Moab for Memorial Day Weekend – Your 2024 Guide for Things to Do

Planning on going to Moab for Memorial Day Weekend? We’ve got some insider info for your trip – from art festivals to rafting, Moab’s got something for everyone. Read on to find out what fun things are going on in and around town!

Here’s what’s going on in Moab for Memorial Day Weekend for 2024, along with a slew of things to do if you’re new to the area, or you just need more places to check off the list! 

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Moab

Moab Arts Festival

Where: Swanny Park 

When: Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm 

Moab’s annual shindig for art in all forms will be Saturday and Sunday this Memorial Day Weekend. Browse the artists’ work, enjoy food, drink and live music, along with Shakespeare in the evenings, and participate in fun events! 

Check out the full list of performers, vendors, and events here!

Live Music 

Blu Pig 

Friday: Aaron Golay and the Original Sin
Saturday: The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers
Sunday: Omar Coleman & Westside Soul
When: 7pm – 10pm

Red Cliffs Lodge 

Friday: Dave Mensch
Saturday – Sunday: Dave Steward
When: 6pm – 9pm 

 

Things to Do during Memorial Day Weekend 

Rafting and Kayaking in Castle Valley

A perfect way to beat the heat while in Moab is rafting on the Colorado River through Castle Valley. Late May typically sees larger flows, so it’s the perfect time to go with someone who knows their way around some whitewater! If you’re feeling adventurous, kayaking is a sure-fire way to get wet and cool off. 

Skydiving 

Want to check off a bucket list item this Memorial Day weekend? Moab’s stunning surroundings offer a perfect backdrop for your jump – learn more here. 

Mountain Biking 

Moab offers trails for all experience levels! Memorial Day weekend might be a busy time to get out there, but if you’re ready to brave the trails check out options for all levels here (and make sure to check on trail conditions before heading out!). 

Less Crowded Places to Go 

Canyonlands National Park 

Arches National Park is always popular during spring, but especially so during Memorial Day Weekend. If you weren’t able to snag an entry between the 25th and 27th, or you maybe want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Canyonlands National Park. 

Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah, so there’s not only room to spread out, but also multiple districts you can visit. The Island in the Sky district is the easiest day trip into Canyonlands. The Needles District is also doable for day trips, but if you have time to stay awhile— definitely do so! 

Where to Camp in Moab for Memorial Day Weekend 

Since most campgrounds where you can make a reservation are usually booked out months in advance for Memorial Day Weekend, here are some first come first serve, and dispersed camp areas to check out! Be proactive and get to Moab as early as possible (Friday afternoon preferably) 

Hunter / Spring Canyon Camping Area – Kane Creek 

Located up Kane Creek about 20 minutes from Moab, this cottonwood covered site at the entrance to Hunter Canyon is an amazing place to camp. There are 10 sites up for grabs and pit toilets, bring cash or check! 

If all the spots are taken, keep going up the canyon as there are multiple campgrounds along Kane Creek. 

Horsethief Campground – Near Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park 

Nestled along the way to Canyonlands National Park, this campground sports 98 individual sites with more than half that can accommodate RVs. Just keep in mind they don’t have hookups but there are vault toilets here. Bring cash or check! 

Willow Springs – Near Arches National Park 

Just 15 minutes out of Moab, Willow Springs is a popular dispersed camping area along Highway 191. It is no longer free, but it remains a dispersed area where you can usually find a spot for dry camping. 

Yellow Circle Road – Free 

Yellow Circle Road is along Highway 191 about 30 minutes south of Moab. This is completely dry dispersed camping with no amenities. A popular place for RVers and groups! 

Where to get down on some BBQ

Blu Pig 

Moab’s barbecue and blues joint! With music every night, and a fat stack of options from pulled pork tacos, hush puppies, cajun sausage and beyond, the Blu Pig brings a heap of good southern cookin’ to the Southwest. 

Milt’s Stop and Eat 

Now while there’s really only one bbq item on the menu at Milt’s, which is the Western Bbq Beef Brisket Burger, everything here is just too good to pass up. From the handmade milkshakes to the perfectly cooked fries, Milt’s is a must whether you opt for the amazingly delicious bbq burger or not. 

Final Tips

Memorial Day is in honor of America’s fallen veterans. If you would like to show your appreciation for their sacrifice, check out some of the ways Utah is honoring veterans this weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend is one of Moab’s BUSIEST weekends, so don’t wait to book a campsite or other lodging. 

May, just like all the other months in Utah, can serve up any flavor of weather. So pack the rain jacket and swim suit, just in case.