Clicky Skip to Content

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 folks who adore hanging out with their furry friends, some festivals and events in Broward are designed for people and pets.  Often the events include wonderful pets available for adoption.  Pet events in 2026 include  Doggy Fest  Dogs with talent, vendors, and pooches for adoption are featured at Doggy Fest at Tarpon River Brewing …

Read More about Doggy Fest & other events for pets & people

Pembroke Pines is throwing a rockin’ party and the public is welcome to participate in the festivities.  Pines Day event in 2026 is  5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and entry is free.  Festivities include: roller rink with DJ auto show  5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. local talented youth performers  activities  photo ops  …

Read More about Pines Day festivities include roller rink, rides & performers with free entry

For art aficionados and folks interested in free things to do, the Coral Springs Museum of Art offers free entry every day to browse the exhibits and displays.  The venue offers occasional Art@Night happy hour events with activities, exhibits and entertainment.  Featured event  Art@Night indoor garden party in 2026 is 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. …

Read More about Free Art@Night indoor party includes art projects, art exhibit and entertainment

Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

Read More about Water Taxi offers Intracoastal excursions in Broward and discount opportunies

Nibble on fare from food trucks in North Lauderdale and delight in the groove of Reaxtion Band. Feel free to bring blankets or portable seats. Reaxtion Band performs Motown hits. Other features include a kids zone and vendors.  The event in 2026 is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, April 24 and entry is free.  …

Read More about North Lauderdale Fun Night offers food trucks & Reaxtion Band with free entry

Performances, activities and free books are are featured at a Broward Library BookFest for youngsters and their families. The family BookFest event in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, May 30, and entry is free. Books are distributed while supplies last.  It’s at West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 33324. Parking …

Read More about Entertainers, dancing & free books at Youth BookFest at library in Plantation & it’s free

Plantation Parks and Recreation is featuring Water Safety Day with an opportunity for free swimming lessons. Water Safety Day in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Plantation Aquatics, 9151 NW Second Street, Plantation 33324. Parking is free. The event includes water safety demonstrations, vendors and games. Free swim lessons are …

Read More about Free entry for Water Safety Day at pool in Plantation

Sports enthusiasts and families are drawn to Weston Regional Park for its array of features and free events. The park amenities include shaded playground roller hockey rinks beach tennis pickle ball sand volleyball picnic shelters lighted walking path bike DIY repair station EV vehicle station basketball team athletic  fields The park offers free occasional events …

Read More about Weston Regional Park offers shaded playground for kids, sand volleyball and other amenities

Reducing water waste is kind to your wallet. And to the planet. As an incentive to replace old toilets with fresher versions that save water, rebates are offered to eligible Broward residents. The Broward Water Partnership offers rebates of $125 per toilet when replacing an older model with a more efficient, low-flow, WaterSense-rated toilet. Eligible …

Read More about $125 toilet rebate for eligible Broward residents

Pull out your favorite flip flops. If you’re interested in volunteering to protect the ocean from plastic discards and other marine litter, some events in Broward include pick-up projects at the beach.  Dania Beach  Dania Beach is offering a beach litter pick-up event 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Ocean Park Beach,  …

Read More about Volunteer to pick up beach debris for Earth Day in Dania Beach

For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you’re interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.  Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity. “All …

Read More about Free birding backpacks on loan at libraries for nature hikes

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media