Chloe Newman Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

Jam on display at the Farmers Market at Minnetrista.

Farmers Market has moved indoors for the season, but you can still find locally sourced meats, artisanal goods, and more. Gather with friends and family to discover the winter bounty of our region at Minnetrista’s Indoor Farmers Market.

April 7; 3–8 p.m. 
Free community event
Various locations across campus

Join Minnetrista in appreciating the beauty of the heavens! Afternoon activities facilitated by Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum staff will include coloring sun catchers, making solar viewing crowns, and exploring sensory bins. That evening, the stars align as Minnetrista and Orchestra Indiana present Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music. With the sky as our backdrop, visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to revel in celestial-themed musical selections. Local arts partners and food trucks will be on hand to enhance your experience and round out the evening.

April 8; 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Free community event
Various locations across campus

Enjoy Minnetrista’s expansive lawns—all are welcome to one of the best places in town to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event! Celebrate the science of solar eclipses with demonstrations and activities meant to educate. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book The Solar Eclipse is Coming, and the Muncie Astronomy Club will provide expertise. Visitors can attend a performance of A Golden Curve of Light, an eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer. After the activities, visitors can claim their spots and prepare to experience the eclipse totality event at our viewing party!

Cost: $75; member discounts apply

Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor on the site where Bob painted for years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Cost: $95; member discounts apply
Cantina, Center Building

Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor at Minntrista! This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is accessible. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Free Community Event

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to learn about and help maintain our beautiful gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to serve while expanding their knowledge alongside our professional staff.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email James Mitchell at jmitchell@minnetrista.net.

April 13; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 
Free community event

As April unfolds, ushering in Earth Day and Arbor Day, the cabin is embracing the green theme of the month with a take-home planting activity to learn about pollination. Select a wildflower bingo card and explore Oakhurst Gardens and the Nature Area. Don’t worry, we will have wildflower identification cards to help too! The fun does not end there: forest connectagons, leaf rubbing supplies, and plant ID books will also be available for an immersive and educational experience.

April 17; 6:30–8:30 p.m. 
Cost: $25
Member discounts apply
Registration Deadline: April 10 Center Building

Since 2016, the Everyday Life in Middletown project has invited Muncie, Indiana, residents to document their daily experiences, resulting in a publicly accessible archive with over 500 accounts. Project Directors Dr. Patrick Collier and Dr. Jim Connolly will discuss insights gleaned from this unique initiative, covering topics such as responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, living in a post-industrial city, and the evolving role of social media in daily life.

Jam on display at the Farmers Market at Minnetrista.

Farmers Market has moved indoors for the season, but you can still find locally sourced meats, artisanal goods, and more. Gather with friends and family to discover the winter bounty of our region at Minnetrista’s Indoor Farmers Market.

March 17; 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person, $15 for children ages 3-12, 2 and under are free; member discounts apply 
Center Building

Savor an exceptional buffet by our skilled Hospitality team! Your ticket includes unlimited access to the buffet, inclusive of complimentary coffee, tea, and juices. Elevate your brunch with an optional mimosa upgrade. Dress in green for St. Patrick's Day—the best-dressed attendee wins a special prize! For a hassle-free experience, consider pre-registering, though walk-ins are warmly welcomed.

April 21; 1–4 p.m.
Free community event
Oakhurst Home

The Human Library, originating in Denmark in 2000, fosters conversations to challenge prejudices and stereotypes. Readers can "check out" volunteer "books" (individuals with stories of prejudice or social exclusion) to engage in dialogue. Active in over 80 countries, The Human Library encourages people to "Unjudge someone!"

April 27; 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free community event
Center Building

Come together with Minnetrista, Muncie's Urban Forestry Committee, and our community partners for the Muncie Arbor Day celebration featuring a sapling giveaway. Engage in informative tree and sapling planting demos, offering practical insights for effective tree care. Unleash your creative side at craft stations, promoting artistic expression for families and children. Choose your sapling from our selection of oaks, sycamore, bald cypress, hawthorn, and more. Whether you need help planting a sapling, advice on selecting the perfect tree and its ideal location, or want to take part in a free raffle to win a tree, gardening tools, and other great prizes—you are in for an informative and enjoyable experience!

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!” 

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Location: L.L. Ball Home 
Cost: $65–95 | Member discounts apply  

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!” 

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Free community event

Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what our community has to offer. 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC, IU Health Bucks, and SFMNP (Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program) are accepted at participating vendors. 

The outdoor Farmers Market is generously presented by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.

Location: L.L. Ball Home 
Cost: $65–95 | Member discounts apply  

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!” 

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Free community event  
Center Building, Heritage Collection Gallery 

Join Karen Vincent, local historian and author behind Ball Stores: East Central Indiana’s Shopping Center, as she leads a discussion through Minnetrista’s Ball Stores exhibition. Take a trip down memory lane to the vibrant era of downtown department store shopping, uncover fascinating tales from Ball Stores, and discover her process of transforming research and writing into a buzz-worthy book that has captivated our region! 

Free community event  
Center Building, Heritage Collection Gallery 

Join Karen Vincent, local historian and author behind Ball Stores: East Central Indiana’s Shopping Center, as she leads a discussion through Minnetrista’s Ball Stores exhibition. Take a trip down memory lane to the vibrant era of downtown department store shopping, uncover fascinating tales from Ball Stores, and discover her process of transforming research and writing into a buzz-worthy book that has captivated our region! 

May 10; 4–8 p.m. & May 11; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 
Free community event 

At Garden Fair, you'll discover a world of beautiful plants, landscaping tools, and crafts to enhance your summer gardening projects. This two-day community event is the perfect destination for foodies, music lovers, and garden enthusiasts alike. And that's not all, Garden Fair also includes live music, crafts and activities, a beer and wine garden, food, and much more. There will be something for everyone at this unique community event!  

In partnership with LeafGuard.