If you’re not down to pay upwards of $200 on StubHub to score some second-hand Kanye tickets for the Pan Am closer, don’t sweat it. There’s plenty of things you can do right here in the city for the low, low price of zero dollars. Aren’t things always more fun when they’re free anyway?

1) CONCERTS EVERYWHERE
We know. Mariana’s Trench is virtually at every Canadian extravaganza ever and you’re probably a little tired of singing along to “Beside You.” But there’s a ton of other Canadian talent to rock out to for free through Panamania. Some noteworthy acts include: Janelle Monae, The Flaming Lips (Do You Realize?), Chromeo, Jann Arden, Death From Above 1979, Lights and a Tribe Called Red.

2) FOOD EVERYWHERE
In addition to some stellar concerts, The Distillery District will feature various cooking demonstrations throughout Panamania for you to channel your inner foodie. Come see how empanadas are really made and feast your eyes on the delectable cuisine of South America.

3) LACROSSE AND DANCE AND KAYAKING, OH MY!
Ever wondered what happens when you try to dance and kayak at the same time? Well, now you can find out. For free. The Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s newest performance, Tkaronto Bounce, is a fusion of athletics and dance. Come find out what it really looks like to embody the spirit of volleyball.

4) CARIBBEAN THREADS
Come out and celebrate the flair of Caribbean fashion with designs from Joan Pierre who is redefining “island chic.” Her series “Cuttin’ Styles” is a collection of exceptional, sophisticated Caribbean themes that you’re definitely going to want to strut your stuff in.

5) MILLENIAL METHODS OF CONTACT
This exhibit is an online photographic exchange project between Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography (Toronto, Canada) and PH15 Foundation (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and OCAD University (Toronto, Canada). The idea for this project is to link participants including photographers in various stages of their careers and youth on a cultural exchange that blurs geographic and cultural borders. And you can marvel at it for free.

6) SAILING ART
Probably the cutest multicultural event ever. The Textile Museum presents Watercolour, a cultural project made up of 41 sailboats featuring artwork by one artist in each participating country. The work will be everything from emerging artists to internationally renowned professionals. Today’s the last day to catch this beautiful exhibit, so don’t miss it at 5:30 p.m.

Image: Facebook/Textile Museum of Canada

7) PARAPAN AM CLOSING CEREMONY
Yeah, it’s not Kanye, but it’s free. And that makes it automatically cool if you’re a broke 20-something. With musical performances organized by Live Nation Entertainment, the conclusion of the Games will be a great show and the beginning of the countdown to the 2019 Parapan Am Games in Lima, Peru.

8) BLOOR STREET IS SO FETCH
Bloor has always been artsy and cool, and it’s staying that way for Pan Am. Why not walk the streets and window-shop for an afternoon? Celebrate the summer of the Games at The Bloor St. Culture Corridor, Toronto’s most diverse arts and culture district, with 14 arts and culture organizations on Bloor St. W. (Bathurst to Bay St.). The area offers a vast range of museums, art exhibitions, concerts, films, talks and events.

9) FREE SPORTING EVENTS OMG
Most of the events at Pan Am are pretty cheap (ranging from about $15 – $40), but if you’re looking for something with no cost whatsoever, sailing is your best bet. This event is unticketed event, and so as long as you’ve got a prime spot on Sugar Beach, you can enjoy watching the sailboats race through the harbour. Just don’t forget your boat shoes.

10) CN TOWER FIREWORKS 2.0?
You can still have fun at The Games with just a smile and a sense of adventure. This last one’s just a hunch, but we’re willing to bet that the Pan Am Games will go out with a photo-worthy bang. Hang around on a rooftop near the CN Tower and cross your fingers that the Toronto skyline will burst with pride.

Did we miss any of the best free things at the Toronto Pan Am Games? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.

VIBE Team

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