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.

Rock out with free live performances in Hollywood. Bands are featured at Boulevard Heights amphitheater, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood 33024. Events include 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1 Brothers of Others rock ‘n roll 7:30 p.m. May 10 Shane Duncan Band Top 40 7:30 p.m. May 24 Viva rock Parking is free. Bring a blanket or …

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 2025, Jazz Jams are 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. first Fridays January to June for a delightful event that’s …

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 …

Gallons of recycled exterior latex paint in a selection of hues are offered free to eligible Broward residents in towns participating in the program Residents are eligible to request free outdoor paint if they reside in any of the various municipalities that participate in the program. If you’re interested in scoring free paint, phone the …

Fix flat tires, adjust brakes and do other simple repairs on your bike at DIY repair stations at 7 parks in Weston. The fixit bike repair stations, which are free to access, include an air pump, select tools and a place to suspend the bike so the wheels spin freely. A QR label leads smart phone …

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 …

Feel free to honk the horns. Police and fire vehicles, a garbage truck and dump truck are among the equipment on display for youngsters and families at Touch A Truck in Pompano. The outdoor event in 2025 is 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3 and entry is free. The park is 1660 NE …

Oakland Park and Art Fusion Galleries are hosting Oakland Park Art Walk. Entry is free for the event. The Art Walk events in 2025 include 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, February 15 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. May 17 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. August 16 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. November 15 South …

Some of the best sweethearts are fluffy friends. Humane Society of Broward is offering Adopt A Sweetheart Valentine deals with reduced and waived pet adoption fees. In fact, pets are permitted at some of the free and inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas in South Florida. The Adopt a Sweetheart promotion in 2025 is February 14-16 at …

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 2025 is 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, with entry fees of $20 prior to the event and $30 at the door, if available. Parking …

Slides, rides, and a drone show are among the array of amenities at a birthday event for Pembroke Pines. The event in 2025 is 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and entry is free. Festivities include drone show at 8:45 p.m. arcade games LED lawn games art stations for kids LED dance floor …