Free events in Toronto this week spoil us, much like the discounted Valentine's candy we're using to self medicate the stresses inherent to poverty. Other PWYC events this week include Coach House Book Club's first meeting, and The League of Lady Wrestlers' Hogtown Throwdown ft. New Fries, while you can tour the 100 year old Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres or catch a feminist film screening series at Likely General for free.

There will also be free burgers on Tuesday. Free burgers.

Here's how to work off the sugar and discount-excitement high in Toronto this week.

1. In Her Place (February 16, Carlton Cinema)
This free public screening will be attended by director Albert Shin and producer Igor Drljaca. In Her Place, the story of a wealthy couple's attempt to adopt an impoverished teen's unborn child in secret, was nominated for 7 Canadian Screen Awards - Best Picture and Best Director among them.

2. Vector Game Art & New Media Festival (February 18-22, Interaccess, Bento Miso, Videofag)
Vector's 3rd annual expo of innovation in digital games, new media art, and more will feature a huge game art centric exhibit, a new media panel, and a party with a live action laser maze. Many more events are free or PWYC. Read more here and check out their website.

3. Somewhere There Creative Music Festival (February 20-22, 10pm, Tranzac)
Somewhere There's weekend-long festival is a chance for weirdo musicians from varying scenes to come together. Over 60 performers and speakers will gather all weekend at the Tranzac. Friday and Saturday feature free late shows at 10pm in the Southern Cross Lounge with acts like Eucalyptus and Alaniaris.

4. Podcamp (February 21 - 22, Ryerson)
Hailing itself as hipper than your typical dreary conference by preferring the term "un-conference," PodCamp is a free hub for podcast makers and those who love them. Attend panels, take workshops, and discover your new favourites.

5. Bloor Broadcast: 87th Academy Awards (February 22, Bloor Cinema)
Pretty straight forward: pretend you're part of the glitz with big screen magic at the Bloor. They'll sweeten the deal with trivia, contests, prizes and "surprises" because they know leaving the house is hard right now.

BONUS

6. An Interview with Mike Tanner (February 19, The Music Gallery)
While this will only appeal to those interested in Toronto's ever-changing music scene, David Dacks, Artistic Director of lauded venue Music Gallery, is interviewing Toronto's new Music Development Officer Mike Tanner about how the city can aid non-band oriented music. Thin Edge New Music Collective will also perform.

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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Photo: Vector Game Art & New Media Festival