Free NXNE concerts are destined to leave a scent in the air. Do you know the smell? No, it's not summer per se; it's booze and bands and parties...And wristband plastic?

NXNE is once again descending on the city. Music wristbands are 60 bucks and tax, but there's nothing that says you have to drop a bunch of money to see some great live music. There's free events all over the city this week that'll let you experience some of the best bands working today in some really interesting settings.

One of the best and worst parts of NXNE are the four nights of free concerts at Yonge Dundas Square showcasing international beloved recording stars and Billy Talent. If you can stand large crowds then it's an affordable (free!), unique night out. If you hate large crowds then it's a living hell. As a veteran of many a Yonge Dundas Square show, I'd like to share some handy tips straight from the trenches.

Venerated Toronto record label Arts & Crafts celebrated their 10th birthday in the only way they've ever known how: by bringing everyone together and seeing what happens. And by everyone, I mean everyone: not only did most of the entire label's active roster play the inaugural edition of the festival, but flagship band Broken Social Scene broke their "indefinite hiatus" for a one night airing of their seminal 2002 album You Forgot It In People.

Many of the label's up-and-comers also had their chance to shine early on in the day, with stellar sets by Still Life Still, Cold Specks, and Trust pairing perfectly with the delicious eats and gorgeous urban sprawl all around the Fort York-Garrison Commons site. The festival had two stages operating back-to-back to ensure set overlap and sound bleed were never issues, and it wasn't until the very end of the day's events that it seemed the venue was overly packed. With multiple art installations, creative food offerings, and a lineup featuring some of the finest bands on one of the nation's best independent labels, one can only hope this birthday party continues year after year.

Check out these 50 photos to relive the day's festivities at Field Trip 2013.

Photos by Roger Cullman

The roster of Toronto bands at NXNE 2013reminds one that life isn't all sunshine and lollipops. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made, particularly during festival season. North by Northeast is no exception. The math will never add up. Hundreds of bands. Five nights. One body (yours, most likely). What do you do? Well, let me try to help by suggesting some amazing (and local) bands you should check out. No time-turners required.

This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

Billy Idol played Casino Rama on Thursday, so I decided to make the trip up to Orillia to see the show, since he's somehow not playing Toronto on this tour. Was it worth the trip?

There seems to be a growing trend for mostly older bands to do the casino circuit in lieu of playing in nearby big cities. This is the first time I decided to check out a show there.