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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.

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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Sunrise is presenting an art festival with an emphasis on sustainability and interactive workshops.  The festival in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 21, and it includes live painting, entertainment and an outdoor gallery. The venue is Village Art Plaza, which is at 2260 NW 68th Ave., Sunrise 33313. Entry, activities, and …

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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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For a delightful outdoor family excursion, a kite festival in South Florida is ideal. Especially when it’s free. It’s dubbed “World’s Greatest Kite Festival.”  The event in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Miramar Regional Park.  The kite festival includes entertainment, food trucks, kite demonstrations, kite giveaways, and kite building. …

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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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Rock out with free live performances in Hollywood during the Hollywood West Concert Series. Bands are featured at Boulevard Heights amphitheater, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood 33024. Events include: 7 p.m. March 21. Fortune 7 p.m. April 4. La Colombianisima 7 p.m. May 22. Shane Duncan Band. Parking is free. Dial 954-921-3404 for information. Bring a blanket or portable …

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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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