Patti Roth

The Las Olas Art Fair is a popular outdoor event that features about 200 artists with displays set up along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is a ritzy and trendy shopping and dining district featuring fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Las Olas Art Fairs in 2025 include: Saturday and Sunday, January …

For frugal entertainment, Weston offers occasional outdoor movies that are free for kids and adults.  Outdoor films in Weston Regional Park in 2025 include: 7:30 p.m. January 11 “Inside Out 2” 7:30 p.m. February 7 “IF” 8 p.m. March 7 “The Marvels” 8 p.m. April 5 Weather occasionally postpones plans for outdoor activities, so it’s …

For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $10 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $10 deal is offered 6 p.m. to 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 …

Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live entertainment.  Featured events include Orchid & Bromeliad Show April 19 & 20, and May 11 for Mother’s Day, moms receive free entry with another patron paying regular price. Flamingo Gardens prices & …

Dine out at woodsy Tree Tops Park in Davie, which is enhancing its amenities with food truck events. Work up an appetite with a walk along a shady path. Or swing and slide on the playground. Food truck events are offered occasionally, including  6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, and Wednesday, March 6, …

Floats, twirlers, and dancers are among entertainment featured in the Sistrunk Parade and Festival in Fort Lauderdale. Sistrunk Parade and Festival in 2025 is 8:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, for the parade and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. for the festival. Entry to the festivities is free.  The event is in association with Black History …

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, …

It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2025 are usually third Sundays, and entry is free. Games are at 6 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes entertainment and prizes. The park is at 6600 …

Nab a deal on theater tickets for “The Lion King” in Fort Lauderdale. The show runs March 6-30, and the discount opportunity is offered for tickets purchased by February 15 for eligible performances. The deal is 50% off a ticket with purchase of another ticket at the regular price. Use promocode LOVE50. The venue is …

Reducing water waste is kind to your wallet. And to the planet. As an incentive to replace old toilets with fresher versions that save water, rebates are offered to eligible Broward residents. The Broward Water Partnership offers rebates of $125 per toilet when replacing an older model with a more efficient, low-flow, WaterSense-rated toilet. Eligible …

If you like a selection of free and inexpensive things to do, Broward offers a variety of events that likely fit your fancy. Lively festivals and other events are ideal for frugal excursions with family, friends, and yourself. February includes the Orange Blossom Festival, Butterfly Festival, Black History Month exhibits and festivals, Valentine’s Day, Ignite Broward …