4 upcoming events with the history tag

Take a guided tour of Muncie's largest landmark and meet the people who shaped our past locally and nationally.

Learn more about Muncie’s rich and fascinating history by taking a guided tour through a portion of historic Beech Grove Cemetery. Reenactors positioned along the route will bring local historic figures back to life!

Tours are approximately 1 mile, generally leave on the half hour and are limited to groups of 20.

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-historic-beech-grove-cemetery-tour-tickets-1671810924479?aff=oddtdtcreator or available to purchase at the Main Gate the day of the event until 6:30pm. Children under the age of 12 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.

Refreshments will be available near the fountain for guests as they wait for the tours to depart. Guests can test their fact-or-fiction skills by playing a round of Dueling Historians in the Chapel.

This is an outdoor, family-friendly event which does require walking a substantial distance and taking some steps on uneven ground. Accommodation can be made in advance for those who need them.

Should the event be postponed due to inclement weather, our rain date is October 12th and tickets will be transferred to that date (or, if requested, refunded). Eventbrite will, however, retain their fee. All ticket holders will receive an email (sent to the address provided to us) as early as possible should we move the event to the 12th.

Parking will be available across from the main cemetery gate. Please take caution when crossing Kilgore. Accommodation for those needing parking accessibility will be made.

This event is proudly brought to you by Old West End Neighborhood Association. Proceeds

will benefit the neighborhood and the cemetery Preservation Fund.

Celebrate artistry and joy at Happy Little Fest, honoring the beloved Bob Ross, his lasting legacy, and his famous “happy little” approach to art. Spend the day surrounded by all things Bob—watch live painting demos, view original Bob Ross masterpieces, and test your knowledge with Bob Ross trivia. Hop on a shuttle to explore WIPB’s studio at Ball State University, where later seasons of “The Joy of Painting” were filmed, then refuel with refreshing drinks and delicious bites from local food trucks. Enjoy live music from local artists and take part in the Bob Ross Look-Alike Competition!

Want to paint like Bob? Purchase a $55 ticket for one of our Bob Ross Painting Workshops—kids paint at 1 p.m. and adults at 3 p.m.—and create your own “happy little” masterpiece to take home. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity and let your imagination flow! Preregistration is strongly preferred for painting workshops; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Please note: Your Happy Little Fest ticket covers admission to Minnetrista Museum & Gardens ticketed exhibitions (including the "Bob Ross Experience").

Happy Little Fest is presented in partnership with Ball State PBS, Bob Ross Inc., and Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.

This event is made possible by the generous support of Bob Ross, Inc., Masters Insurance, Dillman's Furniture and Mattress, and Parker Electrical Service.

Step into a hauntingly evocative journey through time on a guided tour of the Minnetrista Heritage Collection with Archivist Susan Smith and Collections Manager Mindy Price. This immersive experience takes you behind-the-scenes to explore where the boundaries between medicine and mortality intertwine. Examine artifacts not currently on public display and learn more about funerary traditions and medical marvels of the past.

This tour is best suited for guests ages 13 and older and includes standing, stairs, and exposure to loud HVAC noise. Pre-registration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. If you need accommodations, please notify us in advance.