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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.

Watch family-friendly films for free outdoors at ArtsPark in Hollywood.  Movies are usually 8 p.m. Fridays, with occasional exceptions. It’s wise to verify the event is on prior to venturing out.  Films include: Friday, Jan. 8, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon Friday, Jan. 23: Superman (2025) Friday, Jan. 30: Tron Ares Feel free to …

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The City of Pompano Beach offers free live entertainment outdoors at different venues. Music Under the Stars  Music Under The Stars events are the second Fridays of the month, except in June, July and August. Bands perform on the Great Lawn, at the intersection of Atlantic and Pompano Beach boulevards. Live events, when offered, usually …

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Friendly advice for all dogs: Tell your people about Woofstock in Sunrise. Woofstock in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, and entry is free. It’s at Pawgrass at Welleby Park. The park is at 11100 NW 44th Street, Sunrise. Mutts may bring their well-behaved people.  The event includes   Air K9z Frisbee …

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  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

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Groove to the sounds of live bands in Davie. The outdoor music events feature regional bands, food vendors and entry is free. Sounds of The Town events in 2026 run January through May. Here is the schedule: January 16: Mixtape February 27: Southern Blood (Orange Blossom Festival kickoff) March 13: Havoc 305 April 17: Sucker …

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Free shows for kids are offered occasionally at Weston Regional Park. Entertainment in 2026 includes: 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, January 10: Mr. A Dino, an interactive and educational event. The venue is Weston Regional Park and parking is free. Youngsters need to be with an adult. Weston Regional Park, 954-389-4321, is at 20200 …

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For fans of energetic Salsa sounds, these events are for you. There will be two Salsa Fests in Hollywood this year, one in January and one in April. The Hollywood West Salsa Fest is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 10, at Boulevard Heights Amphitheater, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood 33024. The Hollywood West Salsa …

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Put on your dancing shoes. Swing Out, South Florida offers dance lessons and dance socials in Fort Lauderdale. The events, usually every other Wednesday, include a lesson at 7:450 p.m. and a dance event at 8:30 p.m. with a DJ playing Swing and Jazz. Entry fee is $10 for adults and $6 for students. The …

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The Deerfield Beach Historical Society is hosting an outdoor Driveway Friday Concert Series once a month at the Museum and Cultural Center. The series features local performers, usually the second Friday of the month. Admission is $10 (free for historical society members). The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Here is the upcoming schedule: Friday, …

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If you’re in Broward, you will find plenty of interesting and entertaining things to do in January, many of them free or inexpensive. Some of them are so enticing you may want to drive in from Miami-Dade or Palm Beach county. Las Olas Art Fair The trendy and ritzy shopping Las Olas shopping district is …

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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. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some parks, botanical gardens and protected natural areas …

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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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