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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.

Interactive and exciting, Ignite Broward features immersive light, sound and projection art displays in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach. The events and displays are free. Ignite Broward in 2026 is February 13-22 at different venues. The displays feature the work of local, national  and  international artists and designers using impressive technology for 3D projection …

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Valentine’s Day is an especially romantic occasion to renew your vows. If you and your sweetheart are interested, an event in Fort Lauderdale is poised to accommodate your happy “I DOs.”  Vow Renewal at Fort Lauderdale Beach  The group event is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Las Olas Oceanside Park.  Register …

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Valentine’s Day is for love. Including love for fluffy pets.  For decked out dogs and their humans, Galleria Fort Lauderdale is featuring a doggie fashion show and adoption event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 14. Entry is free for participants and spectators.  The Fashion Show features prizes for Best Dog Walk, Best …

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Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live entertainment.    Flamingo Gardens prices & discounts Regular entry fees are $24 ages 12 and older, $17 for ages 3-11 20% discount, which is $19.20  for seniors age 65 and older, veterans, …

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Wear your beads. Hollywood Mardi Gras offers its version of the festive event especially famous in New Orleans. Entry is free for the vibrant street festival. The event in 2026 is 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 15 at Hollywood Boulevard off 19th and 20th Avenues, Hollywood 33020.  The  Mardi Gras event includes live …

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Whether it’s an emphasis on romance, hanging out with friends, family and your pet, or treating yourself, Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to do something special. South Florida offers plenty of things to do, including lots of free live performances and art events.  Some of the Valentine events and date ideas are offered before …

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Rides. Live music from regional bands. Those and other enticing features are part of the Butterfly Festival in Coconut Creek. The Butterfly Festival in 2026 is 2 p.m. to to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28, and entry is free. Wristbands for rides are free for Coconut Creek residents. The fee for rides is $20 for …

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If you like food events, point your vehicle to Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The Riverwalk Chili Cook-off in Fort Lauderdale includes food for purchase, including opportunities to taste entries and vote on favorites.  Entry is free. The Riverwalk Chili Cook-off is open to both amateur and professional chefs, who compete for the opportunity to participate …

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Nova Southeastern University in Davie  is throwing a festival with plenty of features including airbrush tattoos, rock wall, bungee trampoline,  and a toddler bounce house. The festival event in 2026 is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at 3300 S. University Drive, Davie 33328.  Entry is free. Other features include: Airbrush tattoos/face painting Balloon …

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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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Delight in Scottish food, Scottish dancing and lots of Celtic music at an event in Plantation. Scottish Celtic Music Festival in 2026 is noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4201 Rodeo Way, Davie, FL 33314. This year, the event will be a more of a music festival. The festival …

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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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