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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.

Eligible apparel, household items and other goods are typically half-price on Wednesdays at participating Salvation Army Family Stores in Broward. The deal is valid for lots of items at the thrift stores including shoes, purses and other goods, except furniture. Participating stores offer other discounts, such as a discount 0f 50% on yellow  items, except …

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For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $12 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $12 deal is offered 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Galaxy Skateway.  The regular price is usually about  $15-$20 with skate rentals. Recommendation: Phone first to ensure the venue is …

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Live entertainment, kids activities and vendors are featured at the Tiger Trail Festival in Pompano Beach. Entry is free, with the parade and festivities recognizing Black History Month The event in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 21, and it’s outdoors. Feel free to bring lawn seats and blankets.  Black History events …

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Plantation is rocking out with free Rock The Park outdoor events that include live bands and food trucks. Events are usually first Fridays and sometimes first Saturdays, at Pine Island Park, with food vendors set up at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 7 p.m. and entry is free.  Featured bands in 2026 include: Saturday, February …

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Entry is free for Pioneer Days with a parade, live bands and other festivities. The events activities for kids and artisan vendors. Pioneer Days in 2026 are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, February 14, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at the Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21st Avenue. Parking fees …

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Interactive projects for kids and live performances by students from local schools are featured at Celebrate the Arts Day in Weston. The free festival will include performances by school bands, choruses and drama troupes, interactive booths for craft activities and a 28-foot graffiti wall. There will also be tattoo and balloon art, plus lawn games. …

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Parks are perfect for outdoor excursions with your pooch. Occasionally, parks offer extra festivities for pets and pet lovers, such as Doggie-Palooza in Plantation. The popular outdoor expo in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 31, with the entry fee of $2 per person. Dogs attend free. It’s at Happy Tails Park, …

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Tamarac is proudly representing its diversity with a festival that features performances and exhibits reflecting people from different nations and backgrounds. The event includes a laser show.  One Tamarac Multicultural Festival offers food trucks, exhibits and kids’ zone, plus cultural performances from many of the city’s diverse groups. Headline performer is Kevin Lyttle, a Vincentian …

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For frugal entertainment, Weston offers occasional outdoor movies that are free.  Outdoor films in 2026 include 7:30 p.m. January 24 “Superman”  8 p.m. March 6 “Smurfs”  Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s wise to verify events are still scheduled before you go. For information, 954-389-4321 or refer to the Weston website. Other …

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Jazz pros and student artists participate in Jazz Jams in Fort Lauderdale, and the jams are free to attend for spectators.  The events are at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Parking is free. In 2026, Jazz Jams are 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. first Fridays January to June for a delightful event that’s great …

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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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