Travel and Outdoors

🐎 Horse around in the Horse Capital of the World

🥘 Diverse dining experiences

• Crank and Boom Ice Cream | Located in the Distillery District and voted Lexington’s best ice cream 11 years in a row, this is a can’t-miss stop during your visit to Lexington.
• Poppy and Olive | Nestled within Eppings on Eastside (think: one of Lexington’s best restaurants), Poppy and Olive offers “parent-friendly” dining in a relaxed, judgment-free environment where adults can enjoy a great meal, and kids can have a great time.

• Carmel Pit Stop Themed Trivia Hambone’s Trivia | Tuesday, May 21 | 7 p.m. | Sun King Distillery, 351 Monon Blvd., Carmel | Free entry | Feel the adrenaline rush with this IndyCar racing-themed trivia night.

• Near West Job Fair | Wednesday, May 22 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Haughville Branch, 2121 W. Michigan St. | Free | Meet with a variety of employers, plus get help with resumes and job applications.

• Live Music on the Plaza | Thursday, May 23-Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza, 1101 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Grab your favorite beverages + meals from a local merchant and enjoy a show featuring three local musicians.

• Dine with Dalí | Friday, May 24 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $225-$250 | Executive Chef Patrick Russ will draw on inspiration from the vivid colors, textures, and feelings that Salvador Dalí’s paintings evoke in a five-course masterpiece.

• Indy Eleven vs. Phoenix Rising FC | Saturday, May 25 | 7 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $10-$110 | Not a big race fan? Show the Indy Eleven some love this weekend.

• Lou’s Pizza Porch Party | Sunday, May 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Lou Malnati’s Broad Ripple, 6320 Ferguson St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Enjoy pizza and local acts on the pet-friendly patio.

• We’re sure you’ve felt it, but Indy is experiencing its hottest stretch so far this year. Indianapolis hit 87 degrees on Sunday, which is the warmest temperature recorded so far in 2024. Today will likely top that, approaching near-record numbers. (WTHR)

• This weekend, the Indianapolis Zoo will officially open The Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex, a unique exhibit that spans a large portion of the zoo’s grounds and will be home to a community of 21 chimpanzees. It’s among the largest chimpanzee habitats in the country. Get a sneak peek on our Instagram.

• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has covered all of its bases. It announced this year’s honorary pace car driver for the Indianapolis 500 will be Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr. He will drive the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and lead the field of 33 drivers. (WTHR)

• Scott McLaughlin won the pole (aka the pole position at the inside of the front of the starting grid) with a four-lap average of 234.220 mph, setting a new track record during Qualifying at IMS. See the starting grid for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26. (WTHR)

• Get a taste of what it feels like to be a race car driver. Speedway Indoor Karting on Main Street makes racing accessible to all and adds to the excitement ahead of Race Day. The karting facility is open in the days leading up to the race and after. Pro tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but making a reservation is encouraged. (WISH)

• It’s the Indiana Pacers’ first Eastern Conference Finals in 10 years. Cheer on the Blue and Gold when the team returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Boston Celtics in Game 3 on Saturday, May 25. Get tickets. (NBA)

• $2 million. That’s how much the New York Liberty made in ticket revenue, setting a WNBA record — thanks to Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark playing her first game in the Big Apple on Saturday. (IBJ)

• How did the Indiana Pacers get it done in Game 7? Locked On Host Tony East is joined by Rhett Bauer to break it all down, including hot shooting and overcoming the atmosphere — plus, a look ahead at the Boston Celtics.
  

• Here’s your invitation to make lasting memories in the Horse Capital of the World this summer. From parent-friendly dining to outdoor adventures, we’re sharing our top recommendations for a trip to Lexington. What are you waiting for? Start planning.*

• Carb Day | Friday, May 24 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | $45+ | Kick off the weekend with the ultimate turbo boost featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers, joined by special guests Gin Blossoms and Kid Quill.
• Rockin’ on Main | Friday, May 24 | 5-10 p.m. | Main Street, Speedway | Get in the race spirit in the racing capitol of the world with 40+ pop-up shops offering a variety of racing-themed merchandise, eats, and drinks.
• Legends Day | Saturday, May 25 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | $20 | Get access to the star drivers with a full field autograph session.
• 500 Festival Parade | Saturday, May 25 | 11:45 a.m. | East North Street + North Pennsylvania Street | $25-$45 | Line the streets of downtown Indy to witness the extravagant floats, enormous helium balloons, renowned figures, esteemed guests, top-notch bands, and all 33 Indy 500 drivers in one of the nation’s most prominent parades.