The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit community organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 60+ years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

May 1, 2024

500 Festival - Kickoff at Monument Circle

The 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank, literally kicks off the greatest month in Indiana and starts the countdown to the Indy 500. Held at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, the event is packed full of festivities! Join us as we welcome the spirit of May with members of the community, the 500 Festival Board of Directors, the 500 Festival Princesses, race fans, and maybe even a few surprise guests! At this event, you can also pick up prizes from exhibitors, take photos with the 2024 Festival Cars, and so much more.

This event is free and open to the public.

May 4, 2024

500 Festival - Mini-Marathon at Downtown Indy

Experience the thrill of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 4, 2024, and join over 20,000 participants from around the world for the 48th Running.

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a must-do event for participants of all levels and abilities. Take part in this iconic half-marathon that starts in downtown Indy and includes a 2.5-mile lap around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As a tradition, participants even get to kiss the bricks at the renowned Yard of Bricks on the oval track!

This flat and fast course is filled with friendly volunteers and over 100 entertainers along the way, making it an unforgettable experience.

After the race, participants celebrate their accomplishments with friends and family at the free Post Race Party, featuring an entertainment stage, free massages, a bottle of chocolate milk at the American Dairy Association Refuel & Rejuvenation Area, merchandise, and more!

Named "America's Best Half Marathon" by US Today's 10Best and recognized as one of "America's Most Iconic Races" by Runners World, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon attracts participants from all 50 states and over 16 countries. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this legendary race and join the thousands who have already experienced The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

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Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K at Washington Street, Downtown Indianapolis

Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K! Discover the thrill of one of America's Best 5K Races as you lace up for an electrifying event taking place prior to the iconic OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

With a 3.1-mile course through the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this flat and fast course is crafted for achieving your fitness goals and experiencing a race like no other. What will you experience at the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K?

Schedule of Events:
Live entertainment and enthusiastic volunteers at every turn
Same iconic Expo as the renowned OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
2024 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K!
Team up & conquer the 3.1 miles together
Legendary Post Race Party, filled with live entertainment, celebrations, food, and an abundance of high fives

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May 11, 2024

11:00am to 3:00pm - 500 Festival Kids’ Day at Monument Circle

Indy’s Largest Free Outdoor Festival For Kids!2024 Kids’ Day is set to take place at Monument Circle

In the heart of May, – the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day welcomes kids and families to downtown Indianapolis for this family-friendly celebration!

Kids’ Day is Indiana’s largest free outdoor celebration designed exclusively for kids!

There is so much excitement during the month of May in Indy. On May 11, Monument Circle turns into an Indy 500 celebration for kids with interactive, educational displays in a carnival atmosphere – giving children a day full of fun, learning, and activity for every interest and ability!

What To Expect For Kids’ Day!
At Kids’ Day, the fun knows no bounds: you can groove to the beat at drumming workshops, master the art of Bollywood-style dancing, craft and take home your very own artistic masterpiece, hoop it up with the Indiana Pacers and Fever, create fabulous sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and so much more! Kids can conquer the 500 Festival Fitness Zone & Obstacle Course, presented by St. Vincent Sports Performance, and that’s just the beginning. The Kids’ Day Stage will come alive with captivating performances that cater to a multitude of interests.

May 18, 2024

9:00am to 10:30am - 500 Festival Breakfast At The Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

500 Festival Breakfast At The Brickyard

Honor Indiana’s Mayors, Hear From Racing Legends
Once a year, a unique convergence unfolds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, bringing together racing enthusiasts, business leaders, Indiana’s mayors, and the 33 500 Festival Princesses for an electrifying Hoosier tradition: the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. This spirited morning begins by paying tribute to Indiana’s dedicated mayors, with Mayor Joe Hogsett of Indianapolis as the gracious host, welcoming over 70 mayors from every corner of the state as we celebrate their unwavering commitment to advancing Hoosier communities.

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May 24, 2024

500 Festival Memorial Service at Downtown Indianapolis

The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service

Uniting Indianapolis in Reflection for 60+ Years
The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has united the community in downtown Indianapolis for decades. Amidst the racing festivities, it provides a moment for collective reflection on a significant holiday – Memorial Day. It is a weekend to remember the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

A wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of all Hoosiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation in all wars and conflicts, will take place. The names of those Indiana service members who have fallen in the theatre of war within the past year will be read aloud and the bell of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 will toll in their honor.

A Military Funeral Procession, also known as a Cortege, will be presented by the Indiana National Guard Headquarters Ceremonial Unit. The Cortege is comprised of service members who accompany the remains of the deceased to the gravesite. Elements of a Cortege are the Escort Commander, Honor Platoons representing all services, Drummers, an Honor Guard, the horse-drawn Caisson which transports the fallen hero’s remains, eight Casket Bearers, and the Caparisoned Horse. A riderless horse, also called a Caparisoned Horse, follows the Caisson. The horse is adorned with a saddle, a pair of Cavalry boots reversed in the stirrups, and an Army Saber attached to the right side of the saddle. This symbolizes the fact that the deceased had fallen as a warrior and will not ride again.

When And Where
The service includes the posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard and performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band.

The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service will air on WISH-TV on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 10am to 11am with an encore on WNDY-TV 23 at 2pm, both without commercial interruption.

It will also be streamed live on the wishtv.com homepage. Afterward, the one-hour edited version, will be available at wishtv.com/monthofmay.

The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service is supported by The American Legion, OneAmerica, WFMS 95.5 FM, and WISH-TV. The Indiana War Memorial graciously hosts the Memorial Service.

May 25, 2024

500 Festival Parade at Downtown Indianapolis

The AES 500 Festival Parade, one of the original 500 Festival events, ranks among the nation’s most prominent parades, receiving national recognition amongst the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Over 200,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness the extravagant floats, enormous helium balloons, renowned figures, esteemed guests, top-notch bands, and all 33 Indy 500 drivers in action.

AES 500 Festival Parade, set to take place on Saturday, May 25, in downtown Indianapolis. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon. You can catch the parade on WTHR, Channel 13, for the Indianapolis audience and nationally on Peacock.

Parade festivities will begin at 11:45 am, with the parade beginning at noon.

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Date: May 1-25, 2024

Location: Various Location in Indianapolis

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