Moab hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year, spanning outdoor recreation, cultural festivals, and community gatherings. Trail races and cycling events take advantage of the area’s extensive network of trails, while off-road rallies attract four-wheel drive enthusiasts to Moab’s challenging terrain. Annual festivals highlight local and regional artists, musicians, and scientists, offering opportunities for education and engagement. 

This guide organizes upcoming events by activity to provide a clear overview of what’s happening in Moab throughout the year.

Running & Trail Races

• TransRockies Moab Run the Rocks (Mar 7–9) – A three-day trail running race covering some of Moab’s most scenic and challenging singletrack trails. Runners can participate in all three stages or choose a single-day option, traversing slickrock, desert terrain, and technical ascents.
• Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5 Mile Run (Mar 15) – One of Moab’s oldest and most popular road races, this half marathon follows the winding Colorado River on Highway 128, with dramatic red rock cliffs towering overhead. The 5-mile course offers a shorter but equally stunning experience.
• Behind the Rocks Ultra (Mar 22) – Runners can choose from four distances (10-mile, 30K, 50K, and 50-mile) in this rugged and remote ultra-marathon. The race takes place in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, featuring dramatic rock formations, narrow canyons, and slickrock.
• Amasa Trail Race (Apr 12) – A technical and scenic race with 10K, 15K, and 25K options, following the Amasa Back trail system. Runners encounter rocky ledges, steep ascents, and breathtaking views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons.
• Running Up for Air – Moab (Apr 5) – Part of the Up for Air endurance race series, this event challenges runners to complete as many ascents of a designated route as possible within a set time limit. Proceeds support efforts to improve air quality in Utah and beyond.
• Thelma and Louise Marathon, Half Marathon & 15K (Apr 26) – A women’s-only race that celebrates the spirit of adventure and friendship. Set against the backdrop of the Behind the Rocks area, the course offers vast desert landscapes and dramatic rock formations, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Cycling Events

• Skinny Tire Festival (Mar 8–11) – A four-day road cycling event featuring routes that take riders through Moab’s most iconic landscapes, including Arches National Park, the Colorado River Corridor, and Dead Horse Point State Park. The event raises funds for cancer survivorship programs.
• TransRockies Moab Rocks (Apr 5–7) – This three-day mountain bike stage race covers 76 miles of Moab’s best singletrack, with over 7,800 feet of elevation gain. Riders tackle classic trails like Porcupine Rim, Klondike Bluffs, and Mag 7, making it one of the most challenging MTB races in the region.
• TransRockies Gran Fondo Moab (May 3–4) – A high-intensity road cycling event that follows the same route as the famous La Sal Mountain Loop, climbing over 5,500 feet through stunning mountain and desert terrain before descending back into Moab.

Off-Road & Automotive Events

• Easter Jeep Safari (Apr 12–20) – Moab’s most famous off-roading event, attracting Jeep enthusiasts from around the world. Hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, the event includes nine days of guided trail runs, covering everything from beginner-friendly routes to extreme rock-crawling challenges.
• Cruise Moab (Apr 23–27) – A Toyota Land Cruiser Association event featuring guided trail runs through Moab’s famous off-road landscapes. Designed for Toyota off-road enthusiasts, this event emphasizes camaraderie, skill-building, and responsible recreation.
• Moab Rotary Car Show & Rod Run (Apr 25–27) – A gathering of classic and custom cars in the heart of downtown Moab. Attendees can admire vintage muscle cars, hot rods, and custom builds while enjoying local vendors and live entertainment.
• Moab Grenadier 4×4 Gathering (May 1–4) – A dedicated event for INEOS Grenadier owners and off-road enthusiasts. Participants can take their vehicles on guided trail runs, explore technical off-road challenges, and connect with fellow adventurers.
• C10 Red Rock Retreat (May 17) – A celebration of classic GM trucks, this event features a showcase of beautifully restored and custom-built C10s against the dramatic backdrop of Moab’s red rock formations. Proceeds benefit local community organizations.
• RedRok Rally (June 11–14) – A UTV and side-by-side rally featuring guided trail rides, a vendor expo, and live entertainment. Participants explore Moab’s rugged terrain while connecting with the off-road community.
• Raptors on the Rocks (May 8–11) – A Ford Raptor off-roading event that includes guided trail runs, technical workshops, and social gatherings. This event is tailored for high-performance off-road truck enthusiasts looking to test their vehicles on Moab’s trails.

Cultural, Music & Arts Events

• ArtWalk (Apr 4, Aug 1, Nov 7) – A self-guided tour through Moab’s art galleries, studios, and public art spaces. Visitors can meet local artists, view rotating exhibits, and experience Moab’s creative community.
• Moab Arts Festival (May 24–25) – A free, two-day event featuring original works in painting, sculpture, textiles, glasswork, and metal art. The festival also includes live music, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden.
• Moab Free Concert Series (Jun 27, Jul 11, Jul 25, Aug 8) – A series of free outdoor concerts held at Swanny City Park, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians and genres. Visitors can enjoy live music under the summer sky while relaxing on the grass.
• Moab Music Festival (Aug 27–Sep 12) – An annual festival bringing world-class chamber music, jazz, and traditional performances to unique venues, including outdoor stages nestled in the red rocks. Some concerts are accessible only by boat or hiking.
• Red Rock Arts Festival (Sep 25–28) – A three-day event celebrating visual and performing arts. Activities include hands-on workshops, public art installations, live music, and a local artisan market.
• Moab Folk Festival (Nov 7–9) – A gathering of singer-songwriters and folk musicians from across the country, featuring intimate performances in indoor and outdoor venues around Moab.

Rodeo & Equestrian Events

• Canyon Rims Endurance Rides (Apr 25–27) – A long-distance horseback endurance event featuring 25, 50, and 75-mile rides through southeastern Utah’s remote desert landscapes. Riders navigate mesa tops, canyon trails, and high desert terrain.
• Barrels 4 Bucks (May 17–18, Sep 27–28) – A competitive barrel racing event that attracts riders of all levels. With cash prizes and a supportive community, this event is a highlight for equestrian enthusiasts.

Community, Science & Educational Events

• LECTURE: Sustainable Solutions for Recreation Accessibility (Mar 13) – A discussion on improving accessibility for adaptive outdoor recreation. The event includes short films showcasing adaptive sports and innovations.
• Spring Spruce Up (Apr 11–12) – A volunteer-driven cleanup and maintenance event focused on preserving Moab’s trails, parks, and public spaces.
• Moab Festival of Science (Sep 18–21) – A series of talks, field trips, and interactive exhibits highlighting scientific research in the Colorado Plateau region.

Festivals, Celebrations & Fairs

• Crystal Festival (Jun 7–8) – A gem, mineral, and fossil show featuring vendors, educational workshops, and guided rockhounding excursions.
• Grand County Fair (Jul 3–5) – A classic county fair with carnival rides, food vendors, roller derby tournaments, car and tractor shows, junior rodeos, and live music performances.
• Independence Day Celebration (Jul 4) – A community-wide celebration featuring fireworks launched from Lions Back, synchronized with a patriotic music broadcast on KCYN (97.1 FM).

Free National Park Entrance Days

• National Park Free Days (Apr 19, Jun 19, Aug 4, Sep 27, Nov 11) – Designated fee-free days for national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands, allowing visitors to explore without an entrance fee.