Broke like me? I don’t know about you, but with NXNE starting up in a couple of days I can hear my wallet cringing. Fear not, worried penny pinchers, for free concerts abound this week in venues large and small.

As usual, Criminal Records and Sonic Boom will be clearing their aisles to make room for some excellent free shows. Here’s how they break down so far:

Thursday, June 12

The John Henrys - 7pm, Criminal Records

Two Hours Traffic - 7pm, Sonic Boom

Friday, June 13

Shotgun Jimmy ft. Attack In Black - 5pm, Criminal Records
Calm Down It’s Monday - 5:30pm
Old Man Luedecke - 6pm
The Superfantastics - 6:30pm
Mardeen - 7pm

The Two Koreas - 7pm, Sonic Boom

Saturday, June 14

Monotonix - 3pm, Sonic Boom
Mannequin Men - 4pm
Starvin Hungry - 5pm

The Pack A.D. - 6pm, Criminal Records

Of course, for my money (or lack thereof), the free Kelp/Saved By Vinyl BBQ at Global Village Backpackers Hostel on Friday, June 13 is the way to go. Things kick off at noon and don’t stop until the early evening, making it the perfect primer for a long night of concert tomfoolery. Not to mention that it’s got an awesome lineup, including the likes of The Violet Archers and HILOTRONS.

Looking for something a little bigger? A good number of parks and open spaces in Toronto are also playing host to free outdoor gigs throughout the festival. Yonge and Dundas Square in particular has a hell of a lot going on, including performances by Teenage Head, Ladyhawk and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.

Check out the full NXNE schedule for more, but don’t let an empty wallet keep you from enjoying NXNE this year!

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The Two Koreas - Withering Heights

The Pack A.D. - All Damn Day Long