Free events in Toronto: May 26 - June 1, 2014

Free events in Toronto this week might give film fans a cornea-arrest, which sounded funnier before I typed it out, pun-wise. We're looking at a lot of free film events this week, plus comedy tapings, free grub, indie music shows, and the launch of the Craft Beer Passport (swag alert).

Here's how to patiently wait for that next life-line of a paycheque in Toronto this week.

Bad Movie Night Toronto presents DEADLY PREY

A bad movie is like a cupcake: sometimes you need to smoosh it in your face until you feel better. Cupcakes are rarely free, though. Deadly Prey (1986) follows "lawless mercenaries" in "the forests of California" and features "grunting." Monday, May 26, 7:30pm, Clintons (693 Bloor St. West)

Too Much Information Comedy TV Series Tapings

Between Monday and Thursday you can sign up for free tickets to see comedy/variety show tapings for Super Channel by Carla Collins, Mark Forward, Trixx, Geri Hall, Dave Merheje, Naomi Snieckus, Pat Thornton and more at the CBC. May 26-29, 12:45 PM - 9:30 PM, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (25 John St).

Frites Night - After Work

It's back: free french fries. "Frites Night is for all Belgian enthusiasts who want to share a good beer in a friendly atmosphere." Thanks, Belgium, for all the free fries. Tuesday, May 27, 6pm, Bier Markt (600 King St. West).

North Korea Human Rights FREE Movie Night

Film lovers are having a good week: on May 26, 28, and 30 free screenings on North Korea will take place at Light Church and Bloor United Church. Check out the page to see the films on the line up and info.

LIFT Summer 2014 Open House

If you're a budding Toronto film maker, you probably already know about The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers (if you don't, check this resource out). The artist-run film org is hosting a free open house this Tuesday so you can get to know them better. Tuesday, May 27, 7pm, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) (1137 Dupont Street).

Insite Exhibition Tour with Andrea Fatona

Assistant professor in the Criticism and Curatorial program at OCAD Andrea Fatona will lead an exhibition tour of Generations of Queer. Wednesday, May 28, 6:30pm, Onsite [at] Ocadu (230 Richmond Street West, Street Level).

DOC NOW 2014 Festival Launch

Ryerson University's Documentary Media Festival is kicking off at the lovely Winter Garden Theatre with a panel featuring photographer Edward Burtynsky, filmmaker Kevin McMahon, and new media artist Marc Serpa Francoeur. Arrive early to get a seat. Wednesday, May 28, 6pm, The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre (189 Yonge Street).

I've Heard Stories

I told you this week is stacked with film free-for-alls: Azar Mahmoudian is curating a film program at Toronto Archives "exploring the intersection of art and documentary practices." Check out the programming here. Wednesday, May 28, 7pm, City of Toronto Archives (255 Spadina Road).

Feedback Film Festival

You know how this works: RSVP to see a screening of free short films. If you're not film-ed out by this point, check out more about the series and how to RSVP here. Thursday, May 29th Carlton Cinemas (20 Carlton Street).

Summer Jamz: A Queer & Trans Cover Band Show

This PWYC ($5 or whatever you got) show at Bike Pirates is taking on the whole lumberjack bros at shows thing (no offense, you beardly indie rawkers you) by building bands from the ground up featuring musicians who are queer / trans / not fitting the lumberjack-with-guitar thing. There will be drinks and loud music. Thursday, May 30, 8pm, Bike Pirates (1292 Bloor St West).

Foodie Festival

If you're not ashamed to use the word "foodie" and you've always wanted to party in the library, check this free event out. Not sold? How about free food, gym membership prizes, and cooking demos? Friday, May 30, 4pm - 8pm, Albion Library (1515 Albion Road).

Bar Senator - Booze, Rhythm & Blues w/ DJ Goin' Steady

See the Goin' Steady DJs in one of Toronto's most famous diners (while sipping a cocktail, if you've got the cash for that). Friday, May 30, 8pm, Bar Senator (249 Victoria Street).

Free Board Game Afternoon at the Eaton's Centre

Head to Richtree Natural Market to play board games. Not as fun as Snakes and Lattes, but it's free! And there will be prizes. Saturday, May 31, 1-9pm, Richtree Natural Market, Eaton's Centre (14 Queen St. West).

Deep North Records Fundraiser ft. TX Connect, Douglas Carter & GCue

I don't usually post fundraisers here for obvious reasons, but Deep North Records are so nice they're going to let you into their label fundraiser for free/PWYC before 11pm. So nice. TX Connect is headlining. Saturday, May 31, 10pm, Wrongbar (1279 Queen Street West).

Holiday Rambler 7" Release Hurricanes Of Love The Keys Player 2

Give these weirdos some (PWYC) love at Tranzac as D. Alex Meeks of Hooded Fang celebrates his new EP - but if anyone can understand you not having two loonies to rub together, it'll be Hurricanes Of Love (USA). Though he might end up talking to you about the word "loonie" for 15 minutes (just go with it). Saturday, May 31, 10pm, Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave).

Festival of Social Innovation

The Centre for Social Innovation wants to celebrate their 10th birthday with you. Details are scarce on what the party will actually be about, but social innovation might be explained once and for all (it involves parties? Or it should...) Saturday, May 31, 2-6pm, CSI Annex (720 Bathurst St.)

Wide Open House

Free music lessons? Suspicious. Free music lessons at the Royal Conservatory? Yes please. Sunday, June 1, 10am-4pm, The Royal Conservatory of Music (273 Bloor Street West).

E-DAY Island Fest

You've got to take the ferry which can be hard on the wallet, but after that this island music festival is free to enter. Bands will play from noon until sunset, including Spookey Ruben, Luxury Bob, Thunderclap, Ron Hawkins and much more. The event is all-ages. Sunday, June 1, Artscape Gibraltar Point (443 Lakeshore Avenue.)

CBP Launch Party

I like to save the best for last: the Craft Beer Passport is launching at The Piston, and there will be many a sample to be had and prize to be won. If you're not in the know, these passports mean deals on beer. Need I say more? Buy an actual passport for $20, or wait until your last cheque clears. Sunday, June 1, 8:30pm, The Piston (937 Bloor St West).

Also, check out these regular free events in Toronto

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake


• Foosball Battle Royale, Monday, Disgraceland


• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.


• IFOA Weekly, free for supporters, students, & youth under 26, Wednesday, Harbourfront Centre


• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday, Sonic Espresso Bar


• Canadian Opera Company's Free Concerts series


• While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.


• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

Do you want everyone to know about your kinda random free or pay-what-you-can event? Submit it to our event section. (You can also submit your for-money events here, greedy-pants.)

by Aubrey Jax via blogTO