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.

Sunrise Parks & recreation department offers an outdoor event space — Village Art Plaza — that is packed with sculptures and other vibrant outdoor art displays. Entry for many events is free. Parking is free. Village Art Plaza is at 2260 NW 68th Ave., Sunrise 33313. Events in 2025 at Village Art Plaza include Cinco …

Read More about Free Cinco de Mayo fiesta & other events at Village Plaza in Broward

Wet splashy activities and entertainment are featured at a free Water Works pool and park event organized by Pompano Parks and Recreation Department. The event includes water slides, DJ entertainment and food vendors.  Other features include photo ops and a toddler zone.  Water Works in 2025 is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, …

Read More about Free Water Works event in Pompano

Woofing Waters Dog Park within Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach offers water-spritzing features for dogs. It’s a fun venue for water-loving pets and people who adore their dogs. Entry fees are $5 per day for up to 3 dogs in a family. On weekends and holidays, fees for entry to Quiet Waters Park apply. …

Read More about Woofing Waters in Deerfield Beach is for the dogs

Pull out your favorite swimwear. The water playground at Quiet Waters Park offers occasional extra events and opportunities for discounts. Splash Adventure is an interactive shallow water playground with slides and spritzy features. Quiet Waters Park is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts $6 per day, and free …

Read More about Water playground at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield offers discount opportunity

Plenty of festivals, live entertainment and events in Broward are delightfully free or relatively inexpensive.  They’re great for dates, families and solo excursions. Grab your favorite reusable water bottle and go. Events in May 2025 Groove on the Grass in Tamarac Groove on the Grass in Tamarac is 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, May …

Read More about Best festivals, entertainment & events in May in Broward

You don’t need to be from a galaxy far away to delight in this event. Some organizations and recreation departments offer  “Stars Wars Day” festivities for May the 4th, a whimsical wordplay on the iconic phrase associated with the blockbuster movies. Festivities in Broward include     Star Wars event in Hollywood PlastiCon Expo  with …

Read More about ‘May the Fourth’ event in Broward

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 …

Read More about Free ‘Untapped’ events in Pompano with fire fountain, vendors & rock entertainment

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. Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone …

Read More about Free food distributions & resources for residents in need

While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View  is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

Read More about Vista View Park in Davie offers water playground, fitness equipment and free weekday entry

The Parks and Recreation Department in Parkland offers occasional free festivals, free films and events.  Events in 2025 include Eats ‘N Beats Parkland offers free entry for Eats ‘N Beats  events that include food trucks and live entertainment 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Pine Trails Park. Events include: May 3 MixTape June 7 Majesty …

Read More about Free in Parkland: Rock out at the park & Pet Expo

The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale offers free admission as part of Sunny Days/Starry Nights events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The events include activities for kids and adults.  Often events include 2-for-1 deals on wine. Free hands-on art activities  The free first Thursdays events usually include …

Read More about Free entry days at NSU Art museum Fort Lauderdale

Living on the CheapMiami 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