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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.

The Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantasy world  with performers, artisans and activities inspired by another place and time. Discount opportunities are offered. The popular event in 2026 is on weekends from February 7 through March 29 at Quiet Waters Park, 954-357-5100, 401 S. Powerline Road, …

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Fresh air. Live music. Food trucks. Pack a blanket. Entry for Tunes ‘N Trucks in Sunrise is free.   Tunes ‘N Trucks outdoor events in Sunrise offer free concerts and dining options from your favorite food trucks. The popular series runs October through June and rotates through Sunrise parks.  Live music is at 7 p.m. and …

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For a delightful outdoor family excursion, a kite festival in South Florida is ideal. Especially when it’s free. It’s dubbed “World’s Greatest Kite Festival.”  The event in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Miramar Regional Park.  The kite festival includes entertainment, food trucks, kite demonstrations, kite giveaways, and kite building. …

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Enhance your entertainment repertoire with a free outdoor performance in the park featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Weston. The orchestra and vocalists in 2026 will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Amphitheater at 1900 Bell Tower Lane, Weston 33326. Some seats are provided. Feel free to bring your own. Sign up …

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While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View  is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

Read More about Vista View Park in Davie offers outdoor fitness equipment & free weekday entry

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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If you and your pals like to ponder such intriguing facts as the number of toes on a sloth while sipping beer or nibbling on appetizers, several restaurants and bars in Broward offer trivia night events. Play alone or  round up friends and form a team. Most trivia night events are free to play while patronizing the …

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Pull out your favorite flip flops. If you’re interested in volunteering to protect the ocean from plastic discards and other litter, some events in Broward include pick-up projects at the beach.  Earth Day and other Earth-friendly events in 2026 that include tidying up beaches include  Hollywood 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 28 at Marine …

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For folks who like friendly outdoor events featuring food trucks, artisan vendors, and interesting wares to purchase, Equality Park After Dark in Broward is a free event. Equality Park After Dark events with handmade and vintage items in 2026 are usually  6 p.m. to 9 p.m. select third Thursdays, with free parking. The venue is …

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Rainy days, frosty days and hot days in South Florida offer an opportunity to focus on indoor fun. Be a tourist in your in your town and savor fresh sights, attractions and things to do. If you’re on a budget, various venues offer free or inexpensive entry, and some offer deals. It’s a good idea …

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If you’re thinking about going out for dinner, perhaps you’ll venture to a park. Food truck fare is featured at Volunteer Park in Plantation. Food trucks are at the park 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and the events usually include live entertainment or a DJ, activities and games for youngsters and local artisan vendors …

Read More about Dine outdoors with food vendors, DJ & dancing at Volunteer Park

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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