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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.

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 …

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The City of Deerfield Beach is producing a free All That Jazz concert series under the stars on selected Friday nights. The events are at various parks, so bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase. Here is the upcoming schedule: Friday, May 8. John D’Amico Entertainment Jazz Ensemble, 8 p.m., Ninth …

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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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To celebrate Star Wars today, FTL Free movie will show a free movie, “Return of the Jedi,”  at 8 p.m. Monday, May 4, in Fort Lauderdale.  The venue is the park at 508 NE Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33301. This is behind First Baptist Church. Information is on Facebook.   More free and cheap movies …

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Hollywood ArtsPark is a delightful venue for free live entertainment. ArtsPark is on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway. Featured events in  2026 include 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Jazz concert featuring Joe Lovano Quartet and the Dillard Jazz Ensemble. ArtsPark offers lawn seating. Bring a blanket or portable seat if you’d like. …

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Tasty foods  from South Florida restaurants and food vendors are featured at Smoke on The Water BBQ Feast on Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale.  Entry is free. Food items are offered for purchase. The event in 2026 is 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312. …

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Plenty of festivals, live entertainment and events in Broward are delightfully free or relatively inexpensive. They’re great for dates, families and solo excursions. Grab your favorite reusable water bottle and go. Events in May 2026 in Broward Ocean Brews beer festival in Deerfield Beach The Ocean Brews beer festival is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. …

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Live entertainment, food vendors and breweries galore are featured at Ocean Brews & Blues Beer Fest in Deerfield Beach. The beer fest in 2025 is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Deerfield Beach parking lot, 149 SE 21st Avenue, Deerfield Beach  33441. Free shuttles are offered from another parking venue. The event …

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For a fun free outdoor activity, embark on a walking tour in downtown Hollywood.  The downtown district features vibrant  murals on the exteriors of structures in a quaint downtown setting. The display features about 30 original works of art showcasing artists from South Florida & other parts of the world.  Murals are on Harrison Street, …

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Treat yourself to live entertainment outdoors.  Groove N Grub events in 2026  include 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. May 16 with reggae music and entry is free.  The featured band is Jah Steve and the Counteract Crew.  Venue: Sabal Pines Park  5005 NW 39th Ave., Coconut Creek  Bring your own seats and blankets. No pets …

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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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