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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.

Ring in the New Year with fun and entertainment. South Florida offers a wide variety of places to things to do and sights to see. Lots are free or relatively inexpensive. Some popular attractions offer discount opportunities. Holiday Lights Perhaps you want to linger in the holiday vibe.  Free displays North Broward ‘Deck The Halls’ …

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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 much much 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 …

Read More about Best festivals and events in January in Broward

Gallons of recycled exterior latex paint in a selection of hues are offered free to eligible Broward residents in towns participating in the program Residents can request free outdoor paint if they reside in one of the municipalities that participate in the  program.  If you’re interested in scoring free paint, phone  the public works department …

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Entry is free for ArtLit,  a popular family event featuring art activities and performances. ArtLit in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 10, in Pembroke Pines. The event emphasizes art and literature. This year’s festival will include creative and artistic interactive experiences related to nature and The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson and the …

Read More about Free Broward ArtLit library festival includes entertainment

For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

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Rides, games and live bands are featured at Family Fun Fest in Parkland. Food vendors will be at the event.  Entry is free. Rides cost $3 to $6 each. Wristbands are available for unlimited rides.  The event in 2026 is: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, January 9. 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, January 10. …

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For a free family excursion, Sunrise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free drive-in film in West Broward.  The PG-rated animated film in 2026 is “The Wild Robot” produced by DreamWorks Animation 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, and entry is free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and food vendors are at the event if …

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Free events and entertainment for kids and adults are offered at Plantation Walk, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining plaza in Plantation. Plantation Walk is at 321 N. University Drive, Plantation. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are permitted at some events. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation Walk …

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

Read More about Popular Las Olas Art Fair in Fort Lauderdale is free

Plantation is rocking out with free Rock The Park outdoor events that include live bands and food trucks. Events are usually first Fridays and sometimes first Saturdays, at Pine Island Park, with food vendors set up at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 7 p.m. and entry is free.  Featured bands in 2025 and 2026 include: …

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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 in Davie offers fitness equipment and free weekday entry

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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