Free events in Toronto this week can leave you richer: a hot portrait, new skills, and, of course, the usual expanded-mind BS (it's not BS) are only the beginning of the wonders Toronto has to offer those who can't afford, say, the Cher concert on Monday. Do you believe? I do.

Here's what to do in Toronto this week if you blew your paycheque on Cher tickets.

Launch Party for Raise Some Shell: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga, my hungry reptiles: free pizza! Richard Rosenbaum wrote a book about Ninja Turtles, and ECW Press is throwing a party, Turtles style. Monday, April 7, 6pm, No One Writes to the Colonel (460 College St.).

FLAME: Block 2
Does the spring have you wanting to make comics, paint, or tell stories? FLAME will host free art programs for LGBTQ2S spectrum youth under 29 from April 7 to May 28. Learn more about their programming and how to apply here. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, April 7-May 28, 6pm.

365 Days of African Liberation Film Series
Mark this down: on Mondays from April 7 to 28, the 365 Days of African Liberation Film Series will show a total of four films: Black Power Mix Tape, United States of Africa: Beyond Hip Hop, Mama Africa, and Fela NYC: Fresh From Africa. April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28, 6pm, Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre (38 Regent St.).

MakeWorks Open-House
MakeWorks is launching a 10,000-sq.-ft. shared work space in a restored factory in College West. The open house is free to enter from 4pm to 7pm with demonstrations by members, live music, local food and drink, and 3D printing. If you want to attend the party with Skratch Bastid that begins at 7pm, you'll have to slip 'em $10. Wednesday, April 9, 4pm-7pm, MakeWorks Coworking Studio (1139 College St.).

IFOA Weekly presents Ghalib Islam and Adam Sternbergh
If you're over 25, not a student, or not an IFOA supporter, then this event is not free, but if you meet one of those qualifications you can attend this reading by novelists Ghalib Islam and Adam Sternbergh without spending a dime. Wednesday, April 9, 7:30pm, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West).

Norman Marshall Villeneuve's Jazz Message Quartet
Shout out to the people who accuse us of hurting for jazz coverage - namely a shout of "I know, and I'm sorry." If you'd like to write about jazz for blogTO let me know. Here's a free concert in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre to soothe your disappointment in the meantime. Thursday, April 10, 12pm, Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. West).

Portrait People
Ivy Lovell (full disclosure, she used to shoot for us) is opening a show at Oz with a unique concept. Pay-what-you-can portraits in the gallery (for your lacklustre dating profile), and free beer. Lots of free beer! So your portrait is going to look great. Friday, April 11, 2pm-2am, Oz Studios (134 Ossington Ave).

L'homme et le ciel - PWYC Opera Preview
"PWYC" looks weird next to "Opera," but that's fitting enough, since this is an "electro-acoustic" performance presented by FAWN Opera & New Music. This will serve as a preview of all the work the two groups have been doing along with three singers, a six piece ensemble, electronics and a responsive multi-media set. Friday, April 11, 8pm, Ernest Balmer Studio (55 Mill St.).

Also, check out these regular free events in Toronto

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.
• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday,
  Sonic Espresso Bar
• CINSSU's Free Friday Film Screenings
• 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).

Photo by Ivy Lovell