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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.

Sunrise Parks & recreation department offers an outdoor event space Village Art Plaza that is packed with sculptures and other vibrant outdoor art displays. Entry for many events is free. Parking is free. Village Art Plaza is at 2260 NW 68th Ave., Sunrise 33313. Events in 2025 at Village Art Plaza include Art of the …

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Funk. Jazz. R&B music. Popular South Florida performers are featured at Soulful Sundays in Pompano Beach. The concert series celebrates the history and culture of African American musicians. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Tickets are $10 online. No tickets are sold at the door. …

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Going out to see holiday lights is an important part of the holiday season. In South Florida, many of those lights are on palm trees and not on evergreens, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Florida Christmas lights are still beautiful, and we also have beautiful weather in which to enjoy outdoor light …

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Library branches in Broward occasionally feature free entertaining events including live performances, yoga, and festivals. Holiday events include shows, DIY projects and photo ops.  Some events are for kids and families. Others are aimed at adults. At plenty of library branches, parking is free. Featured events in 2025 Soulful holiday music  Hued Songs is the …

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Load up the youngsters. A free drive-in movie is featured in North Broward. Drive-in films in 2025 include: 7 p.m. Saturday, December 13: “Elf” with trackless train rides at 6 p.m. and photo op The venue is the Butterfly parking lot at 5280 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek 33063, east of the casino. Sign up …

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Treat yourself to free holiday festivities and live entertainment at Broward libraries.  Many branch libraries offer free parking.  Some library events require registering online. Holiday events in 2025 at libraries include Fort Lauderdale Soulful holiday shows and activities are at African American Research Library, 954-357-6282, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33311. Soulful Christmas events feature …

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For a holiday treat, the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale features an assortment of performances from regional organizations.  Galleria mall is at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. Entry and parking are free  In 2025,  entertainment includes   1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6 Broward College Premier Jazz Combo  1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, December …

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Enhance your entertainment repertoire with a free outdoor performance featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Weston. The  show featuring holiday favorites in 2025  is at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 13, at the Amphitheater, 1900 Bell Tower Lane, Weston 33326. Some seats are provided. Feel free to bring your own. Sign up for the South Florida …

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The Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade dazzles the waterways.  The boat parade in 2025 is 7 p.m. Friday, December 12, on the Intracoastal Waterway. The event usually features  more than 50 boats decorated with holiday lights, music and dancing. For boats, the entry fee is $25. If you want to watch online, the parade is featured on …

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Popular and festive, the Winterfest Boat Parade features elaborately decorated boats floating in formation on The New River & Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. The event in 2025 is 6 p.m. Saturday, December 13,  featuring a prime outdoor watch area in Fort Lauderdale with live entertainment, food vendors and a jolly vibe. Fees apply for the …

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For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include: Kids eat free Kids eat free in December with purchase of an adult entree. Valid for kids 12 and …

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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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