Free events in Toronto this week include a ton of screenings from documentaries to animated shorts to feature films, because we're all at the point where we need to sit still and pretend we're somewhere far, far away from the blinding frozen tundra our city has become. There will be a chance to check out Toronto's soon-to-be newest venue on Bloor, and then don't miss this free and very important lunchtime seminar from FLAP Canada on Thursday.

Here's how to make it through February without jacuzzi access in Toronto this week.

1. Paris is Burning 25th Anniversary Screening and Panel (February 24, Northrop Frye Hall, Room NF0003 )
The U of T LGBTQ Film Series will host a screening of Paris is Burning on Tuesday to celebrate the birthday of the monumental documentary on the queer scene in NYC of olde from voguing to HIV. A panel will follow.

2. Nordic Nights presents: The Punk Syndrome (February 24, Ryerson University School of Image Arts)
On Tuesday get to know Finnish punk band Pertti Kurikan nimip채iv채t through this documentary screening. Who? "The members of our band are four middle-aged, mentally handicapped men. The music is, of course, Finnish punk." - Sami Helle, Pertti Kurikan Nimip채iv채t.

3. By Any Means (February 25, Videofag)
In Kensington Market on Wednesday catch By Any Means, a collection of ground breaking animated works by female animators curated by Emily Pelstring and Lesley Marshall. It's PWYC, so avoid the temptation to put frozen coins in your mouth by donating them to the gallery.

4. 4 Day Pop Up Market at D-Beatstro (Feb 26 - March 1, D-Beatstro)
A market can be a lousy place to hang out when you're broke - but this one is special. From Thursday February 26th - Sunday March 1st you can check out D-Beatstro, a new DIY venue and vegan cafe opening soon in the old Bike Pirates space. Read more here.

5. Free movies at TIFF (February 27-28, TIFF)
TIFF can be your cozy hideout this weekend. On Friday, see the world premiere of Patricia Rozema's Women Who Act, and on Saturday see Canadian Screen Awards faves Mommy and Maps to the Stars.

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.

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).

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
Though the Innis Town Hall is still under construction, you can follow the Cinema Studies Student Union for reliable Friday night movies and solid picks at Isabel Bader Theatre and/or Alumni Hall 100.

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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Paris is Burning has moved from Robarts Library to the Northrop Frye Hall, Room NF0003

Lead image: Paris is Burning