Pilgrim Fest 2026 Returns with Free School Supplies, Clothing, Family Fun and a Day of Community Blessings

As families across Greater Lansing prepare for another school year, one of the community's most anticipated back-to-school celebrations returns with a day filled with hope, generosity, and unforgettable memories.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Ed Rockett, will host Pilgrim Fest 2026 on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 5200 Pleasant Grove Road in Lansing. The annual community festival has become a signature event that brings together local organizations, volunteers, businesses, and families for a day centered on service, fellowship, and fun.

Open to everyone at no cost, Pilgrim Fest offers an incredible lineup of free resources and activities designed to help families prepare for the school year while enjoying a day together. Guests can receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing and shoes for all ages, sports physicals, community resources, food, prayer, and family-friendly entertainment while supplies last.

Children can look forward to bounce houses, a video game truck, live entertainment, interactive activities, and plenty of surprises throughout the day.

As someone who attended last year's event with my son, Liam, I can honestly say Pilgrim Fest exceeded our expectations. Liam had an amazing time. One of his favorite memories was getting the opportunity to pet a horse, something he still talks about today. He also enjoyed the games, entertainment, and giveaways, and proudly carried home a backpack filled with school supplies that he still uses today. More than the free items, what stayed with me was the atmosphere. Volunteers greeted every family with kindness, encouragement, and genuine love, creating an environment where everyone felt welcomed and appreciated. That spirit of generosity is what makes Pilgrim Fest special.

For many families, the event provides valuable school supplies and resources at a time when household budgets are stretched. For others, it's simply an opportunity to spend quality time together while connecting with neighbors, local organizations, and a church committed to serving the community.

Event Highlights Include:

• Free backpacks with school supplies*

• Free clothing and shoes for all ages*

• Free sports physicals

• Prayer Tent offering peace, hope, and healing

• Bounce houses and a video game truck

• Live entertainment featuring local performers

• Community resource vendors

• Food vendors

• Activities for the entire family

*Available while supplies last. Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Event Information

Pilgrim Fest 2026

Saturday, August 29, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church

5200 Pleasant Grove Road

Lansing, MI 48911

Families are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying fellowship, entertainment, and community. At a time when many families are stretching every dollar, Pilgrim Fest continues to demonstrate that a caring community can make a lasting difference, one backpack, one prayer, one smile, and one child at a time.

Whether you're looking for school supplies, community resources, or simply a joyful day with your family, Pilgrim Fest is an event you won't want to miss. The Chronicle News encourages our readers to stop by, bring the kids, and experience firsthand why this event has become one of Lansing's favorite community traditions. Liam and I will certainly be there, and we look forward to seeing many of our Chronicle families enjoying another wonderful Pilgrim Fest.