Sponsored Content
Culture

Mark your calendars for a memorable May

The 500 Festival brings fun for all ages.

April 4, 2025 • 
Rachel Taylor-Northam
Sponsored by
500 Festival_Article_indy.gif

Did you know this fest was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world?

Photos courtesy of 500 Festival, Inc.

Experience the excitement of May in Indianapolis with the 500 Festival, a month-long celebration leading up to the legendary Indianapolis 500.

Marking more than 60 years, the 500 Festival has become a Hoosier tradition that now welcomes over 500,000 attendees each year.

Whether you’re running in the Mini-Marathon, watching one of the nation’s top parades, or bringing the kids to Indiana’s largest youth festival, there’s something for everyone.

Save the dates for these can’t-miss events with fun for every age:

  • Wednesday, April 30 | 500 Festival Kickoff to May
  • Saturday, May 3 | Mini-Marathon + 5K
  • Saturday, May 10 | Kids’ Day + Rookie Run
  • Saturday, May 17 | Breakfast at the Brickyard
  • Friday, May 23 | Memorial Service
  • Saturday, May 24 | AES 500 Festival Parade

Be part of the celebration, make memories together, and stay connected through this month-long fest.

Explore the full lineup.

More from INDYtoday
INDYtoday: INDY_Giving Campaign 2025 recap_JAN26
Culture
Answered: What readers told us they love about INDYtoday during our Giving Campaign
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Shea state fair mac n cheese_DEC25
Culture
Editor Shea’s 26 favorite things in Indy
In addition to wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings, these are a few of my favorite things — that are hyperspecific to Indianapolis.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Silent Book Club Indy reading Plat 99_JAN26
Culture
An introvert’s guide to Indy
What’s there to do in Indianapolis when you’re an introvert? We’ve cooked up a few ways you can get out on the town while staying in your comfort zone.
January 3, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Ble Bistro Croque Monsieur_OCT25
Play
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Indy
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
January 2, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Fling Bungee Fitness gym workout_NOV24
Fitness
Get an unconventional workout with these fitness classes around Indy
Get your sweat on with something a little less common than your standard HIIT or yoga class.
January 2, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_November Project running club_MAR24
Culture
A Hoosier’s guide to New Year’s resolutions
Whether you’re looking to save money, improve your physical fitness, or something else, find the resources you need to stick to your New Year’s resolutions in 2026.
December 31, 2025
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Speedway Artist Collective Free Little Art Gallery FLAG_DEC25
Arts
How to find Free Little Art Galleries in Indianapolis
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Indy area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
December 31, 2025
 · 
Staff
Close up of pine tree with lights
Culture
Recycling your Christmas tree in Indianapolis
Explore the options for giving your old tree new life, from dropping it off to be turned into mulch to creating a wildlife haven in your yard.
December 30, 2025
 · 
Staff
View of Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium with fall foliage
Travel and Outdoors
Where to see stars around Indy
Fellow stargazers, consult our chart for a few spots around Indy to escape the light pollution of the city and look to the sky.
December 30, 2025
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Harlem Globetrotters_DEC25
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Indy
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
December 30, 2025
 · 
Staff