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.

Selfies with Santa are featured at Banyan Pilot Shop in Fort Lauderdale.  The event in 2025 is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. November 22 and Santa flies in by plane.  Entry is free and reservations are requested online.  Banyan Pilot Shop is at 5320 NW 20th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale 33309. Other Holiday Events  

Read More about Santa flies in on a plane and poses for photos in Fort Lauderdale RSVP online

If you like a selection of free and inexpensive things to do, Broward offers a variety of events that likely fit your fancy. Lively festivals and other events are ideal for frugal excursions with family, friends, and yourself. February includes the Orange Blossom Festival, Butterfly Festival, Black History Month exhibits and festivals, Valentine’s Day, Ignite Broward …

Read More about Festivals and events in February in Broward

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 …

Read More about Free Sounds of The Town concerts in Davie

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

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

Festive lights, a dapper 20-foot tropical snowman named Olas, and entertainment are featured at Fort Lauderdale beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park. Holiday displays, photo ops, and lots of events are free. Las Olas Oceanside Park or LOOP is at 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33316. Events for 2024 include:   Olas The …

Read More about Holiday lights, entertainment & events at Fort Lauderdale beach

Happy Hanukkah! Broward County organizations have planned a number of public events to celebrate Hanukkah this year. The Jewish holiday in 2025 is December 14 – 21, and it is different days every year in the English calendar. Hanukkah celebrates both a military victory and a miracle. The holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, …

Read More about Hanukkah events in Broward

Santa is attending Winter Wonderland, a holiday event in Tamarac. Entry is free. Festivities in 2025 are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, December 12, at Tamarac Park baseball fields, 954-597-3620, 7501 N. University Drive, Tamarac. Parking is free. The event includes: photo ops with Santa Rudolph food trucks bounce houses games  entertainment Sign up …

Read More about Winter Wonderland in Tamarac offers bounce houses, games & free entry

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