Turn your imagination into wearable art! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a copper or bronze pendant using Precious Metal Clay (PMC)—a moldable clay made of real metal particles that transform into solid metal when kiln-fired.

Long Description

August 6; 2–4:30 p.m. or August 7; 6–8:30 p.m. | Center Building, Cantina 
Cost: $45 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+ 

Turn your imagination into wearable art! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a copper or bronze pendant using Precious Metal Clay (PMC)—a moldable clay made of real metal particles that transform into solid metal when kiln-fired. Learn how to cut, texture, and layer your piece while working with the clay in both its wet and green (dry) stages. Finished pendants will be kiln-fired by the instructor and ready to pick up the following week. All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided; please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Aug 6, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Aug 7, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Community Field Trip Program at MCM

Ever wondered what one of Muncie Children's Museum's field trip programs is like? Now's your chance to find out!

Join us on 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟔, 𝐚𝐭 𝟑:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 for a Community Field Trip featuring our popular fire safety program, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧. This hands-on learning experience gives families the opportunity to:

🔥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫
👨‍🚒 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞
🏠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞
🚒 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

This program is included with museum admission ( FREE for MCM Members), but registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants.

Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code or registering here: https://forms.gle/5QkLYGBA4AULbts79

The Muncie Makers Market is a retail business incubator presented to the public through a community farmers market with fresh homemade food, locally grown produce, live plants, and handmade arts of all kinds. This is our ten year anniversary and we are happy to have had over 600 small businesses work with us. You’ll find the Muncie Makers Market outdoors every First Thursday at Adams & Walnut AND indoors every Third Thursday at MadJax Maker Force. We also set up at special annual events like Magic City Sip & Savor, Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, Fire Up DWNTWN, ArtsWalk, and Light Up Muncie. We develop local small business through education, connections, and events!  Please join us on Facebook and Instagram and please share us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627047027524961/ ;

111 Arts Gallery Art @ the Murray Cornerstone Center for the Arts Cornerstone Center for the Arts Madjax Madjax Madjax Muncie Makers Market Muncie Makers Market Muncie Makers Market Record Parlor of Muncie Savage's Savage's Songwriter Sessions at Elm Street Songwriter Sessions at Elm Street

111 Arts Gallery 
111 E. Main
111 Arts Gallery is doing a tattoo flash special. $60 all day all Garfield imagery, in celebration of being in Muncie and Madjax’s Garfield Show. 1-8pm tattooing, all day specials, and art show 5-8pm. 

Art at the Murray
405 S. Walnut (upstairs between the Caffeinery & Atty. Frank Brinkman's)
All are welcome in our open studios! The second floor Foyer Gallery is exhibiting the work of former nationally syndicated cartoonist Dan Wright. All prints are framed, signed and for sale! Carrie Wright has a 1/17th scale model of her massive 7 DAYS immersive installation hanging, a great way to better understand the inner workings of such a massive undertaking. Gallery Flaneur (aka Mark Sawrie) is exhibiting photographs from several different projects; all art work will be discounted 25% and candy cigarettes are free! Cassie Dunmyer in suite 308 is exhibiting both recent and past works, and Dunckelhaus Photography welcomes you to suite 305 to peruse their gorgeous corner shooting studio. 

Cornerstone Center for the Arts
520 E. Main
Join us for an exciting evening as First Thursday returns with our Summer Celebration and a special partnership with Madjax's The Great Garfield Art Show! Main Street between Cornerstone and Madjax will be closed to vehicle traffic, creating a vibrant community space filled with: live music (featuring Kdøg, Eartherial, & S.I.K.), local vendors, food, and fun. Inside Cornerstone, be sure to browse our local vendors and work from our summer students on the 1st floor and enjoy the beautiful artwork of Leslie Price in the Judith Barnes Gallery located on the 2nd floor. Attached images: Photo by Leslie Price & Kdøg

Madjax Muncie
515 E. Main St.
Celebrate everyone's favorite lasagna-loving cat during The Great Garfield Art Show, hosted by Bootleg Muncie on the first floor of MadJax Maker Force! Explore original Garfield-inspired artwork created by local artists, browse and purchase vintage Garfield collectibles, and enjoy interactive displays and photo opportunities, including Garfield statues from the Garfield Trail. 

Feeling hungry? Sign up for the Lasagna Eating Contest at 7:30 pm for just $5. 

Main Street between Cornerstone Center for the Arts and MadJax will be closed to vehicle traffic, transforming the block into a vibrant community gathering space featuring live music, local vendors, food, and plenty of First Thursday fun.

Wrap up your night under the stars for the Courtyard Summer Concert series performance by John Beatrice Band beginning at 7:00 pm. Guardian Brewing Company will be open throughout the evening with food and drinks available for purchase. 

Muncie Makers Market
Corner of Walnut and Adams
Come out to First Thursday for Summer Shopping with the Growers & Makers of the Muncie Makers Market! Fresh Homemade Food, Handmade Art, & Locally Grown Produce/Plants! We'll be outdoors on the sidewalks at Adams & Walnut from 5-8p on Thursday, August 6th. The Pie Lady WILL be there!

Record Parlor of Muncie
125 E. Charles St., Suite 110
The Record Parlor of Muncie is continuing an initiative to create a Community Collage Album! In addition to enjoying our gallery of local art, visitors will have the opportunity to record some music (regardless of talent). We will have a small studio space set up with microphones, guitars, and a couple small percussion instruments. Visitors can also feel free to bring their own instrument to play. Anyone who wants to is welcome to record something (even if it's just hand claps). All of the sounds will then be mixed and mastered into a song. At the end of the year, we will have a full album of songs created by the community to share. The recording station will be set up from 6-8 so come contribute to the Community Collage!

Savage's Ale House (21+) 
127 N. High
Our August artist is Jessi Ireland. We will be available for First Thursday hours (but only for those who are 21+ with an I.D.) This showcase will remain hung up through August and available to view/purchase during normal business hours.

The Songwriter Sessions at Elm Street Brewing
519 N. Elm
The Songwriter Sessions is a monthly event where local and regional songwriters share the art of original music and the stories behind the songs.  The event is held in conjunction with Muncie's First Thursday. It runs from 8-10pm at Elm Street Brewing Co, 519 North Elm Street after the main First Thursday events, as an after party where you can unwind and listen to awesome live music performed by the creators. The August event features Chris Wolf from Indy and Scott Eckart from Fortville.  You may find details here or on The Songwriter Sessions Facebook page.

The Songwriter Sessions

The Songwriter Sessions is a singer/songwriter showcase happening every month in conjunction with First Thursday in downtown Muncie, Indiana. The all-original showcase is hosted by members of The Fierce - Sally and Lyn Fierce, and Michelle Kinsey. This event is an intentional listening opportunity, allowing the talented artists to share the stories behind their songs and allow the listener to hear the magic of the words and music come together.

Turn your imagination into wearable art! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a copper or bronze pendant using Precious Metal Clay (PMC)—a moldable clay made of real metal particles that transform into solid metal when kiln-fired.

Long Description

August 6; 2–4:30 p.m. or August 7; 6–8:30 p.m. | Center Building, Cantina 
Cost: $45 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+ 

Turn your imagination into wearable art! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a copper or bronze pendant using Precious Metal Clay (PMC)—a moldable clay made of real metal particles that transform into solid metal when kiln-fired. Learn how to cut, texture, and layer your piece while working with the clay in both its wet and green (dry) stages. Finished pendants will be kiln-fired by the instructor and ready to pick up the following week. All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided; please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Aug 6, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Aug 7, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

This is our annual community event that we have hosted for 12 years now. It’s fun for the entire family! The Bulldogs will perform their famous 50’s & 60’s Rock n Roll show. Food trucks, bounce house, dunk tank & a magician! There will also be a huge raffle and 50/50 to assist in our fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket & have a blast! Feel free to also bring a classic car and enter our car show. There aren’t any dash plaques awarded as this is our way to give back to the community. If you would like to enter a classic car, please be parked by 4:30 in the afternoon and plan on staying for the entire entirety of the event that ends at 8:30. A meal ticket will be provided to the driver. We look forward to seeing you and having some fun!

Cristina Vane

Critically acclaimed Americana/blues artist Cristina Vane and her band will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2026 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 8th  at Canan Commons (600 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Locals Lovesick Moan will open the show.

More than a mere practitioner of her craft, Cristina Vane has a breadth and depth of serious musical skill compiled from countless miles across all kinds of geography. On her third studio album ‘Hear My Call,’ the pairing of a lifetime pursuit and growing treasure trove of songs makes for a record that demands to be heard.

A deft multi-instrumentalist and captivating vocalist, she began writing songs and playing guitar in her teens, before the power of slide guitar captured her attention one summer in London and changed her trajectory. Her sound is a product of a merging of numerous worlds- her classic rock, 90s indie, and heavier roots with her passion for prewar blues, old time fiddle banjo music, country and bluegrass. On Hear My Call, Vane refuses to bend herself into a box, writing excellent bluegrass songs that exist cohesively alongside her blues, rock, and hill country blues inspired tunes. Indeed, a decade of finding herself has brought her full circle; in her words, “ “When it came to the album, I wanted it to be a reflection of who I am, not just of the old music that I’ve come to love”, she explains, “and I’m essentially a rock kid who is obsessed with old music. After being exposed to all of this music that was foreign to me, I am slowly figuring out how to find my own voice within it." 

Muncie Stitch n' Bitch meets every Sunday! 🧶 We meet weekly at The Cup and we come and go from 3-6p. Everyone is welcome, with any kind of making! The Cup is in The Village, near the campus of Ball State University, at 1606 West University Avenue. Free parking is behind the café, enter the parking lot off of Dill Street by Be Here Now. Support our host venue with purchases from The Cup’s menu! ☕️🥯 Creativity and caffeine, that's our thing! 
 

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1472977992921700

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18: 2:30-4 p.m.
Cost $55
Limited to 12 students
Reservations required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories, whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It's ideal whether you've already begun a memoir or are just starting to explore writing about your life.

You'll create a series of vignettes, short scenes or snapshots from your life, written in whatever style speaks to you: prose, poetry, dialogue, or even playwriting. No matter the form, the focus is on translating your thoughts into words, and this class will help you build that essential skill.

Over three sessions, you'll respond to writing prompts designed to help you "capture your life" on the page. You'll also have the chance to share your writing, ask questions, and exchange feedback and discoveries with the group.

This class is best suited for beginning and intermediate writers. Each class is designed to be repeatable, offering new prompts and insights each time you take it.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman is an award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist whose work spans poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction. Drawing on personal experience, memory, and emotional resilience, she explores themes of caregiving, relationships, and Midwestern life. She is the author of several poetry collections and chapbooks, including "It's Not Love, Unfortunately, Paparazzi for the Birds, Staring Dementia in the Face, and Open Up to Poetry: A Memoir and Manual", with a new collection forthcoming in 2026.

Her work has appeared in respected literary journals and anthologies and has earned multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. She serves on the executive board of the Midwest Writers Workshop, teaches at Indiana institutions, and leads workshops and readings across the state.

August 12; 3–4 p.m. | Center Building  

Cost: $10 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+

Show your school spirit on a nostalgic journey through the Minnetrista Heritage Collection. Join the Collections team for a behind-the-scenes tour into secure storage areas, where you’ll discover the tools, trends, and traditions that shaped school life in our community. Explore artifacts rarely on public display, including educational toys, uniforms, sports memorabilia, instruments, photographs, class rings, and yearbooks—and maybe even spot a few objects from your own school days. This tour may include standing, stairs, and exposure to loud HVAC noise. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. If you need accommodations, please notify us in advance.

https://www.minnetrista.net/events/collections-tour-aug-12-2026

August 13; 6–8 p.m. | Center Building, Indiana Room 
Cost: $28 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 21+

 
Join Cody Sprunger, Archivist for Architectural and Design Records at Ball State University, for an exploration of the local built environment shaped by Herbert Smenner, one of Muncie’s leading 20th-century architects. Working both independently and alongside his professional partner Charles Houck, Smenner helped define the region’s architectural character through designs such as the Muncie Fieldhouse and the Grace Keiser Maring Library. Through original architectural drawings, documents, and photographs from Ball State University Libraries’ Andrew Seager Archives of the Built Environment, the program brings Smenner’s creative process to life while highlighting the lasting impact of his work across East Central Indiana. Guests are invited to see familiar places in a new way while enjoying delicious appetizers. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Hear A-Level Big Band Tunes with AHB

   “Mellow as it Goes”     This August — on this Thurs evening – plan on a lively musical date with the very special Big Band musicians of America’s Hometown Band of Muncie.   
    They’ll be playing their ‘cool‘ music of the heart — in the Cornerstone Center for the Arts auditorium.  Come fill some comfy seats there and enjoy the talent onstage!  
            Free & Open to all & all ages

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Friday, August 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $35 (Includes project)
Limited to 15 students
Registration required
Please register online at:
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Looking for a creative, hands-on hobby with a modern twist? Try needlepointing! This isn’t your grandmother’s needlepoint. Today’s version is vibrant, customizable, and full of personality.

In each class, you'll design a one-of-a-kind piece by choosing your own thread colors and selecting from a variety of stitches using a helpful stitch guide. Every session features a new project, so there's always something fresh and inspiring to create.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of stitching under your belt, this class welcomes all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

Instructor: Linda Burkhardt has been teaching beginning needlepoint at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center since 2017, sharing both her artistic talent and her generous spirit with the community. She is the owner of Elegant Needleworks, a business founded in 1994 with her sister to inspire creativity and expand appreciation for needlepoint in Muncie. Linda's work has helped transform the Center during the holidays, showcasing beautiful hand-stitched decorations created by local artisans.

August 15; 2–4 p.m. | Center Building, Cantina 
Cost: $25 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 18+ 

Capture the bright, tangy flavors of tomatillo salsa in this beginner-friendly canning workshop. You’ll learn the fundamentals of water-bath canning while creating a fresh, flavorful salsa perfect for dipping, topping, or adding a kick to your favorite dishes—and you’ll leave with a jar to take home. This relaxed, hands-on experience builds confidence in the kitchen while teaching practical skills you can use at home. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

The First Annual Cornstock Music Festival is half of a twin festival series brought to you by Ashley Gray, Muncie native, Cofounder of The Maybelle Music Festival, professional musician, and Mike McKnight, local musician and performer!

This festival will showcase local talent featuring bands and acoustic acts at both Elm Street Brewery and 7 Rock Brew, located one block apart on Race Street and the Dora permit allows attendees to travel between venues with properly marked alcoholic beverages.

This event welcomes all ages and is free to attend!

All and any donations on site will still be welcomed and much appreciated!

RSVP on Facebook

Muncie Stitch n' Bitch meets every Sunday! 🧶 We meet weekly at The Cup and we come and go from 3-6p. Everyone is welcome, with any kind of making! The Cup is in The Village, near the campus of Ball State University, at 1606 West University Avenue. Free parking is behind the café, enter the parking lot off of Dill Street by Be Here Now. Support our host venue with purchases from The Cup’s menu! ☕️🥯 Creativity and caffeine, that's our thing! 
 

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1472977992921700

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Three Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18: 2:30-4 p.m.
Cost $55
Limited to 12 students
Reservations required
Please register online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This class is for anyone looking to preserve their memories, whether for personal reflection, to share with loved ones, or to publish. It's ideal whether you've already begun a memoir or are just starting to explore writing about your life.

You'll create a series of vignettes, short scenes or snapshots from your life, written in whatever style speaks to you: prose, poetry, dialogue, or even playwriting. No matter the form, the focus is on translating your thoughts into words, and this class will help you build that essential skill.

Over three sessions, you'll respond to writing prompts designed to help you "capture your life" on the page. You'll also have the chance to share your writing, ask questions, and exchange feedback and discoveries with the group.

This class is best suited for beginning and intermediate writers. Each class is designed to be repeatable, offering new prompts and insights each time you take it.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman is an award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist whose work spans poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction. Drawing on personal experience, memory, and emotional resilience, she explores themes of caregiving, relationships, and Midwestern life. She is the author of several poetry collections and chapbooks, including "It's Not Love, Unfortunately, Paparazzi for the Birds, Staring Dementia in the Face, and Open Up to Poetry: A Memoir and Manual", with a new collection forthcoming in 2026.

Her work has appeared in respected literary journals and anthologies and has earned multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. She serves on the executive board of the Midwest Writers Workshop, teaches at Indiana institutions, and leads workshops and readings across the state.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Wednesday, August 19, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $45, includes supplies
Limited to 10 students
Reservations required
Please reserve online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Capture the magic of a perfect sunset in this watercolor class focused on essential techniques such as blending, layering washes, and creating glowing skies with vibrant color transitions. Guided step by step, you'll explore how to build depth, incorporate silhouetted elements, and bring atmosphere to your scene. Open to all skill levels.

Instructor: Ann Johnson is a dedicated painting instructor at the Center, where she shares her passion for art with students of all skill levels. With a strong background in fine arts and years of teaching experience, Ann specializes in helping individuals develop their creative voice while building solid technical foundations.

THIRD THURSDAYS! 🌱 Join our local Growers & Makers of the Muncie Makers Market for a really fun "night market" vibe EVERY MONTH for Third Thursdays at MadJax Maker Force! ALL INDOORS! While you enjoy shopping for our homemade, handmade, and locally grown goods, you can also have a great time throwing axes and nerf football bowling with a beer at Max Axe Muncie, have a delicious dinner and brews at The Guardian Brewery Co., and explore the HUGE MadJax Maker Force facility! WE are soooo excited to partner with MadJax Maker Force for a NEW NIGHT OUT in Downtown Muncie!

The Muncie Makers Market is a retail business incubator presented to the public through a community farmers market with fresh homemade food, locally grown produce, live plants, and handmade arts of all kinds! You’ll find the Muncie Makers Market monthly during the First Thursday & Third Thursday community events in Downtown Muncie, and at special annual events like the Magic City Brewfest, Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, Fire Up DWNTWN, ArtsWalk, and Light Up DWNTWN throughout our community all year! We develop local small business through education, connections, and events! Please JOIN us on Facebook and Instagram and please SHARE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627047027524961/  

MadJax Maker Force:

https://www.madjax.org

Mad Axe Muncie:

https://madaxemuncie.com

The Guardian Brewing Co.:

https://guardian.beer

Westside Park - Free Concert by America’s Hometown Band

Last Westside Park concert of the 2026 AHB season:

         Thursday evening, August 20 …..     America’s Hometown Band  plays a program that salutes our ‘Great Outdoors‘.  

      Pack up the family and take a hike to Westside Park - to explore the many twists and turns in this musical adventure!

       — Free & Open to all —

  Snacks, coolers of non-alcoholic drinks ok