By local experts at Discover Moab
According to
Conde Nast Traveler, athletic adventures are in: travelers are bringing their sports with them, or seeking out destinations where they can really play. We expect that Moab, which has long been a hub of outdoor sports like mountain biking, trail running, and white water rafting, will see this trend guide the activities of our 2025 visitors. Other trends relevant to our little slice of the desert southwest? Detour destinations–think “getting a little lost on purpose” and “spotting a sign for an ancient ruin and deciding that your hotel can wait a bit”–cowboy core travel–“horse riding trips and camping under the stars”–and night tourism–Moab is a perfect spot to chase the stars.
If you’re looking to add a bit of structure to your trip (there are so many things to do in Moab, it can feel a bit overwhelming!), consider planning your Moab trip around one of the many music festivals, off-road gatherings, trail running races, rodeos, or a free entrance day to our nearby
national parks.
Here’s an overview of not-to-miss events in Moab this year, or check out our
full events calendar!
FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE DAYS
Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, April 19 – First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 – National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
ANNUAL CULTURAL AND OUTDOOR EVENTS
January
January 25: Arches Ultra
The Arches Ultra offers four distances of a running race: 9K, half marathon, 50K, and 50 mile. The courses are lower elevation, taking runners along the border of Arches National Park using the Bar M, Klonzo, and Klondike Trail Systems.
January 25 to February 1: Moab Music Festival “Winterlude”
Community and education take centerstage during the Moab Music Festival’s Winterlude, a week of workshops and concerts. Guest ensembles include W4RP, Pascal Le Bouef, and Sara Carswell. Workshops include a potluck and play (bring an instrument and a dish!) and musical coaching. There will be two formal concerts, plus a casual “sips and sounds.”
February
February 7: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
February 7, 14, and 21: Moab SyFy Film Festival
Join the Moab community in enjoying classic films of the science fiction genre, for free! Event-goers are encouraged to dress up as they watch Day of the Triffids (1963) on Feb. 7, When Worlds Collide (1951) on Feb. 14, and Europa Report (2013) on Feb. 21.
February 22: Buckers & Barrels Unlimited Rodeo
Bull teams, barrel racing, bronc riding: attend an action-packed rodeo day in Moab. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness some of the best riders in the country showcase their skills, whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or just looking for a bit of excitement!
February 22: Moab’s Red Hot Ultra
Runners of Moab’s Red Hot Ultra choose between four distances: 15K, 33K, 50K, and 50 mile. Each course utilizes a mixture of double and single track trails over a variety of terrain and elevation.
March
March 7-9: Moab Run the Rocks
A three-day trail running race on singletrack trails around Moab with two distances: 85K and 53K.
March 8-11: Skinny Tire Festival
A road biking event that will take bikers through Arches National Park, up to Dead Horse Point State Park, and alongside the Colorado River. $15 for every paid registration goes toward the Moab Cancer Treatment Center, and bikers can register for all four days or join just two.
March 15: Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run
Celebrate 50 years of the Canyonlands Half Marathon in 2025! This race is known locally as the Moab Half Marathon: the first event was run on May 1, 1976 and had 22 finishers (including a dog). The course follows the Colorado River and has been named one of the world’s greatest races.
March 22: Behind the Rocks Ultra
The Behind the Rocks Ultra (distances: 10 mile, 30K, 50K, 50 mile) starts and ends at the Behind the Rocks Trail, following the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The courses traverse remote trails, sandy washes, and double and single track trails.
April
April 4: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
April 5-7: Moab Rocks
A three day mountain biking race covering 76 miles and over 7,800 feet of elevation across classic Moab trails. A race, festival, family-friendly vacation, and adventure all rolled into one weekend!
April 12: Amasa Trail Race
Explore the Amasa Back trail system on foot during the Amasa Trail Race at three distances: 10K, 15K, and 25K.
April 12-20: Easter Jeep Safari
The Red Rock 4 Wheelers most popular event returns on April 12: the Easter Jeep Safari. Attendees are invited to join trail rides departing from Moab each day to explore the vast array of trails that the area has to offer with a community of likeminded souls!
April 23-27: Cruise Moab
A Toyota Land Cruiser Association sanctioned event that has occurred every year since 1999. Attendees will explore off-road trails around Moab together during guided trail runs.
April 25-27: Moab Rotary/April Action Car Show
Gather with fellow car enthusiasts to explore the best cars the Moab region has to offer. There are typically 13 award classes for cars, including best muscle car, best truck, best hot rod, and best import; attendees can expect to see modified and stock cars and motorcycles dating back to 1900.
April 26: Thelma and Louise
A women’s running event with races at four distances: 15K, half-marathon, marathon, and 50K – because every girls’ weekend should include an exciting challenge!
May
May 1-4: Moab Grenadier 4×4 Gathering
Bring your Grenadier Station Wagon to Moab to explore the epic 4×4 trails this area has to offer – and meet a community of off-roaders to adventure with.
May 2: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
May 3-4: Moab Fondo Fest
Prepare for a remarkable cycling experience during one of Utah’s premiere Gran Fondo-style events. The course will take riders on a journey through challenging terrain and captivating scenery.
May 8-11: Raptors on the Rocks
Explore the off-road trails in the Moab area in your Ford Raptor and enjoy the camaraderie of others who are equally passionate for this off-road vehicle! Four days of world-class off-roading, giveaways, and an opportunity to learn from guides.
May 17: C10 Red Rock Retreat
A charity event for the City of Moab and the Grand County Search and Rescue Team! Peruse classic GM trucks under the red rock cliffs and peruse items from a large silent auction.
May 17-18: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
May 24-25: Moab Arts Festival
Peruse a broad selection of original art – textiles, fine art, glasswork, jewelry, metal and wood – created by local and regional artists! There is also a kids corner with activities for children, live performances, live music, and a beer and wine garden. The arts festival is free to attend!
May 30 – June 1: Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo
The Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo is part of the All American ProRodeo Series and is a member of the PRCA Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association. Classic rodeo events include steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and bareback riding.
June
June 6: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
June 7-8: Crystal Festival
A rock, gem, and mineral festival with a vendor market and rockhounding trips!
June 11-14: RedRok Rally
A rally for UTV enthusiasts! Attend guided trail rides (including Hells Revenge and Fins N’ Things), peruse vendor markets, and enjoy live music with likeminded community.
July
July 3-5: Grand County Fair
Fair activities include eating contests, relay games, exhibits, sporting tournaments and derbies, and a car show! Admission is free.
The Moab Free Concert series takes place every summer.
August
August 1: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
August 27-September 12: Moab Music Festival
Enjoy performances of chamber music, jazz, and Latin music within the beautiful red rock landscapes near Moab. That’s right: this is a music festival performed in wilderness and historic venues unlike any other! Concerts range from family-friendly music in local parks to accessible-by-jet-boat-only grottos carved from rocks where musicians play odes to timeless masterpieces.
September
September 5: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
September 18-21: Moab Festival of Science
A fantastic variety of free events showcasing the wonders and value of science, with a special focus on Colorado Plateau science! Events include activities with the National Park Service; astronomy, archaeology, and geology tours; and keynote speakers.
September 20-22: Skinny Tire Fall Festival
A brand new event showcasing Moab’s full geographical beauty to road cyclists from across the country! Ride to the Bull Canyon Overlook, through the River Portal, and up to Dead Horse Point State Park.
September 25-28: Red Rock Arts Festival
Three days of art celebrating a theme announced in spring 2025! Programming will feature collaborative projects, art experiences, music performances, a community art show, and an artisan vendor market: the perfect way to get a taste for Moab’s exuberant arts community.
September 27-28: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
October
October 3: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
October 3-5: Outerbike
A mountain bike festival that is not to be missed! Experience the red rock beauty and world-class mountain biking trails in the desert sunshine before winter sets in. Shuttles, catered lunches, vendor market, and bike demos are included in registration.
October 4: Arches Marathon and Half
Runners can explore the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area and the remote Picture Frame Arch over four distances: 15K, half marathon, marathon, and 50K.
October 10-15: Moab 240
Runners will complete 240 miles in one loop around Moab and the surrounding areas with a 117 hour cutoff.
October 23-25: Moab Jeep Jamboree
Attendees will spend the weekend exploring offroad trails around Moab with a guide, then enjoy dinner together.
October 25: Canyonlands Ultra
Runners will immerse themselves in the nearby landscapes through six offered course lengths: 100K, 50 mile, 50K, marathon, half marathon, and 15K.
October 25-26: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
November
November 2-7: Moab Folk Camp
A week of music classes for musicians of every skill level! Classes last year included a singing workshop, guitar theory, beginning dobro g-tuning, songwriting 101, basic jazz, and beginning mandoline with a variety of instructors. Attendees will complete four classes per day and evening activities.
November 7: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
November 7-9: Moab Folk Festival
Over 10 bands and musicians play at the annual Moab Folk Festival, a celebration of folk music in downtown Moab. Each festival includes two days of outdoor concerts, but also free community concerts, student assemblies, music workshops, and artist residency programming.
November 8-9: Moab Trail Marathon
An unforgettable run through the Kane Creek Canyon area at four distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K adventure run, and kid’s K. In 2024, this race was the host of the USATF trail half marathon national championships and collegiate trail running championships.
November 15: Dead Horse Ultra
Runners will explore the Magnificent 7 singletrack trail system over four distances: 15K, 30K, 50K, and 50 mile.
December
December 6: Holiday Light Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the electric light parade on Main Street, a chance to see local floats decorated with hundreds of holiday lights.
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