15 Upcoming Events at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

September 23 and 24; 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Education Center 
Cost: $85 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 18+ 
 
Create your own glass mosaic in this two-day, hands-on workshop. Participants will design and complete a 6" x 8" mosaic panel using a variety of colorful glass. Choose from provided bird and butterfly patterns or bring your own inspiration to create a design that’s uniquely yours. All tools and supplies will be provided. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

This Event Runs From Sep 23, 2026, 5:30pm to Sep 24, 2026, 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

September 23 and 24; 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Education Center 
Cost: $85 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 18+ 
 
Create your own glass mosaic in this two-day, hands-on workshop. Participants will design and complete a 6" x 8" mosaic panel using a variety of colorful glass. Choose from provided bird and butterfly patterns or bring your own inspiration to create a design that’s uniquely yours. All tools and supplies will be provided. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

This Event Runs From Sep 23, 2026, 5:30pm to Sep 24, 2026, 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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.

October 9 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
October 10 | 2–5 p.m.
📍 Center Building, Cantina
🎟️ $60 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 18+

✨ Create Something Beautiful in Copper

Explore the colorful world of copper enameling with local artist and metalsmith Victoria Stout! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the complete enameling process and create your own one-of-a-kind landscape pendant on a 2½- or 3-inch copper base.

From learning kiln safety and working with enamel powders to building your design and creating a finished piece, Victoria will guide you through the process step by step. No need to be an experienced metalsmith—this workshop is an opportunity to learn a new technique, get creative, and make something uniquely yours. 🌄🎨

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautifully finished enameled copper pendant and the skills and confidence to continue exploring this colorful art form.

🛠️ What’s Included

All tools, supplies, and safety gear are provided, so you can focus on creating!

👕 Please wear cotton clothing. Polyester and acrylic clothing should not be worn for this workshop.

📅 Choose Your Workshop Date

Friday, October 9 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 | 2–5 p.m.

Both sessions cover the same workshop experience.

Preregistration is preferred. Limited walk-in tickets may be available, so please call ahead if you’re interested in joining us at the last minute.

🌈 Come explore the art of enameling and create a landscape you can carry with you!

October 29; 3–4 p.m. | Center Building  

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

Step behind the scenes into secure storage areas where mysterious, unusual, and rarely displayed artifacts wait to be rediscovered. From puzzling tools to objects with surprising purposes, each piece carries a story. Guided by the Collections team, you’ll examine real collection items up close and put your detective skills to the test. Can you determine what these objects were used for, who made them, or why they were preserved? Perfect for the curious, the clever, and anyone who loves a good puzzle, this tour invites you to uncover the secrets hidden within these delightfully obscure treasures. 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-oct-29-26

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

November 7; 6–8 p.m. | Center Building, Cantina 
Cost: $25 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 14+ 

Capture the fresh, bright flavor of mint in this beginner-friendly canning workshop. You’ll learn the fundamentals of water-bath canning while creating a flavorful mint jelly that is perfect for spreading, pairing with savory dishes, or sharing with friends and family. This relaxed, hands-on experience builds confidence in the kitchen while teaching practical skills you can use at home, and you’ll leave with a jar to take home. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

November 11; 3–4:30 p.m. | Center Building, Indiana Room 
Cost: $25 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+ 

Enjoy refreshments while joining local historian Karen Vincent for an engaging look at the life and work of artist Cyrus Edwin Dallin. This Tea & Talk explores the history behind two of his most celebrated sculptures, The Passing of the Buffalo and Appeal to the Great Spirit, tracing their journey to Downtown Muncie and examining their lasting impact on the community. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

November 14; 2–4 p.m. | Cantina, Center Building 
Cost: $13 | Ages 8+ 

Create a beautiful winter snow scene while learning the basics of fused glass in this easy, beginner-friendly workshop. Designed for family fun, participants will explore glass techniques and create their own unique piece of art. No prior glass experience is necessary. 

December 4 and 5; 5–9 p.m. | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens 

Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Minnetrista. Enjoy three miles of enchanting lights, sweet treats, food, live music, live theatre, winter crafts, a barrel train for kids, our popular Holiday Artisan Market, and more. Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this FREE community event. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Dec 4, 2026, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Dec 5, 2026, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

December 4 and 5; 5–9 p.m. | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens 

Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Minnetrista. Enjoy three miles of enchanting lights, sweet treats, food, live music, live theatre, winter crafts, a barrel train for kids, our popular Holiday Artisan Market, and more. Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this FREE community event. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Dec 4, 2026, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Dec 5, 2026, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

Celebrate the holiday season by creating a one-of-a-kind ornament or charm using Precious Metal Clay. This unique material is made from powdered metal and binders that can be shaped like clay before being kiln-fired into a solid bronze or copper piece.  
All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing they don't mind getting stained or dirty . Finished pieces will be kiln-fired after class and available for pickup at the Minnetrista front desk the following week. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Dec 9, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Dec 10, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

Celebrate the holiday season by creating a one-of-a-kind ornament or charm using Precious Metal Clay. This unique material is made from powdered metal and binders that can be shaped like clay before being kiln-fired into a solid bronze or copper piece.  
All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing they don't mind getting stained or dirty . Finished pieces will be kiln-fired after class and available for pickup at the Minnetrista front desk the following week. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

Happens on the following Dates:

• Dec 9, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Dec 10, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

December 11; 6–8 p.m. 
Location: Center Building, Indiana Room 
Cost: $28 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 21+ 

Join Minnetrista Collections Manager Mindy Price and Archivist Susan Smith for an engaging evening exploring the life and legacy of J. Ottis Adams, one of Indiana's celebrated Hoosier Group impressionist painters. Discover Adams' artistic influence, his connection to Muncie, and the lasting relationship between the artist and the Ball family. Through historical context and objects from Minnetrista's collections, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for one of Indiana's most influential artists. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious appetizers while exploring this fascinating chapter of Indiana art history.  
Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

December 13; 1–5 p.m. (1½-hour sessions) | Center Building, Cantina 
Cost: $30 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 14+ 

Add some extra sparkle to the season by creating a one-of-a-kind fused glass ornament. Choose from a selection of precut ornament shapes to decorate your piece using a colorful assortment of glass frit and decorative glass elements. Finished ornaments will be kiln-fired after class and available for pickup at the Minnetrista front desk the following week. 

All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Safety glasses will be provided, though participants who wear prescription glasses may use those instead. Additional ornaments may be purchased during the workshop for $20 each, with a limit of three additional ornaments per participant. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

December 19; 9 a.m.–Noon | Center Building Lobby       
Cost: À la carte pricing ($3–$10 per item)  

Start your morning with a festive brunch during the Farmers Market at Minnetrista. Enjoy a freshly prepared, holiday-inspired menu, along with a coffee bar and Minnetrista's house-pressed cider available for purchase. This casual, drop-in experience is the perfect way to fuel your morning while you browse market vendors for unique holiday finds and connect with the community. No registration required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase while supplies last.