4:30 p.m. Where: Mandel Public Library, 411 …