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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.

For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

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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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Hollywood ArtsPark is a delightful venue for free live entertainment. ArtsPark is on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway. Featured events in  2026 include 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. March 29 event includes Tank and The Bangas from New Orleans offering an energetic vibe that includes funk, soul, and hip-hop. 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. May 16 …

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Shop for fresh produce, prepared foods, vintage treasures, art, decor and other items from South Florida vendors, farmers and artisans at the many farmers’ markets and vendor fairs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida farmers markets and vendor fairs often include opportunities for extra fun and entertainment like yoga, live music, …

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Set your sights for an adventure in the South Florida wilderness. Perhaps you’ll navigate a shady path through a lush forest. Or perch yourself on a riverbank where herons are wading in the water and turtles are poking their heads out. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some …

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Broward College theater students are presenting an iconic play in Pembroke Pines and performances are open to the public for free. “The Importance of Being Ernest” will be performed on these dates: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March 19 – March 28 2 p.m. March 21 and March 28 The play is described as …

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Pools, water parks and water playgrounds in Broward offer refreshing fun. Some venues, especially municipal pools, offer entry without spending a wad of money.    You can find splash pads with free entry, pools and water parks that don’t cost much, and even some water parks that offer discounts in the afternoons. If you’re looking …

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Thrive Art District in Fort Lauderdale hosts a monthly (or so) Art Walk with art exhibits, food trucks and vendors. Entertainment is featured at the event.  Art Walks in 2026 include: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 28. The event will include entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food and drink and raffles. Thrive Art District …

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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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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, Dania Improv, Puttshack and Regal theaters. Some of the venues offer Happy Hour deals. Free events & activities at Dania …

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For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

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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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