Muncie Matters

09/24/2025

Get ready for October's ArtsWalk—a special First Thursday to discover local artists, talent, foods, and more in the heart of DWNTWN Muncie.

Explore galleries at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company and Cornerstone Center for the Arts, enjoy the finale of DWNTWN IDOL (at 6 P.M.!), PLUS experience history like never before through augmented reality. See the former Wysor Grand Opera House, Wysor Building, and Courthouse through your phone and the exclusive AR experience in Dave's Alley — It's immersive, interactive, and only at ArtsWalk!

Contributors: IDIA Lab: The Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts at Ball State University, John Fillwalk, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.

See it all Thursday, Oct. 2, 5–8 PM!

Get ready for October's ArtsWalk—a special First Thursday to discover local artists, talent, foods, and more in the heart of DWNTWN Muncie. Explore galleries at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company and Cornerstone Center for the Arts, enjoy the finale of DWNTWN IDOL (at 6 P.M.!), PLUS experie...

09/03/2025

Back-to-School Edition

09/02/2025

Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Fall 2025 Free Show Schedule
www.bsu.edu/planetarium

Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium for more information, including details on our Yoga in the Planetarium experiences. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit? Request a private visit for your Ball State class or group online.

August

Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Fridays: Aug. 22, 29 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 3:30 p.m.
Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle and meet a helpful astronomer and astronaut.
Perfect for families and groups with K through 3rd-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Sky Skills Live
Fridays: Aug. 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a live, guided tour of the late summer night sky—featuring August's celestial highlights—using free star charts provided during the program.
Perfect for adults and ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Birth of Planet Earth
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 5:00 p.m.
This show tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins, and helps us explore the potential of other possible worlds like our own.
Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

September

Accidental Astronauts
Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 3:30 p.m.
Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space!
Perfect for families and groups with K through 3rd-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Living Worlds
Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth livable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies might be used to find it.
Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Dynamic Earth
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 5:00 p.m.
This cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere.
Suitable for adults and ages 12+; all ages are welcome.

October

Halloween: Celestial Origins
Fridays: Oct. 17, 24 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Oct. 18, 25 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Think Halloween is just candy and costumes? Discover its astronomical roots as a “cross-quarter day” and find out what stars and planets will light up your Halloween sky!
Suitable for adults and ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure
Saturdays: Oct. 18, 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Discover the dangers of space junk and the challenges of humanity’s Moon exploration as you follow adventurous cat astronauts on their flight to the Moon!
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 6+; all ages are welcome.

November

Astronomy SLAM!
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m., tickets required
Cost: $4/person, buy tickets online
In this fast-paced event, Ball State students compete for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion by using planetarium visuals to present a piece of the universe to you—each with just ten minutes to shine. Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.
Interested in being a student presenter? Fill out the presenter interest form or email [email protected] with your interest by September 14, 2025.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Fridays: Nov. 14, 21 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China. Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Water Worlds Live
Fridays: Nov. 14, 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 6:30 p.m.
From icy moons to craters, discover where water hides in our solar system—and what it means for life on Earth. Suitable for adults and ages 10+, with all ages welcome.

We Are Astronomers
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by David Tennant, this exploration delves into what astronomers do to answer the Universe's questions, featuring insights into NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the Large Hadron Collider. Suitable for adults and ages 8+, with all ages welcome.

December

The Christmas Star
Fridays: Dec. 5, 12 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Dec. 6, 13 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a program that explores possible natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem—from a brilliant exploding star to a passing comet and more. Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Earth, Moon, and Sun
Saturdays: Dec. 6, 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Coyote’s many misconceptions about Earth and its neighbors spark curiosity and lead viewers to explore how the Earth, Moon, and Sun work together as a system, distinguishing myth from science. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Information for General Public Programs:
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie.
- You don't need to make reservations or buy tickets unless otherwise noted. Cash donations are accepted at the door.
- Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close once full or 15 minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time.
- Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We offer hands-on activities before most shows.
- Programs run approximately 50 minutes long, which includes a live sky tour.
- No food, drinks, gum, or candy are allowed in the planetarium.
- Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off and put away at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to planetarium programs.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult.
- The planetarium and Ball State campus are tobacco-free spaces.

We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible.

For additional information, visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium.

Attend a free public show and see why Ball State University's planetarium is considered one of the best in the country. Groups may also reserve private showings. And the planetarium produces its own shows, which others may lease.

09/02/2025

Ivy Tech Graduates Lead New Head Start Classroom in Henry County

New on-campus classroom opens at Ivy Tech’s Henry County site, led by Ivy Tech graduates and serving local families with high-quality care.

New Castle – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie is proud to announce the launch of a new partnership with Head Start at the Henry County campus. This collaboration expands access to early childhood education while providing families with high-quality care conveniently located on campus.

“Throughout my time at Ivy Tech, I have witnessed the College’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities. The partnership with Head Start is a strong example of how we respond to community needs with thoughtful, solution-oriented collaboration. It is an honor to support initiatives that strengthen both our students and the families we serve,” said Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Vice Chancellor for Site Administration and Completions.

The new Head Start classroom officially opened this month, welcoming 12 children with space for three more. The program recently passed its state childcare licensing inspections with no issues and will be grandfathered in at Paths to QUALITY™ Level 3—a designation that reflects its strong commitment to child development and learning.

The classroom is led by two Ivy Tech graduates: Brandy Martin, Lead Teacher, and Amber Evans (Neal), Assistant Teacher. Their expertise and passion ensure children are learning and thriving in a supportive environment.

“I feel privileged to teach in the new Head Start classroom at Ivy Tech, where I gained the skills to become a teacher. I am grateful for this opportunity and the wonderful space we’ve been given to help preschoolers learn, grow, and discover the joy of school,” said Brandy Martin.

“I started my journey at Ivy Tech as a student, where I earned my CDA and found my calling in early childhood education. Now, I’m proud to serve children and families through this unique collaboration with Head Start. Every day, I get to guide preschoolers through their first steps in education—building social skills, encouraging confidence, and celebrating milestones. Ivy Tech didn’t just prepare me for a career; it gave me the opportunity to come back and make a lasting impact in my community,” said Amber Evans.

The initiative was led by Erin Donovan, who emphasized its value to the community:
“We’re thrilled to provide such a welcoming space for children and families right here on our campus. This partnership not only supports local families but also demonstrates the incredible impact our Ivy Tech graduates are making in Henry County.”

With the program now underway, families are already experiencing the benefits of accessible, high-quality early childhood education. This partnership reflects Ivy Tech’s ongoing commitment to serving Henry County through education, workforce preparation, and community collaboration.

09/01/2025

AHB’s Traditional Free Concert Event at Old Washington Street Festival

Performance Tent, September 14th @ 2pm

It’s the last Concert Band performance for America’s Hometown Band of Muncie in 2025.

And this year, AHB is joined by Guest Conductor John Clark, and several of his student musicians from Muncie Central High School — sharing the best music of the season with festival-goers.

Free and open to all - shaded seating

Location at 500 E Washington Street, Muncie

09/01/2025

AHB - September 11th @ 6 pm at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

Come join America’s Hometown Band of Muncie as they accompany the 9/11 Field of Flags closing program - a patriotic homage to America’s many fallen heroes, both civilian and military, lost in domestic disasters.

Free and open to all, outdoor seating on site. Indoors in case of rain. Join us at

1200 N Minnetristra Pkwy, Muncie

08/06/2025

Summer Nights of Music with America’s Hometown Band for August 2025

Beautiful, cool Westside Park hosts America’s Hometown Band of Muncie at 7 pm on two upcoming Thursday evenings: August 14th and August 21st.

Please come and enjoy these AHB performances in August at Westside Park, 2400 W White River Parkway, Muncie. Lawn seating - free admission & parking, open to the public.


Aug 14, 7 pm :

It’s AHB’s last Big Band Swing performance for 2025 — with Bandleader/Trumpeter Larry McWilliams (also an emeritus BSU Jazz Prof) and Special Guest Vocalist Mona Dale (also Pastor at St Andrew Presb in Muncie) — who will be teaching the audience all about tunes & rhythms by the great swing composers.

AHB Big Band Swing group plays the great swing composers at Westside Park on Aug 14, 7 pm.

August 21, 7 pm:

“AHB’s Got Talent!“- and boy, howdy, several top examples are put in the spotlight at this performance!

The AHB Concert Band accompanies these artists in piano, voice, trumpet, saxophone, piccolo, and xylophone.

07/14/2025

Made in the Shade with America’s Hometown Band (AHB)

It’s Big Band swing tunes & You … this free, public concert by the AHB jazz pros for a free, public concert at 7:30 pm on July 24, featuring lawn seating in the cool evening air at , 2400 W White River Pkwy, Muncie.

The music lineup by bandleader Larry McWilliams is a variety of swing tunes and Big Band classics — a program of famous tunes written by the great ones — such as Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington.

AHB plays it all for you, Muncie.

06/07/2025

From Alaska to Puerto Rico, Educators Host 200 Events on June 7th, Teach Truth Day of Action to Challenge Full-Scale Assault on Public Education

Fifth annual nationwide rallies and teach-ins, led by educators, students, and local communities, aim to push back against unprecedented and increasing legislative efforts to censor history and restrict learning in K-12 classrooms.

[Washington, DC] – [June 7, 2025] – Today educators, students, parents, and activists across the United States will participate in the fifth annual Teach Truth Day of Action. There will be over 200 events across the nation including the District of Columbia, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, and many others. This nationwide initiative, led by Zinn Education Project (coordinated by Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change), in partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) and cosponsored by more than 80 prominent national civil rights and advocacy organizations, aims to defend the right to an honest and inclusive education and to resist the rapidly growing government efforts to censor history and restrict learning in K-12 classrooms.

This year’s Day of Action takes place amid a full-scale assault on public education. These activities directly respond to the Department of Education initiative aimed at eliminating public schools and the presidential executive order of eliminating the Department of Education and banning discussions on critical historical and contemporary subjects, including climate change, racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ identity, systemic oppression, and the diverse history of communities within the United States. These attacks have been coupled with state-level censorship laws and local district crackdowns, designed to whitewash history, silence marginalized voices, and intimidate teachers.

Educators and allies are hosting a variety of public events, including rallies at historic sites, people’s history mini-lessons in public spaces, history walking tours, information tables at libraries and community centers, and screenings of award-winning documentaries, such as Banned Together.

“As educators, we have the professional and moral responsibility to defend an accurate, inclusive education and the rights of all of our students, no matter their race, gender identity, or immigration status. We call on all educators, students, families, and public education allies to rise with us,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “This day of action across the country is a commitment by educators to teach full and accurate U.S. history and current events, and to affirm the humanity of all students. It is a call to raise awareness of the dangers of lying to students about the existence and persistence of structural and systemic racism, and all forms of oppression. This is more than a day of action. It’s a line in the sand. We will not lie to children. We will not erase the past. We will welcome every student — every one — and we will not back down.”

Since 2021, more than 800 pieces of legislation have been introduced across the states aimed at censoring teachers on historic and current topics. Organizers argue that the alarming surge in censorship, a hallmark of authoritarianism, is deliberately eroding the foundations of a well-informed citizenry and threatening democratic principles. The public must fight back by demanding uncensored curricula, supporting educators on the front lines, and actively championing intellectual freedom.

"Education censorship laws are a warning sign of a deeper authoritarian threat — one that aims to control how young people think,” said Seattle educator and Zinn Education Project campaign director Jesse Hagopian. “When the government tries to erase the truth about racism, colonialism, LGBTQIA+ identity, and the climate crisis, they’re not just closing the door on the past — they’re locking students out of the future. Teaching truth hands the keys to the youth, allowing them to unlock their potential to create thriving communities rooted in solidarity."

The Zinn Education Project is providing resources, training, and support for local event hosts and is urging communities to come together to protect the future of democracy and justice by ensuring young people have access to an uncensored education. Event hosts will highlight local histories at risk of being obscured and distribute information to the public on how to defend the freedom to teach and learn.


Event Information:

What: Nationwide Teach Truth Day of Action
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Where: 47305: https://publicschoolstrong.controlshift.app/calendars/teach-truth-2025?filter%5Blocation%5D=47305&page=1
Why: To advocate for the right to teach and learn an honest, inclusive U.S. history and to oppose censorship in education; to ensure world-class, quality education for our K-12 students.

To protect young people’s right to learn — and by default protect the future of democracy and justice — we need to expose the right’s agenda and be visible in our defense of teaching people’s history. We ask EVERYONE to take a public stand in defense of .

06/05/2025

America’s Hometown Band of Muncie Announces its Free, Public Concerts in June

JUNE TUNES 2025 from America’s Hometown Band:

JUNE 12 - 8pm “Salute to Big Band Swing”
Canan Commons Stage in Muncie, IN
600 S Walnut Street - lawn seating, and plenty of dancing space. AHB Jazz Band leader: Larry McWilliams

JUNE 19 - 6pm & 7pm “A Menu of Ensembles”
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
1200 W Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie
6 pm — at front entry canopy: Dixieland Combo & vocalist
7 pm — indoors, Indiana Room: AHB Woodwind Ensemble
by Central Indiana Flute Choir, led by Becky Boyce,
and by Clarinet Connection, led by Steve Stickler

JUNE 26 7:30 pm - “Music to Romance By”
Canan Commons Stage in Muncie, IN
600 S Walnut Street - lawn seating, and plenty of dancing space
AHB Jazz Band leader: Larry McWilliams

05/31/2025

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Juneteenth Muncie to Host 6th Annual Celebration on June 14

MUNCIE, IN — The Juneteenth Muncie Committee will host the 6th Annual Juneteenth Muncie Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2 to 9 p.m. at McCulloch Park. This free, family-friendly event invites the public to gather in recognition of Juneteenth, a historic day marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The annual celebration continues to grow as a space for reflection, education, and joy. Attendees can expect an afternoon and evening filled with live performances, youth and family activities, local vendors, food, and community engagement opportunities. The event is designed to bring people together across generations and backgrounds in the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation.

“Each year, Juneteenth Muncie brings the community together to honor the past and build a more inclusive future,” said Dorica Watson, co-chair of the Juneteenth Muncie Committee. “This event is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the power of community.”

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved African Americans—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is recognized nationally as a time to reflect on the nation’s history and to celebrate African American culture and contributions.

Juneteenth Muncie is organized by a local committee dedicated to promoting awareness of African American history and building stronger, more inclusive communities. The 2025 event is presented in partnership with the Indiana Black Expo – Muncie Chapter and Shafer Leadership Academy, the presenting sponsor.

For more information, to volunteer, or to support the event, visit www.JuneteenthMuncie.com or contact event co-chairs Anitra Davis or Dorica Watson at [email protected].

Celebrating the past with consciousness to inspire the future, while focusing on Enjoyment, Education, & Empowerment.   Engage, Educate, Empower Upcoming events.   Upcoming events.Volunteer CPR Training - Sunday June 8 3:00pm-6:00pmJuneteenth 2024 - Saturday June 14, 2025 @ McCulloch Park 2:00pm-9...

05/27/2025

Brink of Summer ArtsWalk

Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) invites you to seek the unique during Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, June 5th, featuring Steamroller Printmaking, Flower Hour, and DWNTWN IDOL, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.

Tribune Showprint Posters, the nation’s oldest continuously operating letterpress shop, will host Muncie’s first Steamroller Print Event in conjunction with Muncie Downtown Development. Artists from around the region are carving images into wood, however, you do not have to carve your own piece to participate. There will be a variety of carved boards to choose from, or you can make your own smaller prints from images that will be provided.

Enjoy watching a steamroller roll over the large prints of paper and see the artist's carved work come to life. “I’m so excited for this event,” says Kim Miller, owner of Tribune Showprint. “We were able to bring this event to downtown with the gracious help and partnership from Muncie Downtown Development and the Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation.”

A kaleidoscope of color returns with Flower Hour, sponsored by Wise Country Market, with flowers provided by Normandy Flower Shop, Inc. Build your bouquet as you enjoy the other activities during this event. The $20 Flower Hour tickets are available for purchase online or at the corner of Charles and Walnut Street during the event.

Think you have the voice? Become Muncie’s next DWNTWN IDOL and Win $500 cash, a trophy, additional community performance opportunities, a photoshoot complete with makeup done by a makeup artist, an overnight stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Muncie at Horizon Convention Center, and bragging rights as Muncie’s top performer! Audition deadlines are May 16th for Round 1 and July 17th for Round 2. Eliminations will be during the Brink of Summer Artswalk and Fire Up DWNTWN, with the finale during Fall ArtsWalk.

With locally owned shops, pop-up moments, and can’t-miss events, DWNTWN is turning heads. Do not miss the season. Brink Of Summer ArtsWalk is June 5th, Fire Up DWNTWN, August 2nd, and Fall ArtsWalk, October 2nd.

For more details, see:

https://muncieevents.com/event/9931