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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.

Some parks and recreation departments and other organizations offer water safety events that are usually free to attend.  Often, the events include entertainment and games. Please verify if you must register prior to the event.   Water Safety Events in 2026 in Broward include  Plantation  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Plantation Aquatics, …

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Wet splashy activities and entertainment are featured at a free Water Works pool and park event organized by the Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department. The event includes water slides, DJ entertainment and food vendors. Other features include a toddler zone.  Water Works in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at …

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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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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, May 1. “Zootopia 2,” Tamarac Sports …

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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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It’s their day. Mother’s Day. If an outdoor excursion is on the agenda, Flamingo Gardens in Davie is featuring a Mother’s Day deal. Flamingo Gardens in 2026 offers free entry Sunday, May 10 for moms in who are with another patron paying regular price, which is $24 for ages 12 and older, $19.20 for seniors, …

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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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Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Featured event  There will be a quilt show with quilts …

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Pull out your favorite swimwear. The water playground at Quiet Waters Park offers occasional extra events and opportunities for discounts. Splash Adventure is an interactive shallow water playground with slides and spritzy features. Quiet Waters Park, 954-357-5100, is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts Splash Adventure is inside …

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