Photo by Lake County Chamber of Commerce

Baldwin's Blessing Fest

May 14th-17th, 2026

Motorcycles of all varieties and sizes make their way to Baldwin every May for the annual Blessing of the Bikes, organized by the AMVETS Post 1988 and AMVETS Riders Chapter 1988.

This ever-popular event began in 1972 with four bikes and eight riders. Today, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts head to Baldwin to celebrate the joy of two-wheel travel. Between 5,000-10,000 bikes are expected in Baldwin annually for this Blessing of the Bikes celebration.

The family-friendly event is traditionally held every year on the third Sunday in May, beginning at 9am. The market in downtown Baldwin features vendors who sell leather and other items, with tattoo artists also on-site. The actual “blessing” ceremony begins at 1pm Sunday at the Baldwin Airport- 7038 S. M-37, with gates opening there at 9am. There is a $5 donation per bike.

Make your plans now to take a ride and have your motorcycle blessed at Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes this year and every year! Even if you aren’t a biker, the event is worth the trip just to see thousands of motorcycles all in one place!

While the official event is held on Sunday, this event continues to grow with local businesses hosting activities and specials all week in what is being called "Blessing Fest"!

Here's the most updated schedule of the events associated with Blessing Fest for 2026:

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

Friday, May 15th, 2026

  • 12-5pm – Live music featuring Catfish Charlie at Wenger Pavilion- E. Eighth St., Baldwin
  • 5-9pm – Live music featuring Working on Famous at Wenger Pavilion.

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

  • 9-11:30am – Registration for Tattoo Competition at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce- 895 Michigan Ave., Suite C. Entry fee is $20. For more info, visit facebook.com
  • 12pm – Tattoo Competition begins at Wenger Pavilion. Participants will have their tattoos evaluated by experienced tattoo artists, ensuring each piece is judged with a knowledgeable and artistic eye. Multiple tattoo categories will be featured, and each category will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
  • 1-5pm – Live music featuring Playing It Forward at Wenger Pavilion.
  • 4pm – Motorcycle Bike Show in downtown Baldwin.
  • 4pm – Biker Games in downtown Baldwin. This event is a great chance for all ages to show off their skills through a series of fun, entertaining, and challenging games.
  • 6-10pm – Live music featuring Pocket Change in Wenger Pavilion.

Events Over Multiple Days

  • May 14th-18th, 2026 – Blessing Fest Open Road Poker Run. This free event takes participants around to different business’s and stops that will hand out points and rewards. Many stops will be located in Baldwin with some in other parts of Lake County and Big Rapids. Visit facebook.com for more info.

Experience Baldwin

Surrounded by many lakes and rivers, visitors to Baldwin love the area as a place to fish, camp, hunt, and more. Read the stories below or go to the Baldwin destination page.

For more information on the Blessing of the Bikes, please contact the event organizer:

Duane E. Dewey AMVETS Post 1988

1959 W. 24th St., Baldwin, MI  49304

(231) 745-2550

facebook.com

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