As the recession rolls on, finding ways to while away your downtime becomes increasingly difficult. No such thing as a free lunch? Well, finding free entertainment can seem just as impossible. But that’s where Qcitymetro comes in.

We’ve put together a list of five top-notch events going on this week and throughout the month of December with one thing in common: they won’t cost you one thin dime. That’s right — we’re talking free.

So check out what we’ve got below. And if you know of any other cool free happenings, please drop us a line. And for even more things to do, visit our ever-growing event page.

ART+SOLE+LIFE: Shoe aficionados should be sure to attend ART+SOLE+LIFE, going down Dec. 9 at the McColl Center. The event — which organizers bill as a show that’s all about “sneaker art with a conscience” — features an exhibition of Converse All Stars specially re-designed by a host of artists. The show also boasts live DJs, complimentary drinks and giveaways. Oh and you’ve got to be 21 years old (or older) to enter, so bring your IDs. For more information, visit their website. (Free. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St.) Bonus: Take a look at the event in action in the video below.

Streetwise: Masters of 60’s Photography: The Light Factory’s newest exhibition, Streetwise: Masters of 60’s Photography, focuses on the work of Swiss photographer Robert Frank. Utilizing his “snapshot aesthetic,” Frank presented a challenging view of America in the 1960s — capturing images of figures like the Black Panthers, places like the politically charged South and more. For more information, call 704-333-9755 or visit www.lightfactory.org/streetwise. (Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Light Factory, 345 N. College Street.)

Pop Life: You can’t have a list of great free events in the city without mentioning Pop Life. In case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s one the city’s longest running — and most fun — nightlife events. Happening every Wednesday, it features a rotating cast of DJs, as well as a rotating list of special activities … such as fashion shows, film screenings, food and more. Do yourself a favor and pop on in. For more information, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. (Free. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. RE:Public, 314 N. College St.)

TWELVE: Art lovers, don’t miss your chance to check out TWELVE — a holiday exhibit featuring 12 local artists — including Jamaican-born painter Martique Lorray — of various media with a bit of seasonal spirit. The exhibit will hang through Dec. 23. Find more details at www.plazamuse.com. (Free. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Plaza Muse, 1200 Central Ave.)

Classic International Black Cinema Series: Presented by the Harvey B. Gantt Center and event organizer Felix Curtis, the monthly Classic International Black Cinema Series is one of the few places that iconic, and often forgotten, movies featuring black actors are shown in the city. The latest edition of the series, taking place Dec. 11, will screen the film "Siren of the Tropics," starring Josephine Baker. And whenever a Josephine Baker film is screened, the event quickly becomes a standing-room-only affair. More details at www.ganttcenter.org. (Free. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St.) 

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