More Than a Makerspace

When some people think of MadJax, they think of the big building at the corner of Madison and Jackson. Some people may also picture tools, studios, or creative workshops. But if you spend any time here, you will see that MadJax is less about being the building, less about what happens inside its walls, and more about what it brings to the city around it.

We are part of Muncie’s story, woven into the connections, collaborations, and celebrations that make this community thrive.

A Place Where Stories Intersect

Every day, different parts of Muncie’s story cross paths here. A jewelry maker runs into a yoga instructor. Families wander through First Thursday and find themselves in a studio they had never visited before or a local salon space buzzing with creativity. A small business owner chats with an artist at the Guardian Brewing Co. We’ve been a place for nonprofits to host events, have watched shows unfold in our halls, and helped groups of all types have a fun and unique place to gather. These encounters may seem small, but together they create the kind of moments that help a community feel alive.

A Launchpad for Possibility

MadJax is more than a collection of studios and shops. It is a launchpad for possibility. Across our 80,000 square feet, entrepreneurs, makers, and dreamers can rent space, test ideas, and grow businesses that pour energy back into Muncie’s economy.

The strength of MadJax comes from the variety of voices and ventures that fill the building. Each tenant, program, and project adds something unique to the ecosystem. Together, they create an environment where collaboration happens naturally and new opportunities take shape, all while strengthening the community beyond our walls.

Threads in the Fabric of Muncie

MadJax is just one piece of a much bigger picture. When the doors open for First Thursday, it is about neighbors exploring downtown together, businesses welcoming new faces, and creativity spilling into the streets. On Third Thursdays, the Muncie Makers Market fills the building with growers, crafters, and makers who share their gifts while families discover something new.

Behind the scenes, the Maker Space helps bring community projects to life. Props and set pieces for Muncie Civic Theatre are built here, Visit Muncie uses the Design Lab to create promotional pieces that celebrate East Central Indiana, and Ball State students sharpen skills that carry into their careers. Partners like Aerial Annex and Beyond I Can also enrich the fabric, showing how diverse groups can find common ground in creativity.

What matters most is how these gatherings ripple outward. They strengthen Muncie’s local economy, nurture creativity, and build pride in Delaware County. Each thread - whether it is art, entrepreneurship, or a simple shared moment - adds to the fabric of a community where people feel connected and supported.

Coming Up Next: October First Thursday & Soup Crawl

October brings one of downtown Muncie’s most popular traditions: the Soup Crawl. For the first time, MadJax is not only a stop on the route - we’ll also be hosting additional soup vendors! (Purchase your Soup Crawl ticket here!)

Our friends at Café at the Crossing have created a hearty, collaboration-inspired soup that brings together some of Muncie’s favorites: a creamy potato base with onions, carrots, and savory seasoning, topped with tender BBQ from JohnTom’s, melted cheddar and gouda, and a golden beer bread crouton made with Guardian Brewing’s Charlie Cream Ale.

Like the soup itself, October First Thursday at MadJax will be all about coming together. Visitors can explore Ball State CAP student showcases featuring projects focused on downtown design and community spaces, enjoy Maker Space tours, see special features from the MadJax Puppet Club, and join the East Central Neighborhood Association for free pumpkin carving and games for all ages.

Why It Matters

We love to see Muncie and Delaware County thrive. Every time people gather here, something lasting takes root.

Resources stay local.

Creativity finds a stage.

New ideas become possible.

MadJax is proud to be part of that story, but more importantly, we are proud to stand alongside the many people and organizations who make this community stronger.

Building Something Bigger Together

Yes, you might come here because you need access to tools or space. But what you will discover is much bigger. You will find energy, inspiration, and neighbors who believe, like we do, that Muncie is full of possibility.

MadJax is not just where ideas turn real. It is where Muncie grows together.