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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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Family films, games and food vendors are included at outdoor events offered in Tamarac. Entry is free for Movies in the Park. Food trucks and games are at 6:30 p.m. and the films are about  8 p.m at different venues.  Pets are not permitted.  Events in 2026 include: Friday, May 1. “Zootopia 2,” Tamarac Sports …

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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. Featured event  There will be a quilt show with quilts …

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For a fresh approach to navigating sights and shopping in Fort Lauderdale, step aboard a free water trolley. The LauderGO Water Trolley ferries guests along a river route to an assortment of  points along the New River, all for free. The Water Trolley service is separate from Water Taxi vessels. Fees apply for Water Taxi. …

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If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

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If you appreciate frugal excursions, plenty of entertaining events, attractions and interesting activities in Broward are ideal for a delightful date. Some are free, others are relatively inexpensive. Make the most of it. With extra dollars in your wallet, splurge on sparkling wine, a fancy dessert, or other romantic indulgence. We also have a list …

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If you want to travel by train, Tri-Rail offers $5 fares  in South Florida weekends and holidays.  The $5 fares on weekends and holidays are for the day on all routes.  Tri-Rail runs from Miami to West Palm Beach, with about 19 stations along the way.  Regular prices  are about $2.50 – $8.75, depending on …

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For folks who adore hanging out with their furry friends, some festivals and events in Broward are designed for people and pets.  Often the events include wonderful pets available for adoption.  Pet events in 2026 include  Doggy Fest  Fashionable dogs, vendors, and pooches for adoption are featured at Doggy Fest at Tarpon River Brewing in …

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Pembroke Pines is throwing a rockin’ party and the public is welcome to participate in the festivities.  Pines Day event in 2026 is  5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and entry is free.  Festivities include: roller rink with DJ auto show  5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. local talented youth performers  activities  photo ops  …

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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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