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.

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers free entry from noon to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of most months. In addition to art exhibits on display, Free Arts! Family Day often includes family-friendly activities like art workshops. Regular prices other days are $7 for adults and $4 for kids, students and seniors. Entry …

Read More about Free Arts! Family Day in Hollywood

Dance, symphony and vocal performances are among the array of free events at Baily Hall theater in Davie.  For many events, tickets are not required.  Entry is offered while seating is available. Some events require reservations. Events in 2026  7:30 p.m. April 21, Broward Choral Society and choir performing Gospel, theater favorites and others.  7:30 …

Read More about Free symphony orchestra & other performances in Davie

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, …

Read More about Farmers markets & vendor fairs in South Florida

Happy Earth Day Earthlings. With an emphasis on protecting the planet, South Florida features a variety of fun Earth Day fests and other events focusing on the environment in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Many events are free and include entertainment and fun for the whole family. Some feature free plants and other free …

Read More about Earth Day festivals & events in Broward

  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

Read More about Free entry & free rides onto Deerfield Island

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 …

Read More about Free food distributions and resources

Funk or reggae. Motown or jazz.  Fort Lauderdale hosts occasional Carter Park Jamz concerts featuring a live band and food vendors.  Events 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. in 2026 include  April 17 Dwight Moment & Symphony May 15  September 18 October 16 Venue: Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33311 Bring your own …

Read More about Free entry for Jamz event at park in Fort Lauderdale featuring live bands

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 …

Read More about Free Hollywood ArtWalk offers art tours, vendors & entertainment

Vintage fire truck. History of pirates display. In addition to a variety of exhibits, Plantation Historical Museum offers occasional entertainment and activities like trivia events. The museum usually is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with occasional exceptions. Donations are accepted. It’s wise to verify it’s open the day …

Read More about Pirates exhibit & other displays in Plantation, entry is free

Live entertainment and food trucks are offered for the Earth Day event in Plantation.  Earth Day in Plantation in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, with free entry. The Earth Day fest includes educational booths, kids activity area, and food trucks. A trash to treasure event is featured.  The festival is …

Read More about Free Earth Day event in Plantation with free plants

If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture to a park. Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Food trucks are at the park 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and the events usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors …

Read More about Dine outdoors with food trucks, vendors, & line dancing at Volunteer Park

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