Free events in Toronto this week let the poorest of us go to a castle (okay, the castle) for a night, as well as a special exhibit at the AGO and a huge host of music events, from space-is-the-place soundscapes to rock-a-billy throw downs. Need more? There's also the Contact Photography Festival going on at venues all across the city.

Here's where to ride to this week on your beater bike, aka your rainbow chariot.

Launch party for SPiN Toronto's Plywood Collective Animal Art Exhibit
Twelve TO street artists from Plywood Collective have contributed to this animal themed show. The ping pong is also free! DJ Riccachet is on decks. Monday, May 12, 7pm, SPiN Toronto (461 King St. West, Lower floor).

Scott McFarland
Wednesday's a chance to attend, again via Contact's photo fest, a free special exhibit at the AGO. "Toronto-based photographer Scott McFarland layers individual exposures using computer technology to create photographs of exquisite and crystalline detail." The regular exhibits are free as well. Wednesday, May 14, 6:30-8:30pm, AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street West).

Clara Engel, David Gluck, Mike Goodbaum
Are you tired out from the noise of CMW? Breath deep at this peaceful little show at Bar Radio featuring three singer-songwriters. It's PWYC, so give them some of your behind-the-couch money before the cat eats it. Thursday, May 15, Bar Radio (615 College St.).

Field Trip Presents: Discovery Series II Ft. Brendan Philip Harrison
Field Trip is hosting a future R&B, soul, and funk show at the The Drake Underground, and they don't want your dirty money so long as you RSVP here. Friday, May 15, 8pm, The Drake Hotel - Underground (1150 Queen St. West).

Shi Wisdom
Toronto R&B musician Shi Wisdom, Omar "OH" Lunan, and more are playing Vogue Supperclub, but there are two huge catches: first, you've got to spend $20 on dinner or drinks (not bad), and second you have to go early - there's a $10 cover after 9pm. You can't wear fitted hats, either, which might be a deal breaker. Your call. Friday, May 14, 8pm, Vogue Supperclub (42 Mowatt Avenue).

UNIVERSE: A Live Soundtrack Experiment
Absolutely Free, Fresh Snow, and Marcel Ramagnano will travel from here to outer space: the three will soundtrack archival film footage of the moon landing, strange vantage points in the galaxy, and even the lowly people who hang around Earth. It's absolutely free, like the wonder of the universe. Saturday, May 15, 8:30pm, Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Ave).

Trailer Sass: Monster MAYhem
I have yet to perfect my Dolly Parton disguise, but I'm 9 to 5 according to Buzzfeed. The Beaver is exploring the trailer park's of the Transylvanian wild west in their own special Beaver style this weekend, and this time the theme is monsters. Here is Dolly Parton with a monster. Saturday, May 15, 10:30pm, The Beaver (1192 Queen St West).

Rock-A-Billy Shake-Up #17: Ray Condo Rock and Roll Party!
It must be hard to make it in this town with "Condo" as a last name. If you like rock-a-billy and you spent all your money on rock-a-billy stuff again this month, the party for you is Sunday in the Junction. A huge array of performers are lined up. Sunday, May 16, 9:30, 3030 (3030 Dundas St. West).

Pink Ink 2014 Zine Launch: Infinite Mythology
Pink Ink members are launching their new zine Infinite Mythology, and there will be cake. Zines are free for youth, too. Pink Ink is a program of Supporting Our Youth SOY and is an informal creative writing drop-in program for lesbian, gay, bi, queer, trans and 2-spirit youth 14-29. Sunday, May 16, 6pm, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street).

Also, check out these regular free events in Toronto

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Foosball Battle Royale, Monday, Disgraceland
• 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
• 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.
• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

Photo via Plywood Collective