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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.

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. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312. …

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Plenty of festivals, live entertainment and events in Broward are delightfully free or relatively inexpensive. They’re great for dates, families and solo excursions. Grab your favorite reusable water bottle and go. Events in May 2026 in Broward Ocean Brews beer festival in Deerfield Beach The Ocean Brews beer festival is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. …

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Live entertainment, food vendors and breweries galore are featured at Ocean Brews & Blues Beer Fest in Deerfield Beach. The beer fest in 2025 is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Deerfield Beach parking lot, 149 SE 21st Avenue, Deerfield Beach  33441. Free shuttles are offered from another parking venue. The event …

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For a fun free outdoor activity, embark on a walking tour in downtown Hollywood.  The downtown district features vibrant  murals on the exteriors of structures in a quaint downtown setting. The display features about 30 original works of art showcasing artists from South Florida & other parts of the world.  Murals are on Harrison Street, …

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Delight in an indoor performance that focuses on the red, white and blue.  Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds is the featured band in a patriotic performance in 2026 at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, with free entry.  The event  is at South Plantation High School, 1300 SW 54th Avenue, Plantation 33317. Parking is free.  The performance …

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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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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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