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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.

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 run November through May. In February and March, tribute bands present Backstage Pass. Usually artisan vendors and food and drink vendors are featured …

Read More about Free live music, market and festivals at oceanside park in Fort Lauderdale

Savor The Sounds night is a monthly concert series in Pembroke Pines that includes free live music, food trucks and an artist painting live. This is one of many of South Florida’s food truck events. Events in 2025 include: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, January 26 featuring Joey Calderaio and live painting artist Gabriela …

Read More about Free Savor The Sounds in Pembroke Pines with entertainment & art

Groove to the sounds of live bands in Davie. The outdoor music events feature regional bands, food vendors and entry is free. Sounds of The Town events in 2025 include: January 17: Big Rock Band February 21: Southern Blood March 14: Clean Slate  April 11: Shane Duncan May 16: Greatest Decades of Rock Events are …

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For a fun free outdoor activity, embark on a walking tour in downtown Hollywood.  The downtown district features vibrant  murals on the exteriors of structures in a quaint downtown setting. The display features about 30 original works of art showcasing artists from South Florida & other parts of the world.  Murals are on Harrison Street, …

Read More about Downtown Hollywood murals: Take a free walking tour

Plenty of interesting and entertaining things to do in January are featured in Broward. Lots of events are free or inexpensive. Las Olas Art Fair The trendy and ritzy shopping Las Olas shopping district is the venue for the Las Olas Art Fair in Fort Lauderdale Saturday and Sunday, January 4 and 5, with free …

Read More about Festivals & events in January in Broward

For a free family excursion, Sunrise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free drive-in animated film. Drive-ins and other free family films in Sunrise in 2025 include:  6:30 p.m. Friday, January 3, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The movie is “Inside Out 2.” Watch the movie from inside your vehicle with sound from …

Read More about Free family drive-in film at park in Sunrise

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 2024 are December 5 – January 4, with decorated vessels navigating The Intracoastal Waterway. The tour is a peek at the decorated …

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If you appreciate taking your own interesting holiday photos, South Florida offers some wonderful, whimsical, and festive displays. Adorable selfies. Pose with pals. Broward, Dade and greater Palm Beach offer lots of opportunities in 2024 for impressive Instagramable pictures. Plenty of places and events with holiday decor are free. Snow in Dania Dania Pointe shopping …

Read More about Places for festive, unique & free holiday photos

For a visual treat, festive light displays are delightful.  A free walk-up display in North Broward offers lovely photo ops and a tree with lights that twinkle to holiday tunes. The displays in 2024 are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in December on the lawn at Coral Springs city hall, 9500 West Sample Road, Coral …

Read More about Dancing lights & festive displays & dress up Coral Springs for the holidays

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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