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Free & inexpensive things to do Valentine’s Day, plus a few indulgences

Whether it's an emphasis on romance, hanging out with friends, family and your pet, or treating yourself, Valentine's Day is a perfect occasion to do something special. South Florida offers plenty of things to do, including free and inexpensive venues and activities.  Some of the Valentine events are before or after Valentine's Day.

2024 Valentine's Day & Weekend ideas in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach

Pack a Picnic

Toss sandwiches and other scrumptious portable foods into a sack & savor a sunny outdoor afternoon activity at a favorite park. Entry for lots of South Florida parks and natural areas is free, or relatively inexpensive. Enhance your excursion with a nature walk. Play Frisbee. Or work out at the fitness stations. Use the websites below to pick a perfect park.

Fern Forest. Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

Food Trucks

For a twist on dining out, dine out — outdoors. Grab your favorite fare or something fresh and exotic at a food truck event. Some food trucks events offer extra things to do, such as live music. The food truck events at Volunteer Park in Plantation, which are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, including Valentine's Day, usually include entertainment, games and artisan vendors selling their wares.

Nab a deal

Valentine’s Day deals and specials 2024

Things to do in Broward

Live band on Hollywood beach

Hollywood Bandshell is right off the ocean and features live bands usually 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, including February 14, when the band is Jah Steve. The entertainment is free. The bandshell is along a pedestrian promenade featuring restaurants, hotels and shops, if you'd like to enhance your Valentine's Day excursion with a drink or snacks.

The Hollywood Beach Bandshell is at 320 Johnson St., Hollywood. Parking at the beach is $3 per hour Monday through Thursdays and $4 per hour Friday through Sundays. Residents of Hollywood may apply for a discounted rate. Parking information is available online.

Play Trivia

Trivia at bars and restaurants is usually free to play, and it's appreciated if you order food or drinks.

Slackers 8 p.m. Wednesday, 995 W.  State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale 33315, 954-530-4758, free

Gulf Stream Brewing, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, participants are encouraged to arrive at 7 p.m., 1105 NE 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale 33304, 954-766-4842, free

duffy's in Plantation 7 p.m.  Wednesdays , 401 N. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach,  954-429-8820, free

Other Trivia events in Broward

Live band for your lunch break in Fort Lauderdale

Noon Tunes events are noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in February and March, including Valentine's Day,  featuring live music in a public park.

The venue is at Stranahan Park, 10 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.  The entertainment February 14 is Andrew Morris Band.

"Let LOVE Guide Your Way” weathervane with Cupid’s Arrow by South Florida public artist Lloyd Goradesky

Photo: City of Dania Beach

Pose with your sweetie in Dania

A public art sculpture in Dania featuring a red heart weather vane is a perfect backdrop  for a sweet photo with your sweetie.

It's outside of Dania city hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Boulevard in Dania Beach.  The artist is Lloyd Goradesky.  It's free.

Pose with your sweetie at Southwest Regional Library

Southwest Regional Library, 954-357-6580, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines  33331, is offering a Valentine photo op station for DIY photos in February. The photo station is free to use when the library is open. Use your own camera.  Feel free to bring props. For part of February the station features a Valentine theme, and then it's a France theme.

Pose with your sweetie in Pembroke Pines

South Regional Library in Pembroke Pines is offering photo shoots with a selection of backgrounds using a green screen. The photo shoots are 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday February 7 and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday February 10, registering online is recommended. It's wise to not wear green or blue items when working with a green screen. A digital photo is emailed to participants.

 

Photo/Hollywood CRA

Appreciate Art

Several art venues and exhibits offer free entry, or occasional free entry days.

  • Studio 18 In The Pines displays the work of local artists, entry is free, 954-961-6067 , 1101 Poinciana Drive, Pembroke Pines. The venue includes artists studios, and if they are open, you are able to watch the resident artists work.
  • Downtown Hollywood Murals features about 45 vibrant murals on buildings and sidewalks in easy walkable route, and it's free. Information about the artwork and artists is online.
  • ArtServe  exhibits  feature the work of South Florida artists & artisans, and a shop is on site if you'd like to do some shopping, 954-462-8190, 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
  • Museum of Art in Coral Springs offers free entry. It is inside Coral Springs Center for the Arts,  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Fridays & Saturdays;  10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs; 954-340-5000; website

Photo/Water Taxi

Water Taxi

Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale offers rides along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, with hop-on, hop-off opportunities if you'd like to dine or go shopping, or stay on board for a scenic excursion. Regular fares are $40 for ages 12 and older, $35 for seniors and military, and $20 for ages 5-11. After 5 p.m., discounted Happy Hour fares of $25 are offered.  If you are shopping or dining, partnering businesses offer discounts or extra perks if you display your Water Taxi ticket.

 

Parks and Natural Areas

Adopt A Sweetheart

Wonderful pups, kitties and other furry friends are available for adoption at shelters and rescue organizations in South Florida. If you want to enhance your family, adopt a pet or volunteer to foster.

  • Humane Society

Humane Society of Broward offers Adopt A Sweetheart deals February 11-18 for Valentine's Day. Adoption fees for pets at least 1 year old are 50% off and some fees are paid by a sponsoring organization. The shelter is at 2070 Griffin Road, Dania Beach.

  • Broward County animal care department

No fees are required for adopting dogs and cats at Broward Animal Care. The shelter is at 2400 SW 42nd St., Fort Lauderdale 33312. The adoption includes vaccinations and microchip. 

Other shelters include

 

Photo/Shops at Pembroke Gardens

Puppy Love in Pembroke Pines

Shops at Pembroke Gardens in Pembroke Pines, 527 Southwest 145th Terrace, Pembroke Pines 33027, is featuring a Valentine pet event  12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday February 10 with vendors, pet adoptions and a photo booth. Entry is free.

For lunch, perhaps you'll book a reservation for Bark Brunch at Brimstone Woodfire Grill.

Browse & Shop

Lovers Night Market

Businesses owned by women are featured at the shopping event 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesday February 14 with live entertainment 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and entry is free. The venue is Wine Garden, 608 Breakers Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33304. If you want to dine at the restaurant, phone 954-302-2922 for reservations.

Flea Market

Swap Shop flea market offers varied independent vendors indoors and outdoors. The venue includes a free indoor Ferrari museum. Swap Shop, 954-791-7927, is at  3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

Valentine's Farmers and Artisan market

Local artisans and food and drink vendors and live entertainment are featured at the Valentine event 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. February 11 at 844 NE Fourth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.  Event includes

  • vendors
  • live music 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • yoga 12 p.m. outdoors at Parker Playhouse
  • Valentine dog photo ops
  • Valentine photos
  • Pet adoptions

Wedding vow renewals

Register to participate in a group wedding and vow renewal event February 14 in Fort Lauderdale. Apply for a wedding license and register by February 9, if space is available. Regular fees apply for wedding licenses.

Write a love letter

Love Letter Day at Old Davie School offers an opportunity to write a Valentine note with a dip-ink pen. Love Letter Day is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday February 10 at the historic attraction, 954-797-1044, 6650 Griffin Road, Davie 33314, with a discounted entry fee of $5.

 

Things to do in Miami-Dade

Open Air Tango

Open Air Tango is featuring a free dancing on the street event 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. February 14 at the Euclid Oval, Euclid Avenue & Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.

Snap photos

Instagrammable places  in the Miami Design District

Parks & Recreation

Things To Do in Palm Beach County

Orchid Show

February 10-11 Valentine orchid show in Boca Raton. Regular entry is $5. A discount opportunity is offered.

Dog Lovers

Valentine’s Puppy Crush at American Social in Boca is $10 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. February 13, 351 West Plaza Real, Boca Raton.

Photo/Delray Art Trail Downtown Delray Beach

Appreciate Art

Delray Art Trail is an assortment of vibrant outdoor public art displays, art studios and other art venues in the downtown district. For information, log into the Art Trail website.

Parks and Nature

Things to do for with your Valentine if you're spending a little or a lot more

Photo/Silverball Retro Arcade

Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach

Silverball Arcade offers pinball and lots of other arcade games. Playing games is included with regular entry fees, which  are about $10 – $20 a person. The address is 19 NE Third Avenue, Delray Beach 33483, 561-266-3294

Drinks and food are offered for purchase. Feature: Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray offers deals

‘Tony & Tina's Wedding' in Fort Lauderedale

The interactive play which includes the audience as wedding guests with an Italian buffet is February 14-25 in Fort Lauderdale 33312. Tickets are $99.50, not including fees.

It is at Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.  Buy tickets  online, or Ticketmaster,  954-462-0222; or at the box office.

Xtreme Action Park, Fort Lauderdale

Xtreme Action Park, 5600 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale 33309,·954-491-6265, is an indoor arcade and recreation venue.  Adult skate nights 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays are $12.

Dinner at the Hall in Dania

Live entertainment, a buffet and drinks are featured at the Dania After Dark event 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday February 10, and entry is $23.18 if purchased online with tax and fee. The venue is Dania City Hall,

100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach.

Family Date Night

The town of Lake Worth Beach is offering Family Date Night 6 p.m. February 10, with dancing, games and dinner. Entry is $35 for 1 parent and 1 kid and $15 for each extra person.

The venue is Lake Worth Casino Building, 10 S. Ocean Boulevard. 

Fairchild Garden D'Amore, Miami

Valentine's Day event at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami. Live music is included. Prices for the event are $79 – $259

Other popular attractions with fees

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More free and cheap entertainment this week

Friday, March 29, 2024

Food trucks in Tamarac

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Tamarac community center

Art After Dark: Live performances, tours, workshops, Fridays at The Norton, WPB

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $5.00-10.00 | Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach

Food truck gathering

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Tropical Park, South Miami

Smorgasburg Miami weekly street fair with music

5:30 pm to 10:30 pm | FREE | Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Free live music series at The Square, WPB

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | The Square, West Palm Beach

Jai-Alai, spring season, Miami

6:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Magic City Fronton, Miami

Jam on percussion for free

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | South Florida Center for Percussive Arts

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Jazz at MOCA, North Miami

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Live Music at Doral Yard

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Free outdoor films in Hollywood

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood ArtsPark

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Farmers markets & vendor fairs

FREE | Broward, Dade & greater Palm Beach

Plantation Farmers Market

8:00 am to 12:00 am | FREE | Volunteer Park Plantation

Delray GreenMarket

9:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Old School Square, Delray

Regal Cinemas Saturday Morning Kids Flicks for $2

10:00 am | Discounted | Regal Cinemas

561 Music Festival, Lake Worth

12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | $10.00 | Mathews Brewing Co., Lake Worth

Downtown Palm Beach Gardens free outdoor music series

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Downtown at the Gardens

Afternoon: Free live music series at The Square, WPB

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Square, West Palm Beach

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

1:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Free screening of "Tell it like a Woman"

5:00 pm | FREE | Bill Cosford Cinema

Live Music on the Plaza

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | CityPlace Doral

Fort Lauderdale Art Walk

6:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Music & Arts South of Sunrise district

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

Free New World Symphony WALLCAST Concert

8:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | New World Center, Miami Beach

Live Music at Doral Yard

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Free Screening of "Priscilla""

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Bill Cosford Cinema

Discount late-night movies

9:00 pm to 11:30 pm | $5.00 | Coral Gables Art Cinema

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Farmers markets & vendor fairs

FREE | Broward, Dade & greater Palm Beach

Tamarac Farmers Market

9:00 am to 12:00 am | FREE | Veterans Park Tamarac

Free Family Day at Bass Museum of Art

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Bass Museum of Art

Family Sundays at Dania Pointe with entertainment & games

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dania Pointe

Market on the Plaza

2:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | CityPlace Doral

CMX Classics discount film

3:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $6.00-7.00 | CMX Cinemas

Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series

5:00 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | Ocean Drive Promenade, Miami Beach

Tropical Sundays Live Music

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Salsa dance class

9:00 pm | FREE | Ball & Chain

Monday, April 1, 2024

Free Improv class every Monday in Palmetto Bay

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Palmetto Bay Library

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

Comedy Night at Sandbar Sports Grill

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Sandbar Sports Grill, Miami-Dade

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Regal Theatres: Discounted movie tickets on Tuesdays

All Day | $5.00-7.00 | Regal Cinemas Multiple Locations

Food Trucks Tuesdays

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Haulover Beach Park

$5 Retro Replay Films

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $5.00 | Landmark Theatre at Merrick Park, Coral Gables

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Free admission for Miami-Dade seniors with Golden Ticket

10:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

CMX Classics discount film

3:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $6.00-7.00 | CMX Cinemas

Food truck gathering at Pelican Harbor Marina

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Pelican Harbor Marina

Free New Music Miami Festival

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | Wolfsonian-FIU

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

Comedy Night at Pub 52

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Nightlife Brewing Co., Miami-Dade

Comedy Night at Exit One Taproom

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Exit One Taproom, Miami-Dade

Free Screening of "Poor Things"

9:00 pm to 11:30 pm | FREE | Bill Cosford Cinema

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Jazz at Jackson, Miami

12:00 pm | FREE | Alamo Park, Miami-Dade

Food Truck Thursdays at Highland Oaks Park

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Highland Oaks Park

Live music: Clematis by Night, West Palm Beach

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | West Palm Beach Waterfront

Free live music at Hollywood beach bandshell

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Hollywood beach bandshell

Live music at Doral Yard

7:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Doral Yard

Trivia nights in Broward

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE

 

Patti Roth

About 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.

Living on the CheapMiami 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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