Since the very first Fire Up DWNTWN, Valerie Helms-Mejia has helped bring the event to life. 

She has volunteered during each of the event’s five years and plans to return again this year. From early-morning setup to assisting with hot air balloon attractions, Valerie has seen firsthand how much work goes into Fire Up and how rewarding it is to be part of the team behind it. 

Fire Up DWNTWN is celebrating five years of fire in downtown Muncie with even more excitement, featuring a lineup of brand-new attractions designed to send spirits soaring, get hearts racing, and give visitors even more reasons to join the celebration on Saturday, August 1, from noon to 10 p.m. 

Last year's DWNTWN IDOL winner, India Potter, reflects on her experience and ultimate victory and gives advice to contestants at this year's Fire Up DWNTWN. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 1, from noon to 10 p.m., as the 5th Annual Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie and produced by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, returns to downtown Muncie. The event is a free, full-day celebration for all ages featuring live music and entertainment on three stages, local food vendors, contests, games, and DWNTWN IDOL performances.

For Christian Strother, the owner of Emerald Paws, pet grooming is about more than appearances. It’s about creating a calm, personalized experience for animals and meaningful connections with the people who love them. 

Located in the heart of Downtown Muncie, Emerald Paws has quickly become known for its one-on-one approach to grooming, welcoming atmosphere, and strong ties to the downtown community.

Special edition of First Thursday to feature Flower Hour, Steamroller Printmaking, YART, live music, and more 

Downtown Muncie's most-anticipated spring evening returns on Thursday, June 4, 2026 — the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk + Flower Hour.  

A new downtown tasting experience is coming to MadJax this spring, bringing together craft beverages, culinary creativity, music, and local makers for an afternoon celebrating the flavors and talent of the Muncie community. 

Magic City Sip & Savor will take place Saturday, April 4, from 2–5 p.m. at MadJax in DWNTWN Muncie.

The Muncie Three Trails Music Series is pleased to officially announce its 2026 lineup. This will be the 13th season in which the series presents critically acclaimed national recording artists in completely free concerts (no tickets needed). And in 2026, for only the second time, there will be seven such concerts, four at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie and three at the Brown Family Amphitheater at Ball State University.

If you’ve ever wished you could peek inside a space where the best local artists gather under one roof, Hoosier Made is exactly the place. Every week there’s something new, and every item is hand made.

Founded by Kimberly Howe Ferguson, Hoosier Made was born from a realization that not every artist needs, or wants, the pressure of running a full storefront alone. What many do need is a place to be seen. Hoosier Made provides that support for artists to showcase what they love doing.

The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) announced today the appointment of Amanda Holmquist as its new Executive Director, effective January 19, 2026.

Holmquist brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, fundraising, and community engagement, along with deep personal and professional ties to downtown Muncie.

After a decade of planning and dreaming, a new vinyl record store has opened its doors in downtown Muncie, bringing the warmth of analog music back to the city's center.

The Record Parlor of Muncie, located in the Rose Court building, represents the culmination of Derrick McNelly's 10-year vision to restore downtown's record store presence.

Strolling through downtown Muncie during the holidays, you’ll find a mix of family-run shops that have served generations of residents and exciting new ventures bringing fresh ideas to our streets. Shop owners greet you with a smile, ready to share the stories behind their handcrafted goods. 

Downtown Muncie feels especially welcoming during the holidays, offering everything you need to shop, taste, and explore locally. If you’re hunting for the perfect gift, meeting friends for a meal, or planning something fun for the family, you’ll find it all within a few walkable blocks.

Here’s your chance to win $100 during the holiday season! New this year, DWNTWN Wonder Hunt is featuring Mousecapades: Tiny Tails & Holiday Trail—a festive downtown adventure perfect for families, friends, and holiday explorers of all ages. 

RoHo’s Martini Bar has quickly become a centerpiece for refined nightlife in downtown Muncie, bringing an upscale yet welcoming cocktail experience to a historic block. The bar brings something downtown didn’t know it was missing: a place that feels both elevated and easygoing. Its story is a blend of personal creativity, local spirit, and a vision to fill a gap in the city’s social scene, all reflected in both its name and its vibe.​ 

Get ready to experience downtown Muncie like never before! ArtsWalk returns on Thursday, October 2, from 5–8 PM, bringing art, music, and history to the heart of the city.

This year’s Fire Up DWNTWN event was truly one for the record books. With an unprecedented attendance of over 17,000 people, it stands as the largest and most successful Fire Up celebration to date. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us—from families and friends to visitors and first-time attendees. Your enthusiasm and spirit are what make this event so special each year.

FOX59’s Sherman Burdette visited DWNTWN Muncie to hear from MDDP Board Member Carrie Wright about Fire Up DWNTWN and meet local businesses HeidiJHale, Toys Forever, and Vera Mae’s.

Downtown Muncie is set to sizzle with local business specials, Saturday, August 2nd during Fire Up DWNTWN—an all-day celebration filled with live entertainment, food and drink, family activities, a Liquid Iron Pour, special shape hot air balloons, fireworks and more.

DWNTWN business is buzzing, with new neighbors opening their doors. Book a hair appointment before your next special occasion, find a handcrafted gift, or stop in for a Friday night cocktail at one of the community’s newest spots. Meet the DWNTWN destinations.