’Round the Town
Start Your Engines–Your Mini-Guide to All Things Indy 500
We’re revving up for the Indianapolis 500 with a victory lap showcasing the Circle City’s best events leading up to the greatest spectacle in racing. Buckle up!
May 11
500 Festival Kids Day Monument Circle, Indianapolis 500festival.com Ignite your child’s love of fitness and fun at the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids Day. This free, family-friendly celebration on Monument Circle features interactive displays, captivating performances and the Rookie Run. Don’t miss Indiana’s largest outdoor festival designed exclusively for kids! 
May 14
Opening Day at IMS Indianapolis Motor Speedway indianapolismotorspeedway.com It’s finally May in Indianapolis! The gates are open and you don’t want to miss the sights and sounds at the iconic Brickyard. Experience the heart-pounding excitement as the NTT INDYCAR Series kicks off the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, where your favorite drivers push their cars to the limit, reaching speeds over 230 mph. 
May 18
500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard Gallagher Pavillion, Indianapolis Motor Speedway 500festival.com Join racing enthusiasts, local business leaders, the 500 Festival Princesses and Indiana’s mayors at the annual Breakfast at the Brickyard—this year honoring legendary driver Mario Andretti. Guests will enjoy a Hoosier breakfast and insights from racing icons, along with a lap around the historic oval and access to Gasoline Alley. 
May 18-19
Qualifications Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolismotorspeedway.com Prepare for a heart-pounding weekend as the world’s most daring racers push their limits to qualify for this year’s race. Drivers will navigate 16 perfect corners over four intense laps, vying for their spot in history. On Sunday, don’t miss the thrilling battle for the front row and coveted pole position. 
May 23
Last Row Party Hulman Terrace Club at IMS indypressfoundation.org Don your best black-and-white attire to rub elbows with racers at the 52nd Annual Last Row Party. This exciting event, held at the Hulman Terrace Club on Turn 4 with sweeping views of the speedway, brings fans together for an evening of food, drinks and a lively roast of this year’s three 11th row drivers. |
May 24
Carb Day Party Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolismotorspeedway.com Rock the racetrack on Carb Day—the best way to play hooky in May. Soak in the final practice laps of the season before the thrilling Pit Stop Challenge. Stay for the concert featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers with special guest Gin Blossoms and opening act Kid Quill as we gear up for the greatest weekend in racing. 
May 24
Rockin’ on Main Main Street, Speedway speedwayin.gov Celebrate the race in Speedway, Indiana, the true host of May in Indy. On the Friday evening before race weekend, Main Street will be transformed into a race-inspired, music-infused party, with local artists, boutique vendors and delicious food. This community event promises to be a fun, festive and safe space to kick off race weekend. 
May 25
500 Festival Parade Downtown Indianapolis 500festival.com/parade An iconic Indianapolis event since 1957, the 500 Festival Parade draws spectators worldwide to witness one of the nation’s most prominent parades, featuring a dazzling display of floats, helium balloons, marching bands, esteemed guests and all 33 Indy 500 drivers. Can’t make it in person? Catch the action on WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis or nationally on Peacock. 
May 26
Race Day Indianapolis Motor Speedway indianapolismotorspeedway.com From the breathtaking flyover and singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” to the roar of the engines, the waving of the green flag and the infield Snake Pit Party—this is a special day at the Brickyard, for exhilarating racing, cherished traditions and memories that will last a lifetime. 
May 27
Indy 500 Victory Celebration JW Marriott, Indianapolis indianapolismotorspeedway.com After the checkered flag waves, the milk is drunk and the bricks are kissed, the magic of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 continues at the annual Victory Celebration. Honor this year’s winner with the most talented NTT INDYCAR Series drivers as they receive special awards and recognitions and relive the emotion and pageantry of the entire month of May. 
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