Free events in Toronto this week include birthdays galore, but these aren't just random people throwing bowling alley parties (though that can be fun): local music blog Mechanical Forest Sound is throwing a bash with some of Toronto's best musicians at the Tranzac, and Wychwood Barns are celebrating a centennial.

Here's how to have fun on the cheap in Toronto this week without crashing a kid's ball pit party.

365 Days of African Liberation Film Series
On Mondays throughout April, the 365 Days of African Liberation Film Series will show a total of four films: Black Power Mix Tape, United States of Africa: Beyond Hip Hop, Mama Africa, and Fela NYC: Fresh From Africa. April 21 and April 28, 6pm, Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre (38 Regent St.).

Frites Night - After Work
Free french fries! "Frites Night is for all Belgian enthusiasts who want to share a good beer in a friendly atmosphere." Thanks, Belgium, for all the free fries. This will be a monthly-ish event (see the page for future Frites Nights). Tuesday, April 22, 6pm, Bier Markt (600 King St. West).

Holy Joaks #4
Holy Oak is one of the chillest places in the city, but that doesn't mean your sides can't split. This comedy line up is pay-what-you-can. Wednesday, April 23, Holy Oak CafĂŠ (1241 Bloor St. West).

Feedback Film Festival
Warning for eager film fans: not absolutely free, The Feedback Film Fest is a PWYC short film event: you can pay what you like for seats online. The promoters don't really care about making money, apparently - they just want you to see the films. RSVP now as this will fill up fast. Thursday, April 24, 7pm, Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton St.).

I'm Forty Now
Man around town / of good taste Joe Strutt maintains Mechanical Forest Sound, and the forester is hitting "the hill." Light Fires (Gentleman Reg), Sacred Lamp, Marker Starling (my fave), and percussion geniuses Not The Wind, Not The Flag will perform. What would Toronto be without this guy making an appearance at every show? Strutt would appreciate if you donate something to the bands, and bring cake. Thursday, April 24, 7pm, Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave.).

Quattro Books April 2014 Launch
Since this is a lit event, everyone will be too polite to bother you if you don't actually buy the books that are being launched. Mingle with Toronto writers and readers free of charge, and maybe even flip through some pages on the sly. Thursday, April 24, 7:30pm, Supermarket Restaurant and Bar (268 Augusta Ave.).

cleo: vol. 2, issue 1
cleo is a journal of film and feminism. The theme of vol. 2, issue 1 is "CRAVE" (all caps!). I'm craving cheap beer and wine, so this will work out. Drop a donation at the door (PWYC) to get in and win prizes. Thursday, April 24, Trinity Square Video (401 Richmond St. West, Suite 376).

Sci Fri
Sci Fri is a "free youth-organized event with food, friends, fun facts, and fresh DJ tracks." They're giving kids food at the Science Centre? According to their Human Edge exhibit, which devotes a quarter of the floor to doom and gloom about kids being fat, you would think giving food to kids was criminal. Teach your sci-fi kids to love themselves and sass anyone who tries to bring them down. Friday, April 25, 6pm, Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.).

Clothing Repairathon
Are you bad at taking care of your stuff? Me too. We're hopeless. Go to Wychwood Barns to have your clothing-stuff repaired for free. There's a 2-3 item per person limit, so think hard about whether or not you're actually going to wear those fell-apart-within-days AA shorts again. Saturday, April 26, 8:30am-12:30pm, Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St.).

The Local
Creatures Creating is hosting their second pop-up shop / mixer. Dj Freeon & Dj Spoonz are spinning at this party of a marketplace, and local designers will be showing their wares. Saturday, April 26, Creatures Creating (822 Dundas St. West).

Barns Birthday Bash
The Wychwood Carhouse official ribbon-cutting ceremony was 100 years ago. Hit up a food truck if you've got a bit of cash, or pop by for free cake, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, Vincent Bertucci Band, and Zero Gravity Circus. Sunday, April 27, 11am-5pm, Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St.).

Check out these regular free events in Toronto

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.
• IFOA Weekly, free for supporters, students, & youth under 26, Wednesday, Harbourfront Centre
• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday, Sonic Espresso Bar
• CINSSU's Free Friday Film Screenings
• Canadian Opera Company's Free Concerts series
• 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 (but is closed until May 2014).
• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

Photo by PJ Mixer in the blogTO Flickr pool