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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

For youngsters who are fascinated with trucks, Plantation is offering a perfect event. Touch a Truck in Plantation includes opportunities to walk right up to and maybe sit inside fire trucks, tractors and other vehicles. In 2026, the free event is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 14, with no horns 9 a.m. to …

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With a popular event in Davie, the Broward Natural Resources Division offers the opportunity for Broward residents to nab free trees. Water Matters Day in 2026 is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie 33328. Entry into the park is $3 per vehicle with up …

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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

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World Fest in Weston offers an international array of flavors, fashion, displays, art, singing, dancing and other live entertainment. Entry is free for Weston World Fest festivities in 2026 is 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, offering entertainment and things to do for kids and adults. Weston World Fest features performances and interactive …

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Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers free concerts and dancing outdoors in the city’s downtown area in winter and spring.  Friday Night Music Local bands perform Friday Night Music monthly in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The free music performances, weather permitting, are 7 to 10 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month in winter and spring.  Music events in 2026 will be: …

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Invite your artsy friends. Broward Mural Fest in Fort Lauderdale features an opportunity to watch several artists working on grand projects.  The event includes entertainment and activities for youngsters and grownups.  Broward Mural Fest in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, at History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW …

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Orange Blossom Festival offers vendors, live bands and things to do for kids in Davie. A parade and a petting farm are included in the events. The Orange Blossom Festival  in 2026 is Friday, February 27, Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, and entry to most events is free. Free Festival at Bamford Park …

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For an entertaining evening out, Pembroke Pines is hosting Beats & Bites featuring favorite hits from different decades and food trucks.  Regional bands perform at the events and entry is free.  Beats & Bites events are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 2026, including: February 26: DJ Sama, ’80s and ’90s March 19 May 28 …

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The art of film is showcased at events presented by Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The events include local, national and international films, plus discussions, parties and more.  The 2026 festival, in its 40th year, is February 20-28. Tickets for most films are $13, with member tickets discounted to $8. Most of the films will …

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Shop for fresh produce, prepared foods, vintage treasures, art, decor and other items from South Florida vendors, farmers and artisans at the many farmers’ markets and vendor fairs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida farmers markets and vendor fairs often include opportunities for extra fun and entertainment like yoga, live music, …

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See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the third Saturday of the month on Hollywood Boulevard and on Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment …

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