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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.

Coco Market not only features live music, family activities, artisans and retailers but also wellness vendors, workshops, bounce houses, pet adoptions and more. These seasonal events are held monthly in Delray and Jupiter and everyone is welcome. Coco Market, Delray Beach First Sunday: Nov. 2, & Dec. 7, 2025 Where: Old School Square, 51 N. …

Read More about Free: Coco Market has something for everyone, Delray Beach & Jupiter

While the autumn air in South Florida can’t compare to being up North, the spirit of the season is just as vibrant and that means that no matter what the temperature, it’s always a great time to visit an annual pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are delightfully versatile. They’re not only food, but they’re also decorative, and …

Read More about Pumpkin Patches in Palm Beach County 2025

Who doesn’t love fresh baked bread? This is the third year in a row that Wynwood-based Zak the Baker has teamed up with the nonprofit O, Miami to create a monthlong “Poems for Bread” exchange. The O, Miami team will be on site at the Zak the Baker, at 295 NW 26th St. in Miami …

Read More about Zak the Baker: Trade ‘Poems for Bread’ in October, Wynwood

“Who let the dogs out? Woof! Woof!” Here’s a two-day event for golden retrievers and their owners that is also open to the public and it’s happening on the last weekend of October. Event includes a costume parade and auction on Friday and beach activities with a picnic supper on Saturday at Jupiter Dog Beach …

Read More about Golden Jubilee, Jupiter, Oct. 31-Nov. 1

This month is the final Night Market at Sanborn Square in Boca Raton for the season. It hosts live performances, local artists, vendors and plentiful food options; vendor prices vary. Night Market Thursdays: Nov. 6, Dec. 11, 2025 From 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission See this website for vendors & entertainment Features include a …

Read More about Free monthly Night Market has music, food, vendors in Boca, Nov. 6

October is full of fall fun things to do, from Octoberfest through Halloween. South Florida has myriad activities, festivals and celebrations and many are free or cheap for families to attend. And, of course, we hope you and your kids not only enjoy these events but also that everyone stays safe, whether it’s picking out …

Read More about Top things to do in October in Palm Beach County

Fall festivals in Palm Beach County If you know of a free or cheap Halloween event or fall festival we should cover, please email the details to news@southfloridaonthecheap.com. You can also enter your events of any price range at our community calendar. Pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Oktoberfests and Halloween events in South Florida Pumpkin Patches …

Read More about Fall festivals in Palm Beach County 2025

Gather your friends, family, blankets and chairs and head over to Canyon Amphitheater in Boynton Beach on the third Saturday of each month (except June-August) the Legends on the Lawn concert series. Legends on the Lawn is free! Just your top outdoor music concert series in a leisurely setting among friends. Legends on the Lawn …

Read More about Free monthly concert: Legends on the Lawn, Boynton Beach, Oct. 18

The Children’s Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park is a free hands-on science center designed for children 5-12 years of age and their caregivers. It offers fascinating and interactive exhibits, programs that bring the physical sciences to life. Admission is free, however a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. The  Sugar Sand Park …

Read More about Children’s Science Explorium highlights new aerospace exhibit, Boca Raton

The Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band will perform several seasonal concerts in 2025-26 at various venues. Tickets are $10 at the door; children under 12 get in free. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 3 p.m., Coral Lakes Theater, 12751 El Clair Ranch Road Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at 3 p.m.: TBD Sunday, April 26, 2026, at …

Read More about $10 concerts, Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band, Dec. 14

The City of West Palm Beach is once again offering an essential service for downtown visitors who prefer two wheels to four, and never need to worry about where to park their bikes. Bike Valet WHEN: Saturday, October, 2025, through May 30, 2026, (except Feb. 14 and March 28). WHERE: 143 N. Narcissus Avenue, West …

Read More about Free Bike Valet through May, downtown West Palm Beach Saturday mornings

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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