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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.

More than 70 floats, marching bands, dance teams and walking groups will parade along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach to NW 5th Avenue. And with a special connection from the North Pole, the Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their fire truck for the Holiday Parade. Plus, more than 70 …

Read More about Free Delray Beach ‘Festival of Lights’ Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

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

Whether you’re into jazz, live theater, dance, musicals, or perhaps a touring troupe of acrobats, the  Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has something in store to satisfy even the most discriminating cultural palate. Location: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132. Check out the roster for upcoming …

Read More about Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning hub of culture in Miami

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: Dec. 7, 2025 Where: Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray …

Read More about Free Coco Market: Something for everyone, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Dec. 7 & 21

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

There are plenty of activities at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S.-1, Juno Beach. Admission is free, however some of the programs do have participation fees. Here are some popular ones, especially for fall that are free for all ages. Free Friday Hikes Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; free for all ages. Juno Dunes Natural Area Hike: …

Read More about Free Friday hikes and more, Loggerhead Marinelife, Juno 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. For a complete listing of performers and more details, visit cityplace.com/cityplace-live-music or visit this page for a list of recurring weekly events. …

Read More about Free: Weekend music & more on The Lawn at CityPlace

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

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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