Wednesday, July 31:

• Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality: A Conversation, 6:30 p.m. at Weller Book Works, 607 Trolley Square, SLC. "Join author and scholar Matthew L. Harris in conversation with Summer-Rayn Barrett and Nate Byrd about the most consequential development in Mormon history since the end of polygamy. It's the subject of his new book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality (Oxford University Press, 2024)." 

• National Mutt Day. How's your mutt? Remember, they need extra water and cool temps, too, during the dog days of summer. And they don't like hot water any more than you do. Check the temp of the pavement before heading out on a walk. If it's too hot for the back of your hand, it will burn their paws.

Thursday, August 1:

• Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce's 4th Annual Pacific Island Business Awards luncheon, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at  Zion's Bank Head Office (Founder's Room) 1 S. Main St. SLC. Event by Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources: "The Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring another year of highlighting and celebrating the incredible Pacific Island owned and operated businesses in Utah in the month of August which is recognized and celebrated statewide as Utah Pacific Island Heritage Month. This year's awards theme is 'Becoming A Better Ancestor Today' and we invite you to join the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce staff, supporters, and members as we honor and celebrate the achievements of survival by local businesses in a wide variety of areas. For scholarship opportunities or additional questions and concerns, please contact Chamber@pik2ar.org or Cencira@pik2ar.org." 
  

Thurs-Fri, Aug. 1-2:

• Capaw Presents: 2024 PIK2AR Regional Conference in SLC at Zions Bancorporation’s Midvale Technology Center, 7860 Bingham Junction Blvd., Midvale. "Tickets are on sale now for our 2024 CAPAW x PIK2AR Regional Conference. This Women of Color Regional Conference will be highlighting Oceania Communities. Join us for a special day of inspiration and 'Rising Together: Engaging and Uplifting Thriving Communities'. This gathering is a collaboration and creation between The Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW), Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR), and Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE)." For tickets, click here.

Friday, August 2:

• What Church Invests in Killing Machines, a peaceful picket, 11:00 a.m. outside the offices of Ensign Peak, 60 E. South Temple St., SLC. Event by Utah Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons: "Taylor Barnes of @InkstickMedia recently uncovered the story of the alleged Christians supporting war-makers and mega-violence with donations from the congregations of unaware members of churches. Come picket for peace with Taylor & friends! Join UCAN and Taylor to let Ensign Peak know your conscience, whether you've donated your tithes accidentally through them or not."

• Pacific Islander Skate Night, 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Millcreek Common, 1354 E. Chambers Ave., Millcreek. "We are thrilled to announce Millcreek’s 2nd Annual Pacific Islander Skate Night, a cornerstone event, kicking off celebrations of Utah's 12th Annual Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This vibrant celebration will take place on August 2nd at Millcreek Common and promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with cultural pride, community spirit, and family-friendly fun. Free Admission, Free parking, Free skating for the first 450 people, cultural food, entertainment, splash pad, rock climbing, and more!"

Saturday, August 3:

Fri-Sun, Aug. 9-11:

• The 16th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented By Harmons @ Utah State Fair Park, 155 N. 1000 W., SLC. "The DIY Festival features hundreds of local artisans, STEM exhibitors, vintage vendors, foodies and performers, with workshops, a kids' area, VIP lounge and more." For tickets and info, click here. 

Thurs-Tues, Aug. 5-10:

• The 27th annual Friendly Islands Tongan Festival @ Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 W., SLC. "One of the longest-running festivals to celebrate Tongan culture and heritage in the United States. The Friendly Islands Tongan Festival showcases the food, arts, crafts and entertainment from Tonga and our Pacific Island community in Utah. Come join us for three days of cultural performances, entertainment, sports, and delicious food, and shop in our marketplace for crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. The Friendly Islands Tongan Festival is organized by the National Tongan American Society. To find out more about the mission and vision of the National Tongan American Society, visit our homepage."
  

Various, Aug. 11, 17, 22, 24 & 27:

• Puncture Vine Bounty Program, multiple days along the Jordan River. Event by Jordan River Commission and Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: "The Jordan River Commission is offering a $2.50 per pound 'bounty' for the removal of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), also known as 'goathead.' This noxious weed has sharp burs that puncture bicycle tires and feet of humans and pets.
  
  "This program is available to registered organizations in the State of Utah, including but not limited to, businesses, nonprofits, community and religious organizations, social clubs, and school groups.
  
  "Sign your group up for one of our scheduled events:
  Aug 11 at Tracy Aviary's Nature Center at Pia Okwai
  Aug 17 near Chesterfield St/Redwood Nature Area with Hogle Zoo
  Aug 22 at Millcreek Confluence
  Aug 24 at Redwood Trailhead Park
  Aug 27 at Pioneer Crossing Park
  
  "The Puncturevine Bounty Program is funded through the Jordan River Cooperative Weed Management Area." For free registration, click here. 

Tuesday, August 13:

• Nature and Health Community Fair, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Sherwood Park, 1400 S. 400 W., SLC. "In collaboration with University Neighborhood Partners and with the support of Salt Lake City’s ACE Fund, Nature and Human Health Utah is hosting the first-ever Nature and Health Community Fair on August 13th at Sherwood Park. This event aims to showcase the diverse ways to embrace nature, spotlight organizations enhancing outdoor access, and promote the health benefits of being outside. Activities include an outdoor movement class, a plant potting tutorial, kids' arts and crafts, and insights from nature and health organizations in SLC. This fair is perfect for anyone interested in learning about the health benefits of nature and discovering various ways to interact with the natural world around us beyond hiking and camping, such as watching sunsets, nurturing houseplants, or drawing natural spaces."

Friday, August 16:

• UDAF application deadline at 5:00 p.m. today for agricultural conservation easement fund: "The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) announces applications are now open for the LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund, with $1,000,000 in new funding available for agricultural conservation easements in Utah. This significant financial opportunity aims to support the preservation and protection of working farms and ranches across the state, ensuring that these vital lands remain productive and accessible for future generations in perpetuity. Applications are open through August 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm. For information on eligibility criteria and to apply, visit https://ag.utah.gov/leray-mcallister-working-farm-and-ranch-fund/. For additional information, contact Jeremy Christensen, UDAF Land Conservation Program Manager, at (385)441-4106 or jeremyc@utah.gov."

Sat-Thurs, Aug. 24-29:

Saturday, October 5:

• 2024 Equality Utah Allies Gala - Enchanted World, feat. Andy Bell of Erasure, 6:00 p.m. at Eccles Theater, 127 S. Main St., SLC. "Join us for the most anticipated LGBTQ fundraising event in Utah. The Allies Gala supports the work of the Equality Utah 501(c)(4). We are Utah's leading LGBTQ political action & advocacy organization. Your ticket is a donation that helps us work for LGBTQ equality in the Beehive State. Dress theme is The category is Forest Phantasia! Embrace the magic of the forest with greens and autumn tones like emerald, olive, and moss, accented by gold, copper, bronze, and forest blues. Want to elevate your look? Channel folklore fashion with outfits inspired by fairies, nymphs, and dryads, or draw inspiration from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Into the Woods'!"