Holiday Arts & Culture Night

Presented by Ball State’s Integrated Cultural Committee, the free festive event shines the holiday spotlight on many arts and culture spots along the campus Cultural Corridor.

Enjoy activities, live performances, and demonstrations at the David Owsley Museum of Art, Emens Auditorium, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, Sursa Performance Hall, the Nature Center, Christy Woods, the Glick Center for Glass, and the Charles W. Brown Planetarium!

Visit the Holiday Hub, located on the second floor of the Fine Arts building (please use Riverside Avenue entrance) to learn more about the Integrated Cultural Committee, The Rinker Center, University Libraries, and more!

The first 10 people who visit the Holiday Hub will receive a free ticket to an upcoming Emens Auditorium performance of “The Nutcracker!”

And, as you make your way along the Cultural Corridor, you’ll hear carillonneur John Gouwens perform songs of the season (beginning at 8 p.m.) from the Shafer Bell Tower.

Free shuttles (running continuously on a loop from the Glick Center and DOMA) will take visitors to and from Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. The free Minnetrista event includes three miles of enchanting lights, sweet treats, food, live music, live theater, winter crafts, a barrel train for kids, a Holiday Artisan Market, and more.

While you are there, be sure to stop by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center for the Holiday Open House from 5 to 9 p.m., where you can see the beautifully-decorated home, listen to live music, and watch demonstrations by local artisans. The Holiday Open House and the Luminaria Walk are also happening on Friday (5-9 p.m.).

Locations and event information for the Holiday Arts & Culture Night:

Many people mill around on the white marble floor of the museum lobby while a woman in a red dress sings at a piano and people do crafts off to the sides.

CHARLES W. BROWN PLANETARIUM
Holiday Programs and Science Activity
The Planetarium will offer showings of “The Christmas Star” at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come early for seats and to enjoy a holiday themed science activity.

FSEEC
Holiday in Bloom
The BSU Field Station and Environmental Education Center will be open for our annual evening program, Holiday in Bloom. Visitors can tour the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, decked out for the holidays; create nature-inspired ornaments in the Nature Lab; and explore Christy Woods along our Luminaria Trail. Live performances by a cappela and other groups will happen throughout the evening.

GLICK CENTER FOR GLASS
Holiday Glass Sale & Demonstrations
Glick Center for Glass joins the holiday festivities with an Open House, offering a glass arts sale by the BSU Glass Alliance and live glass working demonstrations each hour during the event.

DOMA
Holiday Community Open House
DOMA joins in the annual community holiday festivities with refreshments, children’s art activities, and live holiday music.

SURSA PERFORMANCE HALL
Trombone Studio
Enjoy the Ball State Trombone Studio at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful hall.

EMENS AUDITORIUM
“The Nutcracker”
Bring the whole family on a wild, whimsical ride through the heart of childhood dreams as this classic holiday tale returns to the stage as you’ve never seen it before. Tickets required and available at the Emens Box Office.

Light Up Muncie

Save the date! LIGHT UP MUNCIE on Thursday, December 4, 2025!

Enjoy festive performances and food trucks, shop at the Holiday Makers Market, and witness the magical lighting of the animated community tree at Canan Commons.

NEW this year, Lighted Parade and kids fun zone! Bring your family and friends for a magical night in Downtown!

Want to be in the PARADE?: Sign-up sheet and info

Glass Pumpkin Sale

It’s that time of year again! Come get a unique, handmade glass pumpkin at the annual sale! Event made possible by the Ball State Glass Alliance and Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.

Escapades Halloween Spooktacular

Escapades Halloween Spooktacular is a spooky, not scary, event with Halloween themed carnival-style games, plenty of treats, special activities, music, a festive Halloween menu, and so much more!

Boo-levard Bash

Hosted by Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, children can collect treats from the Ball family homes and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. Explore extra trick-or-treat stations along the wooded path of Oakhurst Gardens, where you’ll also find games and activities for the whole family. For an added touch of fun, you can enjoy glitter tattoos, tasty food, and festive seasonal items from The Orchard Shop, available for purchase. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged!

Be sure to stop by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center to receive treats from “The Good Witches of Nebosham!”

Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Tour

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: 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 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 and taking some steps on uneven ground.

Accommodation can be made. Please reach out to the Old West End’s Facebook page, email: oldwestend@gmail.com or text or leave a message at 765-216-5117.

Should the event be postponed due to inclement weather, our rain date is October 12th. 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.

Proceeds will benefit the neighborhood and the cemetery Preservation Fund.