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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.

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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Library branches in Broward occasionally feature free entertaining and events including live performances, yoga, and festivals.  Some events are for kids and families. Others are aimed at adults. At plenty of library branches, parking is free. Featured events in 2026 Food event at African-American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale   5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Thursday …

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Express yourself with Haitian flair.  Konpa Pompano is a dance workshop in Pompano Beach that emphasizes the energy, smooth rhythms and expressiveness of Haitian dance.  The Haitian Heritage event in 2026 is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at The Hive, 355 MLK Jr. Boulevard Pompano Beach 33060.  The fee is $10 online. Sign up for …

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Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town play area.  For a stroll, a boardwalk runs along a lake. Dogs are welcome to nose around Pawgrass Dog Park. Welleby Park, 954-747-4600, is at …

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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 33324. Events usually are free, with free parking. Pets are permitted at some events. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted. Events at Plantation …

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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 …

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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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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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