Free events in Toronto this week will have you viewing everything from photos to fashionable footwear. There is a cost-free electric dance party, a film viewing, and a OCAD photography exhibit.

Here's what to do to in Toronto this week without spending a dime.

Contact Photography Festival (May)
The world's largest photography festival is officially underway and spans the month of May with numerous free art shows, public installations and events to take in. A good strategy is to hit up the exhibit openings - best bets for the week include The Black Cat (May 6), Corkin Gallery (May 7), Ryerson Image Centre (May 7) and Arsenal. (May 8) Consult the official calendar for more.

SNOW Film Screening (May 6)
If you're looking to take in a free film this week, look no further. SNOW, a film based on a graphic novel, features a Toronto cast and crew and promises an endearing narrative based in our home city.

Synthesexer: May 8, w/ARP 2600, Digits, & Little Kicks (May 8)
Who doesn't want to kick off next weekend with a dance-party? Electro hits will be played all night, promising to keep you synthesweating to the beat. And good news, if you're free before 11pm so is this event.

Learning from Latin American Sub-Urbanism: Alejandro Cartagena lecture and conversation with Shawn Micallef (May 8)
If bold imagery is your cup of tea, OCAD is offering a free viewing of photographs from Mexican photographer Alejandro Cartagena. Also go for the insightful words from Toronto Star writer, Spacing scribe and brunch hater Shawn Micallef.

Bata Shoe Museum's 20th Birthday Bash (May 9, 10)
Get your kicks from looking at kicks? The BSM is where it's at this upcoming weekend. Saturday is the main event, offering free entertainment and cupcakes. Even better news - the museum is opening its doors to everyone on both Saturday and Sunday.

ONGOING FREE EVENTS IN TORONTO

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.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our event calendar using this form.

Photo from the Bata Shoe Museum on Facebook.