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.

Ring in the New Year with fun and entertainment. South Florida offers a wide variety of places to things to do and sights to see. Lots are free or relatively inexpensive. Some popular attractions offer discount opportunities. Holiday Lights Perhaps you want to linger in the holiday vibe.  Free displays North Broward ‘Deck The Halls’ …

Read More about Things to Do New Year’s Day in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach

Gallons of recycled exterior latex paint in a selection of hues are offered free to eligible Broward residents in towns participating in the program Residents can request free outdoor paint if they reside in one of the municipalities that participate in the  program.  If you’re interested in scoring free paint, phone  the public works department …

Read More about Free recycled exterior paint for eligible Broward residents

Entry is free for ArtLit,  a popular family event featuring art activities and performances. ArtLit in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 10, in Pembroke Pines. The event emphasizes art and literature. This year’s festival will include creative and artistic interactive experiences related to nature and The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson and the …

Read More about Free Broward ArtLit library festival includes entertainment

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 Old Town Untapped in Pompano Beach

If you’re looking for something interesting to do New Year’s Eve, several festivities are free and relatively inexpensive, including an outdoor party in Fort Lauderdale with live entertainment, an anchor drop and early activities for kids and families. Free New Year’s Eve Festivities in 2025 in Broward Anchor Drop and street party in Fort Lauderdale …

Read More about Free & inexpensive New Year’s Eve festivities day and night in Broward

Rides, games and live bands are featured at Family Fun Fest in Parkland. Food vendors will be at the event.  Entry is free. Rides cost $3 to $6 each. Wristbands are available for unlimited rides.  The event in 2026 is: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, January 9. 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, January 10. …

Read More about Fun Fest with rides in Parkland, entry is free

For a free family excursion, Sunrise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free drive-in film in West Broward.  The PG-rated animated film in 2026 is “The Wild Robot” produced by DreamWorks Animation 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, and entry is free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and food vendors are at the event if …

Read More about Free drive-in film ‘Wild Robot’

Free events and entertainment for kids and adults are offered at Plantation Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining plaza in Plantation. Plantation Walk is at 321 N. University Drive, Plantation. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are permitted at some events. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk …

Read More about New Year’s Eve festivities & other events at Plantation Walk

It’s a party. New Year’s Eve events in Miramar Regional Park include entertainment, food trucks and fireworks. Entry is free. Parking is $10.  New Year’s Eve events in 2025 in Miramar include  12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, with kids’ activities including inflatables, face painting, and DJ entertainment 9 p.m. to 12:30 am. …

Read More about Miramar hosts New Year’s Eve events with inflatables and fireworks

Fort Lauderdale is offering free New Year’s Eve festivities including an outdoor street party with a lighted anchor drop.  Music entertainment is featured at the event.  The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown includes bounce houses, inflatables and games.  The event in 2025 is 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. December 31, at Southwest Second Street and Southwest …

Read More about Free New Year’s Eve fest with grand anchor drop, entertainment & inflatables

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