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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.

Happy Earth Day! 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 earth-friendly …

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Teens from schools in South Florida are building watercraft from plywood and hopping aboard their DIY boats in the Plywood Regatta in Dania Beach. Plywood Regatta in 2024 is 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 21, and the floating tournament is free for spectators. The venue is Dania Beach marina, 300 N. Beach Road, Dania …

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Tasty foods  from South Florida restaurants and food vendors are featured at Smoke on The Water BBQ Feast on Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale.  Entry is free. Food is offered for purchase. The BBQ dishes represent a variety of styles and flavors from Southern to International fusion, according to organizers. Vendors are asked to provide at …

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Information about sustainable gardening, speakers and live entertainment are featured at the Earth Day festival at Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. Heal The  Planet Day is 2024 is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. The event includes a vendors,  food trucks and activities for …

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Appreciate the talents of artists and artisans with lively art festivals, which draw exhibitors from South Florida region as well as different parts of the United States. South Florida has lots of arts festivals, craft fairs and artisan markets in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm beach counties. Many events are free or inexpensive. In winter, South …

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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, …

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It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2024 include Sundays, January 21, February 18, March 17, April 21, May 19 and entry is free. Games are at 6 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes …

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For an easy nature excursion, Deerfield Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is “Tree Zoo.” Entry is free.   The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path.  The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, and …

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The Earth Day event at Hollywood beach features live entertainment, including a dance party. Mother Ocean Music Festival at the Hollywood Bandshell includes regional bands, exhibits from environmental protection organizations, and items made from recycled plastic. The festival in 2024 is 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20, and entry is free.  Entertainment includes …

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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 2024 include: Bohemian Trio is featured 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, and entry is free 7:30 p.m. …

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With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, Friday Night Sound Waves offers free live entertainment at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale. Usually artisan vendors and food and drink vendors are featured at the Sound Waves events.  At 5 p.m., you can play games on the lawn. Music is from 6:30 to …

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