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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.

Festivals, live entertainment and hands-on activities are among the variety of events offered in Pompano Beach.  Lots of events are free. They’re ideal for dates, families and solo excursions. Events in Pompano Beach include 2026 events Spring Palooza 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, is Spring Palooza with a petting zoo, rides, entertainment, …

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Shop for fresh produce, prepared foods, vintage treasures, art, decor and other items from South Florida vendors, farmers and artisans at the many farmers’ markets and vendor fairs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida farmers markets and vendor fairs often include opportunities for extra fun and entertainment like yoga, live music, …

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Family films, games and food vendors are included at outdoor events offered in Tamarac. Entry is free for Movies in the Park. Food trucks and games are at 6:30 p.m. and the films are about  8 p.m at different venues.  Pets are not permitted.  Events in 2026 include: Friday, March 20 “Lilo & Stitch”  Tamarac Recreation …

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Broward College theater students are presenting an iconic play in Pembroke Pines and performances are open to the public for free. “The Importance of Being Ernest” will be performed on these dates: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March 19 – March 29 2 p.m. March 21 and March 28 The play is described as …

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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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Sea Shorts Play Festival offers an entertaining show for adults featuring local performers. The production by Seaside Players features a selection of original short plays written by Florida playwrights. This production will include nine 10-minute plays. Performances in 2026 are: Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m. …

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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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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 …

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