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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.

The Parks and Recreation Department in Parkland offers occasional free festivals, free films and events.  Events in 2025 include Eats ‘N Beats Parkland offers free entry for Eats ‘N Beats  events that include food trucks and live entertainment 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Pine Trails Park. Events include: May 3 MixTape June 7 Majesty …

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The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale offers free admission as part of Sunny Days/Starry Nights events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The events include activities for kids and adults.  Often events include 2-for-1 deals on wine. Free hands-on art activities  The free first Thursdays events usually include …

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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. If you’d like, bring your own picnic or buy food …

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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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Family films, bounce house and food vendors are included at outdoor events offered in Tamarac. Entry is free for Movies in the Park. Food trucks, face painting and bounce houses are at 6:30 p.m. and the films are at 8 p.m at different venues. Events in 2025 include: Friday, March 14 Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 …

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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 2025 include: 2 p.m. January 26: Boyd Meets Girl musical duo, RSVP online 2 p.m. Sunday, February …

Read More about Orchestra, films & other events at Bailey Hall in Davie & they’re free

Watch a rescued turtle dine on greens. With a focus on protecting oceans and their wildlife inhabitants, Marine Environmental Education in Hollywood is open to the public with exhibits and a saltwater pool where you can watch a rescued sea turtle swim and eat. The female sea turtle on site is not releasable due to …

Read More about Exhibits & turtle feedings at environmental education venue in Hollywood & entry is free

For outdoor afternoon entertainment, local performers entertain at events at Tunnel Top Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. Events in 2025 are 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in April and May. Musicians include: Friday April 25  Jonny Edwards Wednesday April 30  Chris Monteleone Friday May 2  Jeff Durham Wednesday May 7  Mike Daly Friday May 9 Wednesday …

Read More about Local performers featured at Tunnel Top Plaza in Fort Lauderdale & entry is free

Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town play area.  For a stroll, a boardwalk runs along a lake. Dogs are welcome to nose around Pawgrass Dog Park. Welleby Park, 954-747-4600, is at …

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If you’d like entertainment and activities  with your shopping and dining excursions, Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach offers free events for kids and adults. Dania Pointe is a popular plaza with trendy shops, restaurants, Bowlero, Dania Improv and Regal theaters. Some of the venues offer Happy Hour deals. Featured event Mompreneur vendors are featured …

Read More about Entertainment, fitness & other free events at Dania Pointe

Living on the CheapMiami 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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