Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
Although Utah is typically known for its beautiful landscape and ski resorts, the Utah Cultural Alliance wants you to know that the state is “More than Mountains.” In fact, it’s a rich and culturally vibrant place.
The Beehive State is home to several members of the BIPOC community, which is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, People of Color. According to Healthline, this term may include people of Black, Asian, Polynesian, Mexican, Native American descent and more.
If you’re looking for a way to support the local BIPOC community or to celebrate your own heritage, there are plenty of events coming up this summer that will certainly provide an enriching experience. Here are just a few of them.
Plan-B Theater’s production of “Mestiza, or Mixed” by Melissa Leilani Larson
Featuring the first majority-Filipino cast in Utah history, “Mestiza, or Mixed” tells the story of Lark Timon — a struggling filmmaker who chances upon a potentially career-changing opportunity. But she’s soon confronted by questions about her art, family and identity as a queer mestiza. Performances run from June 9-19 at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake.
A Celebration of the Pacific Islands
Te Fano O Te Ra invites you to join them as they travel through the islands of Tahiti, Aotearoa, Hawai’i and Samoa and celebrate the beauty of heritage and culture through song and dance in “A Celebration of the Pacific Islands.” Te Fano O Te Ra is a 501(c)3 organization whose goal is “to perpetuate the songs, dances, and beauty of Polynesia through cultural and performing arts.” Their spring recital and fundraiser will be held on May 28 at Desert Hills High School in St. George. Get your tickets while they last!
Salt Lake Acting Company’s SLACabaret: Down the Rabbit Hole
Get ready for the return of summer fun with Salt Lake Acting Company’s “SLACabaret: Down the Rabbit Hole,” directed by Cynthia Fleming with playwrights Olivia Custodio, Emilio Casilla and Michael Leavitt. The story follows four Utahns on a musical journey through the Salt Lake International Airport, which SLAC describes as “a joyous celebration of Utah told through comedy and song.” You won’t want to miss seeing the laughter and celebration take center stage once again! See SLACabaret: Down the Rabbit Hole at the Salt Lake Acting Company from July 13–Aug. 21
42nd Annual Restoration Gathering Pow Wow by the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
The 42nd Annual Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Gathering Contest Pow-Wow in Cedar City is a free event and all are welcome! Along with a softball tournament, handgame tournament and Spirit Run, you’ll get a taste of Paiute culture as you enjoy traditional dance performances and contests from the five bands of Paiutes in Utah. These will happen Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 1 pm and 7 pm The 13th Annual Spirit Run will also be held Saturday from 6:30–10:30 am Mark your calendar for June 10–11!
Utah Juneteenth Festival
Juneteenth (also known as June Nineteenth) celebrates the official end to slavery in 1865 when the final enslaved African Americans were set free in Texas. And it just became Utah’s newest state holiday earlier this year when the governor signed it into law. What better way to celebrate than to attend the state’s first Juneteenth celebration?
The Juneteenth Celebration 2002, presented by Project Success Coalition, will be held June 18-19. The celebration begins with a welcome reception at the Copper Nickel Events Center in Ogden on June 17 and activities will commence at the Ogden City Amphitheater on June 18 and June 19. The event features live entertainment, including R&B music, a Gospel & Juneteenth community choir , local church choirs, hip hop, dance, jazz and more. There will also be a kids fun zone, art zone, games, film festival and plenty of cultural food to enjoy.
‘Thurgood’ presented by Utah Shakespeare Festival
From Sept. 14-Oct. 8, come see “Thurgood” at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and learn all about the first African American Supreme Court justice. This acclaimed one-man play will take you through Marshall’s transformation from “a young and spirited dissenter to a pensive and wise justice.” Get your tickets to see “Thurgood” while they last!
The Spirit of Polynesia by Siva Pasefika
“The Spirit of Polynesia” will take you on a journey through the South Pacific. Experience the graceful Hula of Hawaii, the famous Haka of New Zealand, the fierce warriors of Fiji, the Taualuga of Tonga and the exciting Siva Afi (fireknife dance) of Samoa. It’s a production full of Mana and Aloha! “The Spirit of Polynesia” runs from Sept. 30–Oct. 1 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Here’s an event that not only supports BIPOC, but it helps the planet as well. Join the Outdoor Afro-Utah Network in partnership with Tracy Aviary and Utah Film Center’s Black, Bold & Brilliant program for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. The festival is a Juneteenth fundraiser featuring Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ communities engaging with outdoor sports, public lands, and environmental activism. Your ticket includes admission to Tracy Aviary, with proceeds donated to Outdoor Afro National and Black, Bold & Brilliant.
Come watch a series of short films that will inspire environmental action and a love of nature as you learn about BIPOC experiences in the great outdoors. Purchase your tickets for the in-person event on June 10 or watch the films online. Either way, you’re supporting a worthy cause!
Utah Asian Festival
In its 45th year, the Utah Asian Festival proudly boasts of being the longest-running, continuous festival of its kind west of the Mississippi since 1977. Come deepen your appreciation for Asian culture with food, exhibits and performances that reflect the community’s 150-year history in the state. Enjoy traditional and modern performances, children’s activities, food booths and trucks, cultural/nonprofit/commercial booths and more.
The Utah Asian Festival takes place on Saturday, July 9, from 11 am to 8 pm at the Grand Building of the Utah State Fairpark. Admission is free and parking at the fairgrounds is $5.
‘Summer of Soul’ at Liberty Park
One of the best parts about summer is the free movies in the park, and this is one you won’t want to miss. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson made his filmmaking debut and won an Oscar for his documentary, “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” The award-winning film tells about the legendary six-week 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival in Mount Morris Park, which celebrated African-American music and culture. It includes performances from such artists as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Gladys Knight & The Pips and more.
According to the Utah Film Center website, “SUMMER OF SOUL shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present.” Come see it for free at Liberty Park on Friday, July 29, at 8 pm
Find even more events supporting BIPOC on NowPlayingUtah.com.
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NowPlayingUtah.com, a project of Utah Cultural Alliance
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