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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 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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 Flippers theater in Hollywood features $5 ticket deals.  Flippers movie theater and arcade offers $5 movies Wednesdays.  The deal does not apply to new releases, special showings or  3D movies.  The $5 offer does not apply to holidays. Flippers theater and arcade is at 7001 Taft St., Hollywood 33024. Sign up for the South Florida …

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Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers free concerts and dancing outdoors in the city’s downtown area in winter and spring.  Friday Night Music Local bands perform Friday Night Music monthly in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The free music performances, weather permitting, are 7 to 10 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month in winter and spring.  Music events in 2026 will be: …

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For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

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Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …

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Rock out with free live performances in Hollywood during the Hollywood West Concert Series. Bands are featured at Boulevard Heights amphitheater, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood 33024. Events include: 7 p.m. March 21. Fortune 7 p.m. April 4. La Colombianisima 7 p.m. May 22. Shane Duncan Band. Parking is free. Dial 954-921-3404 for information. Bring a blanket or portable …

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Old Town in Pompano Beach is the venue for free Backyard Jam events featuring local and regional bands. The events are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. select third Fridays and entry is free. Entertainment  includes: February 20. Acoustic Fingers March 20. Revibe April 17. Spider Cherry    May 15. Joey Calderaio June 9 The venue is …

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YMCA South Florida organizations offer free swim lessons for water safety. The lessons are for kids, teens and adults.  Free lessons in 2026 are March 16 to March 20, and registration is required online.  YMCA facilities in Broward offering free swim instruction include Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood.  Residency in Broward is …

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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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Nab a 40 percent discount for the Fort Lauderdale Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival. The organizers of the event are offering an opportunity for the deal. The festival in 2026 is 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and featuring tastings of about 100 adult beverages. The event …

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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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