Events on October 7, 2026
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Family Adventure Day: Autumn Apple Harvest Jubilee
9am to 5pm @
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303
Ages: none 
October 7 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Campus-Wide | Check-In at Center Building
🎟️ Free Family Event
✨ Presented by First Merchants Bank🍏 Celebrate the Season at Minnetrista!
Gather the family and spend the day exploring apple-inspired adventures, hands-on activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations, and autumn fun across the Minnetrista campus!With activities happening throughout the day, you can create your own adventure and discover something new around every corner. 🍎🌿
🐾 See, Hear & Explore
Get up close with fascinating animals during live animal shows from Indiana Wild, enjoy live music from Oxford Baking Company in Hackley Gallery, and keep an eye out for Johnny Appleseed as he makes his way throughout the Center Building.Head to the Apple Barn for live cider pressing demonstrations featuring both modern and historic methods, then explore the campus to find even more seasonal activities.
🎨 Make Something
Get creative with the “Still Life With Apples” painting activity in the Education Center, make an apple ornament at Betty’s Cabin, or try your hand at apple stamping on the Betty’s Cabin Lawn.Looking for a little friendly competition? Enjoy classic family lawn games in the Wishing Well Garden and test your skills with the Rag Ball Apple Basket Game on the Oakhurst Lawn.
🌱 The Horticulture team will also be on the Greensward with a hands-on gardening activity.
🍎 More to Discover
Take a break from the activities to explore Minnetrista’s galleries and exhibitions with free admission throughout the day, shop special Family Adventure Day offers at The Orchard Shop, or grab something delicious from one of the food trucks along Center Drive. 🌭🍂There’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!
📌 Plan Your Visit
Preregistration is encouraged.Please note: Animals will be part of some of the day’s activities. If you or someone in your group has animal allergies or sensitivities, please plan accordingly. While animals will be supervised by professionals, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free space.
🍂 Come celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall with us! 🍎
Presented by First Merchants Bank.
- Beginnings 2026: The First-Year Foundations Student Show 10am @ The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery, Ball State University Art and Journalism Building, First Floor
Beginnings 2026: The First-Year Foundations Student Show
September 4 – October 9, 2026 | Reception and awards ceremony: September 11, 4-6 p.m.
The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery
Normal Hours
- M – F: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Closed weekends and all Ball State breaks and holidays.
The Beginnings 2026 exhibition showcases student artwork completed in the past academic year in School of Art First-Year Foundations courses. We are pleased to offer awards in four categories (2D, 3D, 4D, and Drawing) and a Best in Show Award that is generously sponsored by Art Mart in the Village. Join us for the reception and awards ceremony during BSU Family Weekend, Friday, September 11 from 4 to 6pm.
Foundations provides all first-year students in the studio art, animation, graphic design, and art education programs with the fundamental concepts of art and design through an intensive year-long studio-based experience in AFA 101 Drawing Studio, ADS 101 2D Foundations, ADS 102 3D Foundations, ADS 103 4D Foundations. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes critical thinking and making skills, conceptual development, process, collaboration, and experimentation. Students are introduced to the School of Art’s learning approaches and gain a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary practices in art and design.
Fall Break: Creatures of the Cave
10am to 5pm @
Muncie Children's Museum
515 S. High St., Muncie, IN 47305
Cost: General Admission: $8 | Access for All: $1 | MCM Members: FREE 
Fall Break at MCM
Join us October 7–11 for Creatures of the Cave at the Muncie Children’s Museum!
This Fall Break adventure is packed with fascinating cave creatures, special guests, stories, and crafts inspired by our new temporary mini exhibit, Cave Wonders.
All activities are included with museum admission.
General Admission $8 | Access for All $1 | MCM Members FREECreatures of the Cave programming is sponsored by the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation.
- Ross Education Incoming Student Orientation 3pm @ Ross Medical Education Center 411 West Riggin Road Muncie, IN 47303
Student Orientation Session for incoming students: We will review all the essential information to ensure a successful start, including Academic policies, Attendance requirements, Dress Code and our digital Learning Management System. You will also get a guided tour of the campus and classrooms to help you find your way around, alongside dedicated support to set up your new laptop. We look forward to sharing some fun moments together as well!
Opened in 2014, the Ross Medical Education Center Muncie campus is located on the north side of the city, just a few minutes from I-35 and directly across from the Muncie/Delaware County Airport. The campus is conveniently situated on the North Walnut bus route for the city's transit system.
- Beginnings 2026: The First-Year Foundations Student Show 10am @ The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery, Ball State University Art and Journalism Building, First Floor
