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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.

Rock out in Weston. The town offers occasional WestonNights free events with live bands at Weston Regional Park. If you want a snack, food trucks are usually at the events. Outdoor events in 2025 include: 7 p.m. Saturday, November 15, features Dancing Queen performing Disco and other favorites, information is online. Pack a picnic or …

Read More about Dancing Queen performs Disco favorites in Weston and it’s free

Popular holiday events in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and other towns in South Florida include lighting & light-up festivities. Events often feature extra fun like live entertainment, activities for kids, face painting, vendors and Santa.  Some events in Fort Lauderdale feature Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds. An event in Dania includes skating and a drone show. …

Read More about Holiday Light-Up events in Broward including drones, inflatables & entertainment

The Yuletide on Atlantic Parade is a festive holiday delight in Pompano Beach that includes Santa. Floats, performers and high school bands are featured.  The parade in 2025 is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, with a route from Riverside Drive west on Atlantic Boulevard to 24th Avenue. If you want to be where the action …

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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.  Restaurants and food businesses are offering free food and discounts for recipients of SNAP benefits while access to that …

Read More about Free food and resources for SNAP users & other residents in need of groceries

Oakland Park and Art Fusion Galleries are hosting Oakland Park Art Walk. Entry is free for the event. The Art Walk events in 2025 include: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, November 15 South Florida artists are featured at booths at and around Art Fusion Galleries, 3496 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park.   Local restaurants are …

Read More about Art Walk in Oakland Park features art and food

For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include: Free entree November 9-11 for active duty and veterans with ID  Ikea Broward, 151 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise 33325 …

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With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The schedule includes: Nov. 14: Touch & Go, Tribute to The Cars Nov. 21: …

Read More about Free Friday Night Sound Waves, vendors and festivals at Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale

Hollywood is displaying its eclectic epicurean delights with a Dine Out Hollywood promotion.  Dine Out Hollywood in 2025 is October 15 – November 15 at an array of participating  restaurants. The Dine Out menus at about two dozen venues usually feature an appetizer, entree and dessert for lunch and dinner at prices usually about  $25 …

Read More about Dine Out Hollywood offers lunch & dinner promotions at participating restaurants

For a fun Florida approach to holiday lights, embark on an excursion on the Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale.  This is a fairly pricey and popular holiday activity. Water Taxi  holiday lights tours in 2025 are in December and January with decorated vessels navigating The Intracoastal Waterway. The tour is a peek at the decorated waterfront …

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Funk. Jazz. R&B music. Popular South Florida performers are featured at Soulful Sundays in Pompano Beach. The concert series celebrates the history and culture of African American musicians. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Tickets are $10 online. No tickets are sold at the door. …

Read More about Pompano Soulful Sundays features popular performers, entry is $10

Hang out in a fantasy world of swordsmen, knights and royalty at a popular renaissance festival in Hollywood. It’s Medieval. It’s Camelot Days. For 2025, the festival at TY Park is November  8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 with an opportunity for a discount.  Regular prices online are $26.37 with tax and fees for adults and teenagers, …

Read More about Camelot Days festival in Hollywood

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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