Category: Events

Muncie events

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Pizza and Place: Cultural Neighborhood Mapping

A room full of people sitting at tables with two speakers standing up. They are discussing cultural mapping

September 27th from 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a family-friendly event at Madjax Makerforce on East Main Street.

Cultural mapping is a process of drawing and visualizing a place, its landmarks, and traditions. It helps people understand the significance of their neighborhood, heritage, and the richness of the cultural landscape they live in. It’s also just fun to doodle.

Through mapping and drawing from memory, we learn about places, heritage, history, cultural traditions, and significant places in our neighborhoods and Muncie. By creating a visual representation of our neighborhoods, we can better understand and appreciate the richness of our community’s culture. It can also point to challenges too.

Additionally, cultural mapping can be used as a tool for preserving cultural heritage. We can learn about the importance of preserving landmarks, sites, and the role they can play in creating community attachment over time.

Join us at Madjax Makerforce and let’s celebrate the diverse cultures that make our neighborhoods thrive! We will eat pizza too!

Organized by: J.P. Hall, College of Architecture and Planning

Reserve Your Spot
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Check out a public Ball State event in September!

Nervous about visiting campus? Take a look at the Office of Community Engagement’s handy Getting to Campus resource for parking/public transit information!

Click the links for more information. Some events may be off-campus or have registration requirements.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Beginning Genealogy: Genealogy 101 – 10 a.m.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Miller College of Business: Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture Intrapreneurship Panel – 11 a.m.

Friday, September 8, 2023

School of Music: A Seminar Recital from the Singing Justice Team – 2 p.m.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Moons: Worlds of Mystery” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

School of Music: Faculty Artist Series: Zoran Jakovcic (viola), with guests Elise DesChamps (mezzo-soprano) and Rene Lecuona (piano) – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Biology Field Station: Pollinator Party – 10 a.m.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium:

Monday, September 11, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball: The Ball Jar: Each One Tells a Story – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Association of Lifelong Learners: Children of Presidents: a Mixed Blessing? – 1:30 p.m.

College of Sciences and Humanities: Star Party 2023 – 5 p.m.

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Yupo Batik Watercolor – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Beginning Genealogy: Forms and Documents – 10 a.m.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Women’s and Gender Studies: Sharon Seager Lecture in Women’s and Gender History – 3:30 p.m.

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Beginning Sign Language – 7 p.m.

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Moons: Worlds of Mystery” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 16, 2023

School of Music: Bassoon Day with Guest Artist Barrick Stees – 10 a.m.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium:

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 2:30 p.m.

Monday, September 18, 2023

Office of Community Engagement & Charles W. Brown Planetarium: Eclipse 2024: Experience the Magic in Muncie – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Inclusive Excellence: State of Inclusive Excellence Address – 2 p.m.

Brown Family Amphitheater Grand Opening and Free Jazz Concert – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

School of Music: Faculty Sabbatical Presentation: Mei Zhong (voice) and James Helton (piano) – 3 p.m.

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Pruis Hall: Ryanhood – 7:30 p.m.

Ball State Symphony Orchestra – 7:30 p.m.

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Washington Street Bridge Dinner – 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 22, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Introduction to Grant Writing – 9 a.m.

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 23, 2023

School of Music:

Theatre and Dance: Little Women – 7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 25, 2023

School of Music: EM | One – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Association of Lifelong Learners: Growing Up in the Sixties – 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Beginning Genealogy: Software and Free Websites – 10 a.m.

School of Music: Ball State Jazz Ensembles – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Miller College of Business: Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture with Ted Baker – 11 a.m.

University Libraries: Reel Inclusion: Fruits of Labor – 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 29, 2023

College of Health – Speaker Series September – 1 p.m.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Moons: Worlds of Mystery” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Ball State Bands: Ball State Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium:

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Back by popular demand: “Beyond Meetings: Tips and Tools for Better Community Outreach”

Brian Blackford standing behind a podium in a blue sweater. He is gesturing as he explains something at the IDEA 2023 conference.

RESCHEDULED: October 17, 2023
@ E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
(400 W. Minnetrista Pkwy)

Headshot of Brian Blackford

Brian Blackford’s presentation at the 2023 IDEA Conference was so well received we’re bringing him back to share “Beyond Meetings: Tips and Tools for Better Community Outreach” with the NLC.

Engaging community members is more important and more challenging than ever. Simply hosting a town hall or settling for insights from the usual suspects is no longer sufficient. During this interactive session, participants review why community engagement matters and consider creative ways to make it more practical, productive, and meaningful.

Food will be provided! Check out and share the FB event page.

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The free Neighborhoods Pool Party Tuesday at Tuhey Park made quite a splash with families!

The event was hosted by Muncie Action Plan, with help from Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, Shafer Leadership Academy, Woof Boom Radio, and the City of Muncie. 

When they weren’t in the pool, partygoers played yard games and “Muncie Bingo,” and enjoyed pizza, beverages, and popsicles. Kids received some cool summertime swag – beach balls and bubbles. 

Prizes for the bingo winners included Minnetrista memberships, Holiday World passes, WLBC totes, and more! And parents and caregivers received the gift of very sleepy kiddos after a high-energy evening.

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Need something to do in August? Check out a BSU event!

Nervous about visiting campus? Take a look at the Office of Community Engagement’s handy Getting to Campus resource for parking/public transit information!

Click the links for more information. Some events may be off-campus or have registration requirements.

Friday, August 4, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: He Built This City: The Muncie Architecture of Cuno Kibele – 10 a.m.

Monday, August 14, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Dementia Friends – 2 p.m. at Westminister Village

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Cold Case Muncie – 6:30 p.m. at EB Ball

Thursday, August 17, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Sherlock Holmes and the Beginning of Modern Forensics – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 18, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “We Are Stars” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Rinard Orchid Greenhouse & Nature Lab: Weeks of Welcome Program – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Summer Skies Live” Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “We Are Stars” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Monday, August 21, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: Presidential Mothers – 2 p.m. at Westminister Village

Thursday, August 24, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: America’s Hometown Band – 7 p.m.

Friday, August 25, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “We Are Stars” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “Summer Skies Live” Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium: “We Are Stars” Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Monday, August 28, 2023

EB & Bertha C. Ball Center: A Feeling of Justice: Mapping Civil Rights History in Indiana – 6 p.m.

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Partial Solar Eclipse Community Block Party – Volunteers and Booths needed!

mostly black photo with the beginning of an eclipse centered in the frame

event information written by Dayna Thompson, Director of the Charles W. Brown Planetarium

When: Saturday: Oct. 14, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Who: Everyone is invited!
Cost: FREE! (suggested cash donation of $5 accepted at registration table)
Where: The Quad at Ball State University (bordered by North Quad, the Fine Arts Building, and the Cooper Science Complex) & the Charles W. Brown Planetarium 
(inclement weather location: Fine Arts Building Recital Hall)

Experience the partial solar eclipse at Ball State University’s Community Block Party as you partake in hands-on science and art activities, and observe the sky safely during the day with telescopes and free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last). Join us out in nature as we come together during this celebration that includes a bounce house, family activities, music, and more!

Sign up to host a station at the event with your unit or organization, OR
sign up to work a volunteer shift at the event by Friday, September 30.

This event is planned during the annular solar eclipse visible by only a small fraction of the world (weather permitting, with proper eye protection). While we will not see the full annular event at Ball State, we have the chance to see a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse begins at 11:41 a.m., and the Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until maximum occurs at 1:03 p.m. The partial solar eclipse will then end at 2:28 p.m.

This will be a great experience to help get us excited for the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024—an amazing and rare opportunity for our community!

ACTIVTIES & PROGRAMS

  • Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last)
  • Hands-on science and art activities and stations
  • Boot Camp Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course, crewed by Ball State’s ROTC
  • Solar telescopes (weather permitting)
  • Live-streaming of the eclipse from the path of annularity
  • Planetarium Shows (11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm)
  • Information about the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024

Remember, you need proper eye protection to safely watch solar eclipses. Learn more about this solar eclipse and others online at www.bsu.edu/planetarium/eclipse-2024.

This event is made possible by the Charles W. Brown Planetarium and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University, with partial support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.