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.

For an outdoor activity with tasty fare, lots of free events in South Florida feature food trucks. Often events in Miami, Broward & greater Palm Beach include live music, fun for youngsters, or other entertainment. Lots of food truck events are in parks and free to attend. Pair dinner with a nature walk, fun on …

Read More about Food trucks in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach

  Nibble on fare from local restaurants and vendors at Taste of Sunrise. The indoor epicurean event features dishes from about 35 eateries, including favorite local and regional restaurants. The event in 2026 is 7 p.m. February 19, with entry fees of $20 prior to the event and $30 at the door, if available. Parking …

Read More about Taste of Sunrise tickets are sold out

Enhance your entertainment repertoire with a free outdoor performance in the park featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Weston. The orchestra and vocalists in 2026 perform at 6:30 p.m. March 28, at the Amphitheater at 1900 Bell Tower Lane, Weston 33326. Some seats are provided. Feel free to bring your own. Sign up for the …

Read More about Orchestra performs outdoors in Weston & it’s free

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

Occasionally, Broward parks provide a delightful venue for live entertainment. Often the e Music events at Broward parks include 2024 events 2 p.m. November 24 Bach ‘n’ Roll  with free entry and free parking Where: Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood Organizer: Music Club of Hollywood   4 p.m. November 30 Jazz featuring Broward College …

Read More about Live entertainment at Broward parks

Delight in plant-based dishes from participating restaurants and food vendors at  Vegan Block Party  events in Fort Lauderdale.  Vegan Block Party in  2025 is 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Saturday, July 5, at Esplanade Park, 400 S.W.  Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312. Esplanade Park is on the lovely Riverwalk promenade. Vegan Block Party events typically …

Read More about Vegan Fall Fest on Riverwalk

Fans of Food Trucks, point your vehicles to ArtsPark in Hollywood. ArtsPark Food Truck events are usually offered 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the park on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway, Hollywood 33020.   Entry is free. Food and beverages are offered for purchase. Other amenities and interesting features …

Read More about Free entry for food trucks event in Hollywood

Water playgrounds  in Deerfield and Hollywood that are typically for kids and families are open specifically for dogs at designated K9 Water Festivals, popular with pooches and their people. At water park events for dogs, some pups step into the shallow water and stand. Others fly into the water, swim and retrieve floating toys.  Dogs …

Read More about Water Festivals at water parks for Dogs

Broward County parks are offering family evening events with hayrides. The evening event includes hayrides and roasting s’mores around a fire at parks in Hollywood, Deerfield Beach and Oakland Park.  The price is $4  with registration and payment is required with reservations. Reserve online or pay at the park office. The 2024 hayride events in …

Read More about Hayrides at Broward Parks

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