The Indianapolis 500, or the Indy 500 as most know it, is known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for a reason! The race will take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While it can host up to 400,000 visitors over its nearly 560 acres, tickets in popular sections have already sold out! While the race isn’t until May 29, May is packed with racing events for fans of all kinds.
May 6
The First Porch Party will happen in neighborhoods all across Indianapolis. This community building event encourages Indianapolis residents to throw porch parties celebrating the Indy 500. Great for making friends with the racing fans just down the street!
May 7
The Indy Mini is a foot race with over 30,000 annual participants. There’s a half marathon and 5K option. The race takes place in downtown Indianapolis. Additionally, there’s a mini-mini, which is a timed race designed for children that takes place in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
May 15
Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids is the Salesforce and JP Morgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day. The festival has a carnival environment filled with interactive and educational activities. This includes obstacle courses, live performances, mini car races, painting, and more!
May19
The most famous porch in Indiana is hosting a porch party! The porch and lawn of the Benjamin Harris Presidential Site kicks off a series of events for the Summer at the location, including the inaugural Juneteenth Foodways Festival on June 17th. The porch party will include music, complimentary beverages, and delicious food from local food trucks. Please note that the event is 21+. Buy your ticket for the Presidential Porch Party here.
May 20
The Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Pavilion of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Register to donate here.
May 25
The Indianapolis Zoo will be hosting its annual Zoopolis event! The event is a tortoise race, affectionately known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.” It’s included in regular zoo admission and free chocolate milk will be handed out! The green flag drops at 11:30am.
May 28
The IPL 500 Festival Parade is taking place downtown. This event has taken place every year since the inception of the Indy 500 in 1957. It’s the biggest festivity outside the race itself, with over 300,000 people expected to attend and over 1 million expected to tune in on television. This year’s theme is “Start your engines!”
May 29
Race day! The favorites going into the race are Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, Alex Palou, and Will Power. While Newgarden is favored, Scott McLaughlin isn’t far behind. Alex Palou and Will Power are a bit less favored to win it all, but their skill precedes them and cannot be discounted. In any case, it will be an exhilarating race as always!
Say goodbye to the rainy days of April and hello to May’s festivities! The Indy 500 brings Indianapolis more than an amazing race. May gives Indianapolis residents numerous chances to get out and build community with your fellow Hoosiers. Plus, it’s nothing if not fun!