About This Festival
The 500 Festival in Indianapolis is a vibrant month-long celebration during May honoring the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. It includes over 10 events across downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, catering to all ages and interests. Highlights include top races such as the nation’s best half marathon, a legendary parade, and a large free festival for kids. The festival runs from April 30 to May 25, 2025.
The festival atmosphere is energetic and community-driven, drawing over half a million visitors annually who come to celebrate Indy’s unique racing heritage and the cultural festivities surrounding it. The downtown area and Speedway transform into hubs of activity with events tailored to athletes, families, and spectators alike, creating a lively, inclusive environment.
Key activities and events at the 2025 500 Festival include:
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AES 500 Festival Parade (May 24): A major highlight, this nationally renowned parade runs through downtown Indianapolis, attracting over 200,000 spectators. It features extravagant floats, giant helium balloons, celebrity guests, top bands, and all 33 Indy 500 drivers. The parade starts at noon, with festivities kicking off at 11:45 am, and is televised locally[1].
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Running Events:
- IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon & Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K (May 3): Popular distance races forming part of Indy Mini Weekend that engage runners of different abilities.
- 500 Festival Miler Series: Includes the 3-Miler (Feb 8), 6-Miler (Mar 8), and 10-Miler (Apr 5).
- JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run (May 10): A day and race dedicated to younger runners and beginners, fostering early involvement in athletics[2][5].
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500 Festival Kickoff to May (Apr 30): Official event to launch the festivities, presented by STAR Bank[2].
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500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard (May 17): A special breakfast event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., celebrating the racing community and festival participants[2][3].
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500 Festival Memorial Service (May 23): A solemn observance honoring those connected to the Indy 500 and motorsports, presented by Rolls-Royce[2][3].
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Interactive and Family Programs: Including the Education Program for local students, KidsFit Program promoting health for children, and other community engagement initiatives[4].
The festival's history dates back to 1957, created as a not-for-profit volunteer organization to plan civic events tied to the Indianapolis 500. Today, it is one of the largest and most respected festivals in the U.S., enhancing the community's quality of life and generating a unique May atmosphere in Indianapolis[3].
A rough schedule overview:
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8 | 500 Festival 3-Miler | Various locations |
| Mar 8 | 500 Festival 6-Miler | Various locations |
| Apr 5 | 500 Festival 10-Miler | Various locations |
| Apr 30 | 500 Festival Kickoff to May | Downtown Indianapolis |
| May 1-2 | Indy Mini Expo | Indiana Convention Center |
| May 3 | IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon & Delta Dental 5K | Downtown Indy |
| May 10 | Kids’ Day & Rookie Run | Children’s Museum / Park |
| May 17 | Breakfast at the Brickyard | Indianapolis Motor Speedway |
| May 23 | Memorial Service | Downtown Indianapolis |
| May 24 | AES 500 Festival Parade | Downtown Indianapolis |
The event atmosphere is festive, energetic, and family-friendly, with a strong connection to community pride and Indy car racing heritage. The festival combines athleticism, civic pride, entertainment, and education — making it a signature Indiana cultural event every May. Handicapped accessibility and volunteer opportunities are integral parts of the festival experience.