The top 5 free events in Toronto: March 23-29 2015
Free events in Toronto this week show a strong running: beyond PBR snowboard block parties and Winona and Bjork tributes, True Stories Told Live are doing a "best-of" (how blogTO). There's an Angela Lansbury jazz tribute at Holy Oak, Sophia Katz will launch her new book The Title of the Book Is An Inside Joke on Saturday at Videofag, and at Great Lakes Brewery you can enter this collectible sale to trade or sell your beer memorabilia for... other beer memorabilia. Or TTC fare.
Here's what to do instead of feeling sad outside of Fashion Week parties in Toronto this week.
Shelf Life (March 19-29, Ryerson Artspace at the Gladstone)
Carbon Paper is about to pull off a huge undertaking: this super cool pop up library will feature a huge collection of all-Canadian publications and magazines, with a stacked schedule of events.
Winona 4ever (March 25, The Garrison)
Movie night at the Garrison this week is all about Winona (who isn't?) Reality Bites will screen for free at 8pm, with the ultimate teen classic Heathers at 10pm.
Bjork Party (March 26, The Beaver)
The Beaver will be hosting their very first (and hopefully recurring) Bjรถrk Party this month in celebration of her new album, but Buzz Huneedew will also be performing, and you can dance to the hits in your swan dress too.
Once: Preview Performance
Alright, Ronan Keating isn't in this run, but this will be fun. An all-Canadian cast will perform Once in Toronto this spring, and you can catch two free previews on Thursday afternoon at 12:15pm and 1:15pm.
Pabst Street Jam (March 28, Church St x Shuter St)
Ring in spring with a last hurrah to winter. This block party is centred around a snowboard rail that will witness some of Ontario's best strut their stuff amidst PBR and food trucks (yes, multiple cliches are at work here). Music will be supplied by Thugli and Rich Kidd. 19+ (PBR). DF
BONUS
Stephen Bulger Gallery 20th Anniversary (March 24 - April 25, Stephen Bulger)
Stephen Bulger's West Queen West gallery is turning 20, and the landscape in the neighbourhood's art scene has undergone at least a couple of fascinating waves of change in that time. The exhibit will include photographs from all 40 artists the gallery has hosted solo exhibition for.
Also check out these regular free events
Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.
Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.
AGO Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).
Aga Khan Free Evening (Wednesday, Aga Khan Museum)
The brand new Aga Khan Museum for Islamic art has launched free Wednesdays from 4-8pm.
CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
The Innis Town Hall is back with free movies every Friday. Follow the Cinema Studies Student Union or check out our event section.
Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."
MOCCA (Tuesday - Sunday)
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.
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Contributions by Derek Flack
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