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Parks and natural areas offer free & inexpensive nature excursions

Set your sights for an adventure in the South Florida wilderness. Perhaps you’ll navigate a shady path through a lush forest. Or perch yourself on a riverbank where herons are wading in the water. Tune in to the visual displays, scents and sounds of the outdoor environment. Some parks, botanical gardens and protected natural areas …

Asian Dragon Boat Festival , Lunar New Year, Boca Raton, Jan. 3-4

Here’s a chance to experience the culture of this Asian festival at Saigon Night Market, with music, food and a Dragon Boat Race. Lunar New Year Fest When: Saturday, Jan 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan 4, 2026, from 1 to 8 p.m.  Where: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, …

Free, wacky King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove

The wacky 42nd King Mango Strut Parade, known for being a spoof of the year’s craziest, most outrageous headlines, of which there are plenty in Miami, weaves through the streets of Downtown Coconut Grove on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.  This year’s theme is simply “Everything is Fine,” but don’t let that simplicity …

Free entry for Riverwalk Seafood Festival in Fort Lauderdale

Entry is free for Riverwalk Seafood Festival in Fort Lauderdale, with food offered for purchase from local vendors. The fest in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 3, at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312. Esplanade Park is on Riverwalk, which is a delightful pedestrian promenade along The New …

Discount tickets to South Florida Fair before it opens Jan. 16

Here’s a deal: Buy advance discount tickets to the South Florida Fair opening day Jan. 16, 2026, and use the same ticket again on another day. The South Florida Fair is a prime attraction packed with family fun and entertainment, with rides, food vendors, exhibits, parades, performers, competitions and so much more. What: South Florida …

Free entry for Rock the Park in Plantation

Plantation is rocking out with free Rock The Park outdoor events that include live bands and food trucks. Events are usually first Fridays and sometimes first Saturdays, at Pine Island Park, with food vendors set up at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 7 p.m. and entry is free.  Featured bands in 2026 include: Saturday, January …

Free live Jazz Brunch on Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Popular Jazz Brunch events offer an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment along scenic Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. The events are usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on first Sundays, with performers at different points along Riverwalk and Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Jazz Brunch If you’d like, bring your own picnic or …

Popeyes offers $5 Faves Menu with four popular choices

Popeyes is starting off the year strong with lots of value for diners on a budget.  The new limited-time value menu makes it easier for customers to enjoy the popular chicken restaurant’s bold flavors without breaking the bank.  Photo: Popeyes From Jan. 5 to Feb. 15, 2026, Popeyes is offering a $5 Faves Menu with …

Enjoy rare buy-one-get-one special at Panera Bread for limited time

Looking for healthy savings? Panera Bread offers lots of delicious soups, salads and sandwiches. However, for most bargain hunters, the popular eatery is also known for being more expensive than other fast-casual eateries. That’s why, anytime they offer any discount, it’s a big deal — especially for those looking to save money at “better-for-you” restaurants …

Free: Florida’s sea cows mingle at Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach

If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to visit. This information has been updated for 2026. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit. Entry to Manatee Lagoon is free. Parking is also free.  Don’t miss ManateeFest 2026 on Feb. 7 … …

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