MABA logo and burning coal
Before you leave for the next demonstration, make it a habit to check the MABA Web Calendar Page for a potential change or cancellation.

Calendar

This page updated May 9th, 2026.

Safety first is expected at all MABA demonstrations. Safety glasses must be worn during demonstrations.

First and foremost this calendar is to keep members up to date on our activities. Guests and visitors are welcome at demonstrations! Anyone interested in learning more about blacksmithing is encouraged to attend. Please review these safety issues before attending an event.

A typical MABA Demonstration

The date and time for a demonstration is usually Saturday at noon. Many of the members work Saturday morning or need travel time so noon has worked out well for our group. Gathering at noon we share a pot-luck lunch and plenty of conversation. Please bring a dish to pass if you are able. This is a great time to get to know the other members, ask questions and share information. The event is typically held at a member's shop and the host is often the demonstrator for the afternoon. Members, guests and visitors attending will spend about 2 hours enjoying the demonstration

Four times a year the group has a business meeting. Three meetings are held at a demonstration and the fourth is our Annual elections/meeting/Auction/Pot-luck Christmas party in December. The calendar listing will note if the demonstration will also be a business meeting.

Also listed on the calendar

Other activities around Michigan will also be listed on the calendar. These include events where MABA blacksmiths have been invited to demonstrate and/or sell to the public. Please consider attending these activities as they are another wonderful way to gain and share information about blacksmithing.

The last activities included on the calendar are events hosted by ABANA or other ABANA affiliates.

Please contact an Officer for pertinent information about any activity.

Calendar 2026

January

  • ***CANCELED*** January 24: ***CANCELED***
    • Host: Rob Georgic
      Location: Belleville MI 48111
      Due to extreme temperatures, the meeting is canceled.
      ***CANCELED***

February

  • February 21: (Saturday) at noon. Demonstration and Pot Luck.
    • Host: Larry Carrigan
      Shop: Shady Maple Forge
      Location: Rives Junction MI 49277
      Demo: Larry will demonstrate how to make a dust pan and how to use sheet metal as a blacksmith.
      Iron-in-the-Hat: Something with a critter or creature.

March

  • March 21: (Saturday) at noon. Business meeting, Demonstration and Pot Luck.
    • Host: Rod and Pat Lange
      Shop: Steelhead Forge
      Location: Romulus MI 48174
      Demo: Creatures and animal heads.
      Iron-in-the-Hat: Something for the house or bathroom.

April

  • April 11: (Saturday) at noon. Demonstration and Pot Luck.
    • Host: Roy Adams
      Location: Harrisville, MI
      Demo: French Baroque Style elements.
      Iron-in-the-Hat: Anything you want. Let your creativity out.

May

  • May 1 - 3: (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) You are invited to Attend - Registration Required.

    • 38th NOB Hammer -In

      Auglaize Village
      12298 Krouse Rd, Defiance OH
      For more information check out this flyer and registration form.
  • May 15-17: (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) - Business meeting and Hammer-In.

      • MEMBERS - Mark Your Calendar!-MAY HAMMER-IN

      • Members Only -Not Open to the Public-
        MABA Business meeting and Hammer-In
        Fowlerville Family Fairground
        • Demonstrator: Steve King
      • Fowlerville, Michigan

June

  • June 12-13: Special 2 day Event with Blacksmith Crawl
    • Host: Jennifer Horn
      Location: Sault Sainte Marie, MI
      Special Event: Blacksmith Crawl
  • June 20-21: (Saturday, Sunday) 10am - 5pm: Public Event/Demonstration Opportunity.
    • Blacksmiths, Soldiers and Log Cabin Weekend
      Waterloo Farm Museum
      13493 Waterloo Munith Rd.
      Grass Lake, Mi 49240

        Demonstrators (and visitors) wanted to join the crew at this public event at a historical museum. All levels welcome. Please bring any gear, a way to rope off your work area, and your own steel. A pop-up shade is highly recommended. Please come early to setup.
        Attempt at historical dress encouraged but not required. Rustic camping is available for those who would like to stay overnight--behind the barns for modern setups or in the work area for historical tents.
      Contact:
      Jenny Smith to RSVP or for more information.
      Email: Jenny Smith

Safety First!

Whereas the craft of blacksmithing is a potentially dangerous activity, any guest/visitor attending an activity hosted by the Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association will be required to sign the Liability Release form and wear safety glasses while in the demonstration area or during a demonstration or anytime ANY metal work is being preformed at the demonstration area.

Please turn in your signed release form to any MABA officer at the MABA event.

Guests and visitors to an event must understand the unique safety issues involved with hot iron. Sparks Fly! Tools Break!

  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Wear natural fiber clothes like cotton. Synthetics are more flammable and they melt, potentially contributing to serious burns.
  • Wear closed toe shoes, leather if possible, high top leather is best.
  • Assume all iron; stock, tools, vises etc. are HOT.
  • Resist the urge to grab for falling objects. They can be very HOT.
  • Wear Ear Protection!