The next step for e-bikes in SLC

There’s a New Czar in Town

His name is Brian Steed. The Great Salt Lake's first-ever appointed commissioner has been chosen — subject to approval by the Utah State Senate — to address the lake's environmental and ecological challenges. Steed’s responsibilities include working with stakeholders and advocating for the lake's conservation while also considering economic interests. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Xeriscape in Utah

Utah, Colorado, and Arizona are facing a shortage of native plants due to increased demand in western states for xeriscaping, a water-efficient landscaping practice. The popularity of xeriscaping has surged as homeowners and businesses seek to conserve water resources, leading to growing interest for native plants that are well-adapted to arid climates. However, nurseries are struggling to keep up, prompting concerns about the availability of suitable plants for xeriscaping projects in places like Salt Lake. [Axios Salt Lake]

Electrifying Commutes for the Environment

It looks like Salt Lake residents are ready to shake up their commutes. A recent survey of Salt Lakers showed a willingness to choose e-bikes for commuting if the city improved infrastructure and reduced traffic congestion. A similar e-bike program launched by the University of Utah in 2018 saw great success, with more than 150 e-bikes purchased by participants. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s current proposed budget includes a portion for air quality incentives like e-bikes. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• 🗣️ Let your voice be heard: The final decision on the mayor’s proposed budget is up to City Council. Salt Lake residents are encouraged to attend the second public hearing on Tuesday, June 6.

Cheap Beers in Salt Lake

Sometimes my love of craft beer and my bank account don’t exactly agree. If you’re looking for the cheapest beer in Salt Lake this Memorial Day weekend, Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen may have found it. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Cottonwood Heights Artist of the Month 🧑‍🎨 Through May 31 | Various Times

Check out the work of multidisciplinary artist Laura Williams, whose art is featured at City Hall through the end of the month. [Free, Cottonwood Heights]

Baile for the Great Salt Lake Fundraiser 🕺 Friday | 7 p.m.

Dancing, poetry, pupusas, and paletas! This fundraiser and arts event by Pluma Collective celebrates Black, Indigenous, & People of Color and their connection to the Great Salt Lake. [$5-$15, sliding scale entry, South Salt Lake]

Fischer’s Farewell: Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 🎻 Friday and Saturday | 7:30 p.m.

Thierry Fischer’s last performances as Utah Symphony’s music director will feature Mahler’s classic, in collaboration with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and The Madeleine Choir School. [$20+, Downtown]

1520 Arts Block Party 🎨 Saturday | 12 - 9 p.m.

The annual celebration has everything you want in a party: live music, food trucks, art, and dance battles! [Free, South Salt Lake]

Copperhive Vintage Spring Fling Market 👗 Saturday | 12 p.m

Copperhive Vintage is throwing a “shopiversary” party with vintage threads and local makers. [Free to Attend, South Salt Lake]

SLUG Cat Bicycle Race 🚴 Saturday | 5 p.m.

Join this alley cat-style bike race through downtown and win prizes. Hosted by SLUG Magazine. You can pre-register online or in person day-of. [$5, Salt Lake City]

Sister X Perra Pride Kick-Off 🌈 Sunday | 6 p.m.

Sister’s second early Pride launch in collaboration with Perra will feature muralists and a ball culture showcase. [$20+, 21+ Salt Lake City]

National Killer Queen Tournament 🕹️ Saturday and Sunday | Various Times

Quarters Arcade’s Sugar House location will be turned into Killer Queen central this weekend, with gamers flying in from all over the country to compete for cash prizes. [Free, Sugar House]

Tango & Coffee 💃 Sunday | 1:30 p.m.

This is your chance to learn tango in a casual environment. No experience needed. [$5, Salt Lake City]

Kainalu at Kilby Court 🎫 Sunday | 7 p.m.

A show for fans of psychedelic funk, featuring internationally renowned artist Trent Prall. [$15-$18, Granary]

Unleashed: Improv Comedy Show 🤣 Sunday | 7 p.m.

The weekly show hosts improv games based on suggestions from the audience, à la “Whose Line is it Anyway?” [$5, Downtown]

Sunday Karaoke 🎙️ Sunday | 10 p.m.

Practice your Tina Turner favorites in the shower so you can honor the queen at karaoke this weekend. [Free, Salt Lake City]

Salt Lake’s Cheapest Beer, an Unconvincing Rebrand, and Anthem Auditions

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen may have found the cheapest beer in the county! He joins host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means to make sense of the week’s top stories, including the Utah Inland Port Authority’s strange rebrand and tales from local national anthem auditions.