By Amber Greene—
MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie is proud to officially launch three new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) beginning today, July 7, 2025. The new DORA districts—Downtown Muncie, the McKinley Neighborhood, and the Ball State University Village—are now active and ready for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Mayor Dan Ridenour and his administration have worked diligently to bring this new amenity to the community following the Muncie City Council’s approval of Ordinance 26-24, authored by Councilwoman Selvey and Councilwoman Gullion.
“This is about enhancing the vibrancy of Muncie’s cultural and entertainment hubs while supporting our local businesses,” said Mayor Ridenour. “We thank the City Council for approving the ordinance and we are proud of the hard work our administration has done to make sure each DORA is safe, functional, and enjoyable for everyone.”
DORAs allow individuals aged 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups from participating establishments and enjoy them within designated boundaries. Each district will have clear signage, boundary markers, and maps available online and on-site.
The three DORA zones are as follows:
- Downtown Muncie DORA: Centered around Walnut Street and Canan Commons, this zone includes many of the city’s restaurants, bars, galleries, and event venues.
- McKinley DORA: Located in the revitalized corridor between Memorial and McGalliard, the area supports walkable dining and retail in a neighborhood setting.
- Ball State University Village DORA: Surrounding the commercial area near the university, this DORA supports student- and visitor-oriented small businesses.
Each DORA will operate seven days a week between 12 p.m. and 12 a.m., unless otherwise restricted by special events or public safety needs. Participating businesses will display a DORA window cling, and patrons are asked to follow all posted rules to ensure a safe and respectful environment.
For more information, including maps, rules, and frequently asked questions, visit Muncie.in.gov/DORA.
