Muncie Three Trails Music Series: Your Passport to World-Class Artists
When the sun starts to dip over downtown Muncie and the lights come up on the Canan Commons stage, something electric begins to hum through the heart of the city. It’s not just the buzz of live instruments tuning up—it’s the thrill of knowing you’re about to experience something truly special, only in DWNTWN Muncie.
The Muncie Three Trails Music Series isn’t your average summer concert run. In 2025, it’s twelve years strong featuring Grammy-nominated artists, eclectic global sounds, and the kind of curated lineups you’d expect to pay a premium for in a major metro area. But here’s the kicker: it’s entirely FREE as a gift to the local community, and a reflection of the Muncie spirit that believes art, music, and togetherness should be for everyone.
Built on a foundation of civic pride, the Three Trails series is rooted in Muncie’s commitment to environmental enhancement and cultural celebration. Rick Zeigler, who markets and books the series, knows music from the inside out. He’s written it, performed it, and even ran a record store before bringing his expertise to Muncie.
When he saw the stage at Canan Commons, he knew it was the perfect launchpad. “It’s a professional-grade stage with real lighting. Any artist would be excited to play here,” Rick said. Since 2013, he’s been bringing acts that make waves across genres such as bluegrass, gospel, Americana, country, and more, while keeping the focus on musicians creating original music. No cover bands. No tribute shows. Just authentic artistry.
The “Three Trails” moniker is no accident. The concert series celebrates and physically connects with three of Muncie’s signature pathways: the White River Greenway, the Cardinal Greenway, and the Muncie Arts & Culture Trail. It’s a musical beacon that draws attention to the city’s greatest natural and cultural assets and invites concertgoers to explore them.
Family-friendly vibes and unforgettable nights from July through the fall semester, Canan Commons becomes a crossroads of community and culture. With room for more than 1,000 attendees, it’s the kind of spot where families bring lawn chairs, kids dance barefoot in the grass, and even out-of-towners feel like locals for the night. And new for 2025? Three additional fall concerts are in the works at Ball State’s Brown Family Amphitheater, extending the magic well into the school year.
Past headliners have included legends like Béla Fleck, Asleep at the Wheel, Michael Cleveland, and John Scofield, all artists whose names light up festival lineups across the world. It’s no wonder fans have driven in from the Midwest and as far as Canada just to catch a show in Muncie.
Mark your calendars: The music kicks off this May with the full 2025 lineup of artists running through September. Visit munciethreetrails.com or follow them on Facebook to be the first to know who’s coming to town.