Planning Your Event at the Cross
Whether attending a special event, or just making the journey up without a special occasion, you are in for a treat. Bald Knob Mountain is the second-highest point in Southern Illinois and offers wonderful views, particularly in the fall.
Upcoming 2026 Events
Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2026
Fall Colors
Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join us for this family friendly celebration at the Cross.
- Entry fee of a $5 donation per car
- Food will be available from local food trucks including cotton candy and chilie inside the Welcome Center
- Local vendors incuding arts & crafts
- Family activities include bounce house, face painting and animals
- Hay ride around the cross
- Fall themed photo sets with breath-taking scenery in the background.
Upcoming 2027 Events
- Blessing of the Tractors – Saturday, March 20, 2027
- One for the Cross – Palm Sunday, March 21, 2027
- 91st Annual Sunrise Service Sunday, March 28, 2027
- Kite Days – Monday April 6 – Sunday April 12 , 2027 – Informal Social Media Invitation
- National Day of Prayer Prayer Meeting @ noon – Thursday, May 6, 2027
- Blessing of Bikes – Sunday, May 16, 2027
- Blessing of the Rat Rods – Saturday, May 22, 2027
- Blessing of the Jeeps – Saturday, June 5, 2027
- The Fourth at the Cross – Sunday, July 3 or 4, 2027 (to coincide with community fireworks displays)
- Hummingbird Days – Monday, August 2 – Sunday August 8, 2027 – Informal
- Fall Colors – October 23-24, 2027
- Blue Christmas – December 11, 2027
Past 2026 Events
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 7 pm
Community Fireworks: Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence at Bald Knob Cross of Peace
Join us this July 4th for a memorable evening high atop Bald Knob Mountain, celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a truly unique experience.
From over 1,000 feet above sea level, guests will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of fireworks from surrounding communities – offering approximately 250 degrees of quiet, distant fireworks viewing without the noise or crowds. While no fireworks will be displayed on the Cross grounds, the setting offers a peaceful, scenic way to experience the celebration.
This is an ideal setting for those who enjoy fireworks but prefer a quieter environment—especially families with children or pets sensitive to loud noise.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Annual Blessing of the Bikes
8 am – 3 pm
Bald Knob Cross of Peace will host one of the largest motorcycle events in the Midwest – The Annual Blessing of the Bikes. This event is coordinated by the Christian Motorcyclists Association and is a longstanding Southern Illinois tradition.
This event remains one of the largest annual events at Bald Knob Cross and is a signature event for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts across the Midwest. We are excited to be hosting this event with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. We look forward to seeing you at Blessing of the Bikes 2026!
Event Sponsors:
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Blessing of the Jeeps
10 am – 3 pm
Bald Knob will host the 7th Annual Blessing of the Jeeps on Saturday, June 6th. Last year we welcomed hundreds of jeeps, and we expect even more this year. Schedule will be announced soon. We will have food trucks, merchandise, and collector’s items. We can’t wait to see you. Put it on your calendar today!
Event Sponsors:
Sunday, April 5, 2026
90th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
6:15 am
Join us for our 90th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. Service starts at 6:15 am. Plan to arrive early for parking and breakfast. Event is free to public. Donations accepted at the gate.
