Fire Up DWNTWN’s 5th anniversary was held on August 1. The annual event was created to bring our community together through an event unlike any other in East Central Indiana. Admission is free, and the event is packed with family fun, hot air balloons, live music, local artisans, food, and friendly competition. This year, we were proud to introduce new attractions, including a zip line that gave attendees a thrill above some of the festival grounds, and the debut of the DWNTWN Duck Drop.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 2, from 1 PM to 10 PM, as Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie and produced by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, returns to ignite downtown with an unforgettable day of free, family-friendly festival fun! 

Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), in collaboration with a host of community partners, has announced updated plans for the upcoming Brink of Summer ArtsWalk due to forecasted thunderstorms. The event, generously sponsored by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, will still take place as scheduled on Thursday, June 5, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with some activities moving indoors.

Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) invites you to seek the unique during Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, June 5, featuring Steamroller Printmaking, Flower Hour and DWNTWN IDOL, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County.

The Muncie Three Trails Music Series is pleased to officially announce its 2025 lineup. This will be the 12th season in which the series presents critically acclaimed national recording artists in completely free concerts (no tickets needed). And in 2025, for the first 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.

The second annual Magic City Brewfest, presented by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), will once again bring together a range of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, non-alcoholic beverages, music, artisans, and makers. The event takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Madjax Maker Force, 515 E Main, Muncie, IN, from 2-5 p.m. 

Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), an organization connecting our community and creating a vibrant downtown, will be hosting Light Up DWNTWN on First Thursday, December 5 from 5-8 p.m. with festivities continuing throughout the month. The kick-off event will feature festive performances, family activities, a Holiday Gift Market, decorated window displays, and the lighting of the animated, musical holiday tree.

The third Fire Up DWNTWN brought an unforgettable day full of excitement.

The event offered something for everyone—family activities, live entertainment, local artisans, food vendors, and spicy competitions. This year we also introduced a brand-new attraction—DWNTWN IDOL. Downtown had some amazing talent take the stage and show off their singing chops.

Fire Up DWNTWN 2024 is adding an exciting new vocal competition to its lineup of events: DWNTWN IDOL. Competitors can sing in one of three event categories on the Ball State University Stage, on the corner of Walnut and Main, during Fire Up DWNTWN on Saturday, September 21 from 6-8 pm.