The best places to feel like a kid again

U.S. Senate Race Heating Up

It’s official: Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson is running for Senate. The Republican from Kaysville has been coy about his bid to replace Sen. Mitt Romney, who recently announced he won’t be seeking re-election in 2024. Wilson has been fundraising through an exploratory committee for months, but during a press conference this week he posed himself as a “conservative fighter” against “radical leftist” policies. There are also rumblings that Utah Congressman John Curtis will jump into the race, though he hasn’t publicly announced yet. [Salt Lake Tribune]

• Related: Lead producer Emily Means won’t let us forget she predicted Wilson would run for Senate. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Utah is still waiting to receive the new COVID booster shot. The Department of Health and Human Services ordered more than 2,000 doses about two weeks ago for uninsured Utahns to access through local health departments, but supply issues have delayed their arrival in the state. The Salt Lake County Health Department expects to receive the shots soon and will begin scheduling appointments at that point. [Deseret News]

Ski Traffic

As Ned Stark once said, “Winter is coming,” and with it brings the start of ski traffic season. That’s got us thinking about the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola and the ski bus. On today’s City Cast Salt Lake podcast, lead producer Emily Means reports on a potentially interesting development in the gondola saga, and she and host Ali Vallarta break down what transportation up the canyon could look like this winter. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

• Related: A good old-fashioned gondola debate. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
• Also: Why did the ski bus suck last winter? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Be You, Be Kū  ☀️ Friday | 6-8 p.m.

Pik2ar is hosting a community art and mental health workshop for youth (middle school- and high school-aged). Participants will be creating composition journals and there will be a presentation on mental health resources. Refreshments and supplies provided. [Free, South Salt Lake]

Vino Garden Slice Night  🍷 Friday | 6-10 p.m.

The Happy Wine Club is hosting a vino and slice night at Nona Bistro. There will be music, exclusive natural wine offerings, and pizza. [$15, Central City]

Maven District Block Party  🎈 Saturday | 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

The Maven District is throwing a block party! Shop local businesses at this family-friendly and dog-friendly event. There will be tarot card readings, weiner dog race, bounce houses, permanent jewelry, and more. [Free entry, Maven District]

Afro Utah Festival  🎉 Saturday | 1-7 p.m.

Don’t miss the Afro Utah Festival at the Gallivan Center. A big celebration of dance, music, and culture.  [Free entry, Downtown SLC]

A Haunted Market  😱 Saturday | 1-8 p.m.

Bleached and Bewitched is hosting their annual fall market with a curated selection of small businesses and artists. Plus, food from Mark of the Beastro. There will also be a photo booth and an acoustic music pop-up. [Free entry, Downtown SLC]

Hoodah Fest  ❤️ Saturday | 4-9 p.m.

This event celebrates the community of the Granary District with local artists, live bands, and DJs. [Free, Granary District]

Frida Festival  🎨 Saturday | 4-9 p.m.

Celebrate artist Frida Kahlo at The Gateway. There will be an art market, folkloric dances, and a look-alike contest.  [Free entry, Downtown SLC]

Drag Bingo  🌈 Saturday | 6-9 p.m.

Sweet Hazel & Co. and Tara Lipsyncki are hosting a drag bingo fundraiser to benefit Shades Community Cats. It includes dinner, a drink ticket, and bingo. [$75, Midvale]

Love Language Presents Sasha Marie  🎶 Saturday | 9 p.m.

It’s the last Love Language event of the year, with guest DJ Sasha Marie (check out samples of her set). Love Language throws dance parties designed to connect people through music. 21+ only. [$20, Downtown SLC]

Fervor  🎛 Saturday | 10 p.m.-Late

A summer’s end dance party, with house/techno music, that centers QTBIPOC. 21+ only. [$17-$30, Downtown SLC]

Bomb Threats, a Gondola Lawsuit? And an Obvious Senate Candidate

A Salt Lake City bookstore received bomb threats this week over an all-ages drag storytime event. Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about it — because we think more people should be. Plus, we break down a potentially interesting development in the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola saga as well as what’s going on with the ski bus this winter.