Celebrate the Month of May with porch parties

Porch parties have become a tradition in Indianapolis to kick off Indy 500 celebrations.

Indy 500 porch decorations

May is like Christmas time in Indiana with houses decked out for the Indy 500.

Table of Contents

Grab a lawn chair, call the neighbors over, and sip on an ice cold beverage — porch party season is here.

“Porching is a long-standing Indianapolis tradition where friends, family and even strangers gather on front porches during the warm months of the year for fellowship,” according to the Indianapolis Recorder.

In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway partnered up with the Harrison Center to take porch parties, which typically begin around May, and use it as a way to kick off Indy 500 celebrations during the month of May.

Want to get in on the fun? Hosting your own porch party is pretty simple. Just put up some race-themed decorations in the front yard, choose an evening to host, invite your friends, family, and neighbors, prepare some snacks + drinks, and have a good time.

If you host a porch party by this Sunday, May 21, you can register your decorated home for a chance to win prizes from IMS.

Upcoming community porch parties

  • Presidential Porch Party | Thursday, May 18 | 5-7 p.m. | Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis | $5
  • Speedway Porch Party | Friday, May 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Advance Auto Parts, 5636 Crawfordsville Rd., Speedway
  • 16 Tech Porch Party | Wednesday, May 24 | 4-7 p.m. | The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis | Free

    More from INDYtoday
    Needlepoint is one of the hottest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where you can learn the craft, pick up supplies, and meet other stitchers in Indianapolis and central Indiana.
    Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
    Celebrate spring with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and much more at these special Easter brunches from local restaurants.
    Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
    In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women in Indianapolis making history through their work happening right now.
    Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Indy’s many beautiful patios.
    Feast your pies on this guide to local bakeries where you can grab the perfect pie for holidays, celebrations, special events — or just a gloomy Monday.
    Like your Diet Coke jazzed up with creamers, syrups, and fruit purees? Here’s where you can find trendy dirty sodas around Indianapolis (without waiting in the line at Swig.)
    Keep local love growing this spring with native plants that will support pollinators, save water, and make your yard or garden look beautiful.
    Chase the rainbow at these St. Patrick’s Day events around the Circle City.