New To This Whole “month of May” Thing In Indy? We’ve Got You Covered When It Comes To Happenings Around The City!
While you may have gotten up to speed on everything happening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May, it’s important to recognize how much that this time of year means outside of 16th and Georgetown. While the culmination of the month takes place with the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2018, the entire city of Indianapolis embraces all that is the 500 in many different ways.
Processions
Mini-Marathon
The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon boasts 35,000+ participants, making it one of the largest half-marathons in the country. This procession of runners, from the elite to first-time weekend warriors, crosses White River State Park, to the west side for a 2.5-mile-loop around the famed yard of bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before returning to Military Park. Music and cheering squads line the way. This event kicks off the 500 Festival every year, taking place on the first Saturday of the month.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Parade
The 2018 IPL 500 Festival Parade is, behind the race itself, the longest-standing tradition in May. Since its inception in 1957, the 500 Festival Parade has delighted crowds and race fans locally and around the country. One main attraction is the 33 drivers that will make up the starting field for the Indianapolis 500, proceeding in the traditional rows of 3, just like on race day – except for the pole-position winner, who will take his or her honorary place as the final driver showcased in the parade.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Bike to the 500
Traffic can get tight in Turn 1 of the race…but it’s nothing compared to the traffic outside the track. That’s why hundreds of cyclists of all ages will gather at City market downtown and proceed together towards the track on race day.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Parties
Porch Parties
Central Indiana residents are encouraged to register their own family, block, or neighborhood Porch Parties to show the welcoming racing spirit. Families decorate homes – inside and out – with racing-themed gear, food, and games throughout the entire month. Catch the action around Central Indiana, or follow #PorchPartyIndy on social media for ideas and to check out the fun!
Every day in May
Georgia Street
While the concerts and parties at the motor speedway are a major attraction, downtown Indy remains a hotspot throughout the month of May. Wednesdays on Georgia Street, get fit with Workout Wednesday, featuring rotating racing personalities. Fridays are for getting outside for lunch with Food Truck Fridays from 11-2, each Friday in May.
Wednesdays and Fridays in May; some weekends
500 Festival Kids’ Day
Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids takes over Monument Circle for a Month of May celebration that’s sized just right. Indianapolis youth can enjoy interactive, educational displays in a carnival-like atmosphere, participate in circus workshops, learn Bollywood-style dancing, race mini cars, conquer an obstacle course, or make sashes with the 500 Festival princesses. Kid-friendly music takes the stage during the entire event.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Main Street Speedway
Prefer to stick close to the track? Main Street in Speedway will be alive all month long, especially on Carb Day, where the central district hosts Rockin’ on Main with food, drinks, and music.
Friday, May 25, 2018
The Spotlight
Snakepit Ball
The most exclusive party of the month, the Snakepit Ball takes its name from the infamous, rowdy area inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day. But this event is top of the class – a black-tie affair, dotted with celebrities and entertainers. The red-carpet arrival is televised, and inside the Indiana Roof Ballroom, signature drinks (with a racing theme, of course), gourmet food, and high-energy entertainment featuring hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari and technology dance group iLuminate.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Fashion Fridays
Fashionistas and race fans unite to show off during May! Workers in downtown Indianapolis and across the city are encouraged to incorporate racing and the Indianapolis 500 into their outfits during the four Fridays of the Month of May. PATTERN Indy also teams up with local restaurants and bars to offer discounts to fans taking the #500FashionFriday theme to heart.
Each Friday in May
Downtown Decor
Downtown Indy goes larger-than-life this month, highlighted by the massive mural on the side of the JW Marriott. More than 30 hotels have race-themed decor. The Indianapolis International Airport gets in on the action, as well as displays throughout the month on Monument Circle and around downtown
Every day in May
