Paid for by DWNTWN Muncie
Downtown Muncie, affectionately known as DWNTWN, is a very different place than just a few decades ago. Once almost entirely desolate with 97% vacancy, one might have imagined a tumbleweed rolling along a nearly abandoned Walnut Street.
Today, however, Muncie is experiencing a resurgence of energy and economic development. At the forefront of this transformation is the work of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP). Composed of 10 talented and passionate individuals, its board is dedicated to promoting and elevating the city’s vibrant cultural and business scene. With a focus on strategic community partnerships, innovative events, and a commitment to fostering economic growth, MDDP, led by Executive Director Vicki Veach, plays a critical role in shaping Muncie’s present and future.
“Downtown development is crucial for American cities as catalysts for private investment, infrastructure improvements and development incentives,” said Veach. “Providing public spaces and cultural assets, downtowns support community needs and tourism. Downtown development projects enhance a city’s overall fiscal health and tax base. Downtown Muncie is the heart of our city and offers itself as a neighborhood for everyone.”
Downtown has welcomed over 100 new businesses in the past 15 years, including several new establishments such as Baryo, featuring Filipino cuisine, Little Chicago’s, and Hoosier Made, which sells Muncie-centric products and gifts. More are on the way.
Plenty of parking is available to visit destinations downtown. With six public lots, a four-story parking garage near the south end of downtown and ample street parking, there are few barriers to discovering your next favorite place.
Upcoming DWNTWN Events
Driving much of the growth and development are the events MDDP puts its heart into each year. Event Director Cheryl Crowder has been at the center of planning events for years, which attracted approximately 50,000 visitors last year.
“All our events are designed to grow and attract people from East Central Indiana, not just Muncie,” said Crowder. “We want families from all over the region to discover the wonder of downtown.”
DWNTWN’s event season kicked off on April 5 with Magic City Brewfest at MadJax, celebrating the city’s industrial history. Now in its second year, it featured 13 breweries, wineries and nonalcoholic options, along with performances by local musicians and aerial artists Aerial Annex. Visitors enjoyed craft beer, artisan showcases, and behind-the-scenes tours of MadJax and The Guardian Brewery Co.
On June 5 the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk invites attendees to explore downtown Muncie’s vibrant art scene. With a paid ticket, the popular Flower Hour, sponsored by Wise Country Market and flowers provided by Normandy Flower Shop, lets guests collect flowers from multiple booths to create their own bouquets. YART, a beloved yard sale for art, returns alongside an exciting new addition: Rare Beauty, where printmakers at Tribune Showprint will use a steamroller to create large-scale prints.
Back for a second year, DWNTWN IDOL expands with multiple rounds throughout the summer, culminating in a thrilling finale at the October ArtsWalk. The winner will take home $500 and a trophy.
The biggest event of the season, Fire Up DWNTWN, ignites on August 2 with two days of vendors, food trucks serving spicy specialties, live music, fireworks, and dazzling hot air balloon displays – including the debut of Boo, a glowing ghost balloon.
Throughout the summer, the Muncie Three Trails Music Series at Canan Commons brings top-tier national acts to town, beginning May 31 with the Steep Canyon Rangers and openers Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess; it is a must-attend for music lovers.
Elevating Muncie Through Strategic Marketing
A new ad campaign launched in April highlights the city’s unique offerings. MDDP wants to ensure that Muncie is an attractive destination for residents, businesses and visitors. The campaign, led by local marketing agency Intersection, showcases downtown Muncie as a vibrant community hub, celebrating its unique businesses and experiences. Encouraging visitors to escape the routine, DWNTWN challenges the status quo and invites everyone to discover opportunities to connect, explore and create lasting memories.
With Intersection’s support, MDDP highlights the distinctive people, places and food that make downtown special, urging residents to embrace these local gems over predictable, crowded options. Downtown Muncie is more than just a collection of businesses; it’s a neighborhood for everyone.
Get Involved
Volunteers and sponsors play a significant role in ensuring the success of downtown events, whether it’s contributing financially, managing hot air balloons, staffing festival booths or simply sharing enthusiasm with others.
“Volunteers are needed every year,” said Brandon Coppernoll, managing director of Intersection. “It also feels good to contribute to your community. You get to be a part of creating something that brings joy to others.”
DWNTWN thrives on relationships. Dining out can lead to meeting a restaurant owner; attending an event often means running into friends. This campaign, and MDDP long-term, aim to strengthen that sense of belonging, showing that downtown Muncie isn’t just a destination; it’s a community.
Comments 1
Still have movie nites for kids every Friday