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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.

Happy Earth Day Earthlings. With an emphasis on protecting the planet, South Florida features a variety of fun Earth Day fests and other events focusing on the environment in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Many events are free and include entertainment and fun for the whole family. Some feature free plants and other free …

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Sunrise is presenting an outdoor event with art activities for kids and adults, entertainment and art exhibits.  World Art Day in 2026 is  p.m. to 8 p.m. April 18. The event includes:  art exhibit  Paint & Sip for adults Youth Art Zone with hands-on projects  entertainment  The venue is Village Art Plaza, which is at …

Read More about Art Fest in Sunrise features exhibits & free paint & sip

The picturesque New River in Fort Lauderdale is the scene of a lively event featuring thousands of floating rubber ducks and opportunities to win desirable prizes. Duck Fest Derby in 2026 is 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, April 18, at Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. The event, which supports organizations that …

Read More about Free Duck Fest Derby on Riverwalk with rubber duckies, prizes & entertainment

  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

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See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the third Saturday of the month on Hollywood Boulevard and on Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment …

Read More about Free Hollywood ArtWalk offers art tours, vendors & entertainment

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is …

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Rather than pick a restaurant, dine on selections from a variety of establishments in Oakland Park. Taste of Oakland Park in 2026 is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, and tickets are required. Tickets are $20 in advance at $25 at the gate, if any are still available. It’s an outdoor event at Pastorius …

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Funk or reggae. Motown or jazz.  Fort Lauderdale hosts occasional Carter Park Jamz concerts featuring a live band and food vendors.  Events 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. in 2026 include  April 17 Dwight Moment & Symphony May 15  September 18 October 16 Venue: Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33311 Bring your own …

Read More about Free entry for Jamz event at park in Fort Lauderdale featuring live bands

Register online to take part in free Healthy Kids Day events with slides, games and wellness demonstrations. Healthy Kids Day events in 2026 are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at participating YMCAs in Broward and Miami-Dade. They include: Greater Hollywood YMCA 3161 Taft St., Hollywood Hallandale Beach YMCA 501 SE 1 st …

Read More about Free Healthy Kids Day events in Weston, Hollywood & others

LitLive in Fort Lauderdale offers panel discussions with authors  representing different genres of books, book sales and book signings. LitLive in 2026 is 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, and entry is free.  Location: Broward Main Library Auditorium, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort LauderdaleTime: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.Cost: Free. Parking is usually about $3 an hour.  …

Read More about LitLive in Fort Lauderdale features panel discussions with authors & free entry

Vintage fire truck. History of pirates display. In addition to a variety of exhibits, Plantation Historical Museum offers occasional entertainment and activities like trivia events. The museum usually is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with occasional exceptions. Donations are accepted. It’s wise to verify it’s open the day …

Read More about Pirates exhibit & other displays in Plantation, entry is free

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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