By Erin K. Lovall—
MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 48th year on September 13 and 14, 2025. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all.
The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options, including rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, an old-time radio show, a beard contest, aerial performances, and so much more. In addition, there are food vendors featuring a variety of wares—fish and chips, barbeque, gyros, elephant ears, chicken on a stick, African food, slushies, homemade ice cream, Festival-favorite ham and beans, and more.
There will be a record number of vendors this year. Many vendors have been coming to the Festival for years, and others will be joining the Festival for the first time. Vendors will be selling ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, charcuterie boards, clothing, crocheted/knitted goods, custom-made mugs, homemade pens, artistic prints, 3D-printed figurines, and more. In addition, some of the vendors will be putting on demonstrations to show how they create their wares. There will be face painting and many other kids’ activities. There will also be kids’ musical performances and arts and crafts booths.
The annual historic home tour will once again take place during the Festival, both Saturday and Sunday from noon to five. A variety of beautiful homes and properties will be available to tour, including the historic Emily Kimbrough house. There will also be a historical walking tour led by tour guides who have extensive knowledge of the history of the neighborhood and architecture. Tickets will be available at the Festival information booth for the low price of $15 for the home tour, $15 for the historical walking tour, and $25 for both.
The Festival organizers have worked hard to make this an exciting, safe event, with something for everyone to enjoy. Festival chair Kim Miller said, “The Old Washington Street Festival committee is excited to invite many new and returning art and food vendors and performing artists. Every year we strive to create a welcoming environment for every member of the community and to celebrate the history and future of East Central neighborhood.”
Please be a part of the Old Washington Street Festival the weekend of September 13 and 14 on East Washington Street between Madison and Hackley in Muncie. On street parking is available in and around the area. The Festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Look for the Old Washington Street Festival on Facebook for the most up to date information about the event, information about volunteering, and a link to pre-order Festival t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and hooded sweatshirts: www.facebook.com/Oldwashingtonstreetfestival
or at http://www.oldwashingtonstreetfestival.org.
