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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.

You’re invited to a party with a Hawaiian vibe.  Beach & Groove Hawaiian Party in 2026 in Hallandale Beach is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 31, and entry is free.  Entertainment, activities, and food vendors are featured at the event. Music starts at 2 p.m. Bring your own portable seat for the festivities. …

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For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

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Popular bands from South Florida perform at free concerts in Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Starlight Musicals is a summer favorite in South Florida. Events in 2026 are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays from June 5 through August 14 at Holiday Park on Federal Highway and East Sunrise Boulevard. On July 3, there is …

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Family-friendly films are shown for $2 each at participating Paragon theaters during the Kids Summer Movies promotion. Theaters include those in Davie, Coral Springs and Deerfield Beach. The $2 movies for youngsters and their families are 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays during summer, June 10-Aug. 20, 2026. The movies are offered first-come, first-served, and tickets …

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Information about storms and weather-related activities for youngsters and families are featured at a free Eye of the Storm hurricane preparedness event in Fort Lauderdale. The Museum of Discovery and Science is joining Florida International University’s Hurricane Research Center and the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the event. The event in 2026 is 10 …

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Switch out your old bike helmet for a free one, while supplies last.  Bike helmets, bounce houses and safety demonstrations are featured at Play It Safe Palooza, an event that emphasizes safety for youngsters.    The event in 2026 is 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30, and entry is free.  It is presented …

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The Broward Sheriff’s Office is presenting a Bike Safety Rodeo for youngsters 4 to 12 and their families in Tamarac. The Bike Safety Rodeo with bike ride in the park in 2026 is 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 30 and entry is free. Bring your own bikes and helmets. The event includes  bike inspections helmet …

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Safety information, bounce houses and food trucks are featured at a free event in Davie.  Ready Davie Family Fun and Public Safety event in 2026 is 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at Bergeron Rodeo arena, 4201 SW 65th Way, Davie 33314. The event offers storm safety information and with activities for youngsters, …

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Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is …

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For a fresh approach to navigating sights and shopping in Fort Lauderdale, step aboard a free water trolley. The LauderGO Water Trolley ferries guests along a river route to an assortment of  points along the New River, all for free. The Water Trolley service is separate from Water Taxi vessels. Fees apply for Water Taxi. …

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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:May 28 May 28: High School Reunion Night featuring DJ Sama playing …

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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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