February is full of free events in Toronto if you know where to look (hint: our events section). Given the looming presence of Valentine's Day, sex is a regular theme amongst the highlighted events below, which is a good thing or a bad thing depending on how much you're having. Not to fear, there's plenty of other subjects to tackle this month, including lost Shakespearean dramas, the visual representation of data, and pixel art.

Shakespeare's Edmund Ironside A Lost Play
Some critics contend that this is Shakespeare's first drama, written in 1588. See if there's any truth to this theory at this talk and reading going down at Woodlot on Monday. The play will be read by 16 actors, lending the event requisite theatrical flare. Feb. 3rd, 7pm. Woodlot (293 Palmerston Blvd).

Sexy storytelling slam
Get hot and bothered at the Beaver with this sexy storytelling slam aptly called "Tell Me Something Good." Up to 10 storytellers will be given 5 minute time slots to tell true stories broadly related to sexual beginnings. Feb 4th, 11pm. The Beaver (1192 Queen St. W).

Potentials photography exhibit
This exhibit features the work of nine York University undergraduates from the Studio Art Bachelors program. Organized around the idea of new photographic potentials, the show is a good opportunity to see how young artists are pushing the photographic medium. The show opens February 4th, with an opening reception on the 6th at 6:30pm. Twist Gallery (1100 Queen St. W).

CSI pop up market
The Centre for Social Innovation hosts its first pop up market of 2014, which will feature goods from local artisans. Look for a diverse array of goods like jewellery, scarves, natural creams, greeting cards and art, repurposed goods, and bee products (but of course). Feb. 5th 11am-7pm. CSI (720 Bathurst St.)

The Sex Show
More sex-themed programming comes in the form of the Sex Show, which "attempts to push the boundaries of the definition of sex. It approaches the topic of sex from all angles, exhibiting works that vary on a broad scale, from art that is more explicit to art that is more elusive in content." Featuring a broad variety of mediums, including film, sculpture, collage and paint, the show investigates sex in all its various facets. Opening reception Feb. 6th, 8pm. Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St. W).

Material Evidence
Better put your thinking cap on for this one. New York Times columnist Charles Blow joins U of T professor Patricia McCarney and artist Ben Rubin to discuss visual representations of data and how they increasing structure the way we receive and process information. The event is free, but tickets are required through Eventbrite. Feb. 6th, 6:30pm. Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W).

The Dirty Hustle
Looking to dance, but not into paying cover? No problem. Head to the Steady for the Dirty Hustle for this Friday night dance party DJ'd by DJ Sun Sun & Vanity Muscles. Expect hip hop and RnB. Feb. 7th, 10pm. The Steady (1051 Bloor St. W).

Hard Livin'
This exhibit turns #Hashtag Gallery into a life-sized board game composed of over 500 pieces of pixel art. Laid out as an obstacle course, the artists warn that "your survival depends on the choices you make and your ability to discover patterns and adopt strategies." I'm always up for a challenge... Opening reception Feb. 8th, 7pm. #Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas St. W)

Kuumba Festival
The Kuumba festival returns this year with an incredible spoken word line-up in this amazing showcase of Black poetic voices. Jordan "JV da' Poet" Viera, Quentin Vercetty, Trevlyn Kay, David Delisca, Mark "Kurupt" Stoddart and R.I.S.E. Poetry founder Randell Adjei will hit the stage to share their words in an event not to be missed.

The Annex Flea Valentine's Edition
The Annex Flea wants you to buy a DIY or locally made Valentine's gift this year. Check out all the vintage wares on offer at the Centre for Social Innovation. For a breakdown of vendors, check out our previous post. Feb. 9th, 10am-4pm. CSI Annex (720 Bathurst St.)

Showdown in Little Tokyo screening
Looking for a dose of '90s nostalgia. Head over to Kitch for this screening of Showdown in Little Tokyo, the third installment of the Video Vengeance screening series. The Mark L. Lester-directed movie didn't impress many critics, but it's perfect retro fodder. Feb. 9th, 7:30pm. Kitch (229 Geary Ave).

Do you want everyone to know about your kinda random free or pay-what-you-can event? Submit it to our event section! (You can also submit your for-money events here, greedy-pants.)

Lead photo of Kitch