April is Dark Sky Month in Utah. Utah State Parks have some of the darkest night skies in North America. For Dark Sky events and activities at State Parks this month, click here. For a beginner's guide from the Utah Office of Tourism, click here. 

Wednesday, May 1:

• Awareness Put Me On: an author event with Nikki Walker, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Golden Braid Books, 151 S. 500 E., SLC. "The theme of Nikki Walker’s chapter, 'Stronger Than Pride,' revolves around resilience, self-awareness, and the transformative power of confronting and embracing one's emotions, particularly in the context of mental health challenges. The chapter emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing personal struggles, seeking help and support, and finding strength in vulnerability. It also touches on the societal stigma surrounding mental health issues, highlighting the need for increased awareness and accessibility to mental health care, especially for underserved communities like Black women. This is a free community event and all are welcome."

• Mural Fest Artist Talk, 6:00 p.m. at PDQ, 2200 S. Main St., South Salt Lake. Event by South Salt Lake Arts Council: "Mural Talk is an 'ask me anything' open panel discussion with some of the 2024 Mural Fest artists. Join us to meet the artists during a social session, and then hear from the artists as they answer your questions! Featured artists: @ernestomaranje, @graffitiegypt, @chanate_art, and @bunnieluvrocks. Moderated by Lara Jones from KRCL's RadioACTive." To reserve your free seat, click here. 

• Telling the Story of Iosepa: Archaeology, Oral History, and Public Education, 12:00 p.m., online. "Archaeology is a fun and exciting way to learn about the past. By interpreting the material objects left by a person or a group of people, the lived experiences of the past are learned. Combining these artifacts with additional sources of information, like journals and newspapers representing the written record, and interviews representing oral histories, an even clearer picture of the past is made. Critical to archaeologist’s effort in learning about the past is to make this knowledge accessible and interesting to the public. Using artifacts from the Iosepa, Utah, settlement, a case study in bridging the gap between archaeologists and the public was explored through collaboration with descendant and stakeholder communities in the creation of a mobile exhibit. This presentation seeks to display how collaboration and community involvement increases public knowledge about and accessibility to archaeology, while in turn increasing archaeology’s inclusion of a variety of narratives, perspectives, and interpretations of the past.

Thursday, May 2:

• Salt Lake County Immigrant People's Agenda, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Comunidades Unidas, 1750 W. Research Way, Ste 102, West Valley City. "Join us as we fight to transform the conditions that our undocumented workers in Utah face while trying to provide for their families."

• Spy Hop Summer Open House, 4:30-7:00 p.m. at 208 W. Harvey Milk Blvd., SLC. "We’re opening our creative doors to the community: come see what we’ve been up to and explore our nonprofit community arts center. What’s in store at the open house? Tours, student work, chatting with our team, tasty food, and more. RSVP if you plan to come! Don’t forget to bring a friend." To RSVP to this free event, click here. 

• Pasifika in the House! Introducing the Fantastic Fa, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Salt Lake Community College Student Event Center, 4600 S. Redwood Road, SLC. Event by Utah Pacific Islander Civic Engagement Coalition (UPICEC), Talanoa Studios, and the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce (UPIC): "Meet the 4 Pacific Islanders running for Utah State House of Representatives, the first in Utah history! This is not a debate. This is a celebration for our 4 Pacific Islander candidates. This will be a vibrant atmosphere filled with the energy of the Pacific Islander community coming together to make their voices heard. Get ready to dive deep into the heart of democracy as we offer an exclusive opportunity to mingle with the current candidates, hear their visions for the future, and, most importantly, grill them with your burning questions! Join us as we embark on a journey to empower our community with knowledge and inspire action."

Thurs-Fri, May 2 & 3:

• Film & Media Workshop and Open Casting Call with Navajo Nation TV and Film, 10a-3p at Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, 120 W. 1300 S., SLC. Thursday: Film and media workshop. Friday: Open casting call. "We are searching for Navajo talent to fill short-film acting roles and crew roles for various original projects under the Navajo Nation Filmmakers Grant Program. For more information & sign up, call (801) 486-4877 or contact Navajo Nation TV & Film at (928) 871-7826 or www.navajonationtvandfilm.com."

Friday, May 3:

• Deadline at 5:00 p.m. today to apply for Westside Culturefest. "Calling Performing Artists and Arts & Crafts Vendors: We need YOU for this year’s Westside CultureFest at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center! Westside CultureFest is the new name for the Wild Wild Westside Arts Fest that began last year, organized by Utah Arts Alliance and Salt Lake County Arts & Culture. This year’s festival is on AUGUST 9-10 FROM 5-10PM, and showcases the creative heartbeat of the Westside through performances, food, and an art market. All artists and vendors are invited to apply, and we strongly encourage those artists and vendors from the Westside or whose works highlight the diversity of the County’s Westside cultures and communities to submit an application. APPLY HERE: Musician Application: https://forms.gle/Z7SdXkevPLw312up7 Non-Music Performer. Application: https://forms.gle/rRCKx2PBSrJSXzgW9 Arts Market Vendor Application: https://loom.ly/ZPFCdI0

Saturday, May 4:

• May the 4th be with you!

• Mural Fest, 4:00-8:00 p.m. in South Salt Lake's Creative Industries Zone. "Artists from all over Utah and from across the country have brought an exciting vibe to the streets and alleyways of South Salt Lake’s Creative Zone. Take a self-guided walking or bike tour  to see the murals, meet the artists, and celebrate. 2024 Mural Artists:  Alixandra Jade, Beau, Bunnie Reiss, Chanate, Chuck Berrett, DAAS, Davia King, Egypt, Ernesto Maranje, Jenna Morello, Jessica Wiarda, Jetpack Johnson, Key Detail, Trevor Dahl."

• Frog Bench Farms Spring Plant Sale, 8:30a-1:00p at Liberty Heights Fresh, 1290 S. 1100 E., SLC. "You can now browse through all available varieties of veggies, flowers, herbs, and more. Simply place your order online, and we will have it ready for you to pick up at our Spring Plant Salt at Liberty Heights Fresh." To browse and order, click here.  

• Cinco De Mayo Festival, 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Draper City Park, 12500 S. 1300 E., Draper. Event by Draper City Government: "Come celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Saturday, May 4 at Draper City Park! This free festival will have lots of activities, food vendors, and entertainment."

• 2nd Annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta, 1354 E. Chambers Ave., Millcreek. Event by Telemundo Utah and Millcreek Common: "Free event fun for the whole family - enjoy lowrider cars, great food, crafts, pinatas, a giant loteria, music, dance, mariachi, face painting, lucha libre, and free skate admission."

• Screening of H2: The Occupation Lab, 2:30 p.m. at The City Library, Tessman Auditorium, 210 E. 400 S., SLC. Event by Utahns for a Just Peace in the Holy Land: "Join us as we take a look at Palestine, beyond Gaza, and consider how the occupation playbook was actually written in the streets of Hebron, West Bank. Q&A from Hebron via Zoom to follow screening." FREE.

Sat-Sun, May 4-5:

• Utah Food Festival, 10a-5p at Natural History Museum of Utah, 301 S. Wakara Way, SLC. Event by Natural History Museum of Utah: "Indulge your taste buds at the Utah Food Festival on May 4th and 5th at NHMU, a celebration of our region's rich culinary heritage, spanning from ancient ancestral foods to contemporary delicacies. Guests can sample and shop an array of tantalizing flavors from local food artisans, delve into delicious workshops led by culinary and Museum experts, and enrich their knowledge of food history with insightful lessons from museum experts. Workshops will be hosted by our amazing partners at Harmons, Caputos, Café Ibis, Prime Corn, and Wasatch Community Gardens. They sell out fast, so register soon! The festival will also feature Scientists in the Spotlight, an Oolitic Sand Experience, a Kid's Drop Off Zone, a Dino Diner Activity Zone, and Food of Utah Gallery Tours. Check out our website for more information. https://bit.ly/3vJqDlQ." 

Sunday, May 5:

• Bohemian Bum Farmer’s Market, 10a-3p at The Gateway, 400 W. 200 S., SLC. "Join us in embracing the spirit of community, sustainability, and the joy of supporting local artisans & farmers."

Wed-Fri, May 8-10:

• Great Salt Lake Issues Forum: To Preserve and Protect in Perpetuity, How Are We Doing? @ U of U Guest House & Conference Center, SLC. Event by Friends of Great Salt Lake: "Every two years, FRIENDS hosts a Great Salt Lake Issues Forum. The purpose of the forum is to encourage constructive dialogue about the future of the Lake’s ecosystem and its resources and to illuminate the complexities involved in research, management, and planning for the Lake. The 2024 forum includes a 3-day poster session, awarding of the 2024 Doyle W. Stephens Scholarship to a graduate and an undergraduate student engaged in new or ongoing research focusing on the Lake, and a Friday evening reception and banquet at the Alta Club, during which the 2024 Friend of the Lake Award will be presented." To register for this ticketed event, click here. 

Friday, May 10:

• Queer Food FEASTival 2024, 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Mountain West Hard Cider, 425 N. 400 W., SLC. Event by Utah Lgbtq+ Chamber of Commerce: "In partnership with local LGBTQ and ally-owned and operated restaurants, breweries, and providers of spirits, the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 2024 Queer Food FEASTival - a springtime celebration of community and abundance! The focus of the FEAST will not only be the food but also the nourishment we provide each other through gathering and breaking bread together -- a taste of Queer Salt Lake! This Friday evening event will feature culinary creations, craft cocktails, and fabulous entertainment. Join in the fun and help support our local entertainers & food/beverage suppliers. Admission $35 for Chamber Members; $45 for the General Public - includes all tasty tidbits, entertainment, and one complimentary specialty cocktail. Discounted admission is available for seniors, students, people with disabilities, single parents and any who require a more accessible admission price. This is a 21+ event." Tickets will not be sold at the so, click here to get them now. 

Saturday, May 11:

• Wasatch Community Gardens' Spring Plant Sale, 8a-1p at Rowland Hall-St Mark's School, 720 S. Guardsman Way, SLC. Rowland Hall-St Mark's School. "We know there are plenty of local plant sales this time of year so why shop WCG's Spring Plant Sale? Our sale features more than 45,000 food-growing plants raised from seed by participants of our Job Training Program serving women facing homelessness. These seedlings are grown with the utmost care at our certified organic Green Phoenix Farm. In other words, when you shop our Spring Plant Sale, you'll gift your garden with healthy plant starts while also helping us work toward our vision of a community where everyone has access to healthy, local food." 

• Black History Collective Event, 12:30-4:00 p.m. at Trinity AME Church, 239 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., SLC. "Historic Trinity A. M. E. Church is one of the hosts of the joint effort of community stakeholders, including Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture, Utah Black Chamber, Utah Historical Society, and the Museum of Utah, to open in 2026 in time for the nation's birthday, as well as other community partners, universities, and public historians. Sema Hadithi chose Trinity A. M. E. Church for the Salt Lake County event because of its history as the first African American Church created in Utah. The congregation was established before Utah received statehood and has continuously operated since. The May 11th event at Trinity A. M. E. will introduce community members who would like to learn how to participate in the historic effort to collect Black and BIPOC histories to the different groups that set up to collect artifacts and family histories, scan documents and photographs, and record oral histories. The event invites members of the community to contribute to collecting hidden stories of the past and providing knowledge of the present to inform the future. Outreach and collection activities like this have occurred at Hill Aerospace Museum and other locations. They will continue throughout the next 18 to 24 months." To register for this event, click here. 

Saturday, May 18:

• NAMIWalks Utah 2024 - Mental Health Awareness Walk, 9:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 1985 W. 7800 S., West Jordan. Event by NAMI Utah: "Join us for a fun social in-person event. Gather a friend or family member, put on your walking shoes, and get outside and enjoy the sunshine with other people who also care about breaking the stigma around mental illness! Build a team and walk together. Get yourself signed up today! Free to Register, Free to Walk at namiut.org/news-events/nami-walks."

Fri-Sat, June 6-7:

• Inaugural SheMoney Summit: Money Matters. Event by ShePlace: "Money is not optional. We all need money to survive and thrive. It is not an end, but a means, helping us on our journey to wellness and freedom. This is a first-of-its-kind gathering that celebrates women+, money and power. Let’s get smarter about money, together." To register, click here.
  

Sunday, June 8:

• 47th Utah Asian Festival 2024, 11a-8p at Utah State Fairpark, 1055 W. North Temple, SLC. Event by Utah Asian Festival: "Our mission to annually hold the Utah Asian Festival is to demonstrate unity in our Asian community, showcasing a wealth of traditions, including performances, exhibits, and foods. Come support our Utah Asian communities, culture, and sponsors with FREE admission! Under State Fairpark policies, no pets are permitted on the grounds except for service animals. For more information check out our website: https://utahasianfestival.org/
  We hope to see you all there!" 

Wednesday, June 19:

• Authorship & the Black Experience in Utah: A Juneteenth Workshop with Marriott Library & Sema Hadithi, 11:30a-4:30p, UoU Marriott Library, room 1705F. "Sema Hadithi is partnering with the Marriott Library to provide a very different Juneteenth event. There will be a panel discussion, a make-and-take of a zine, and oral history interviews surrounding 'Your Black Experience in Utah'. Note: last year when we did ten (10) oral history interviews on this same subject we interviewed both Black Americans, Africans, and White Americans. We hope to do the same this year. 35 seats available." To register, click here. 

Fri-Sun, Jun 28-30:

• Utah Arts Festival 2024 @ Library Square, 210 E. 400 S., SLC. "The Utah Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the arts, showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions and cultural experiences. This multi-day event is one of the region’s premier arts festivals, attracting artists, performers, and enthusiasts from across the nation. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of artistic experiences and explore unique and thought-provoking works while engaging with the artists themselves. The festival will be open daily from 12:00–11:00 p.m. More info at uaf.org or email hello@uaf.org."