Get ready, Indy! The countdown to the Indy 500 is officially on, and it’s time to rev up your engines at these family-friendly events filled with high-speed excitement.
Pit Stop 1: 500 Festival Kickoff to May (April 30)
The 500 Festival Kickoff to May is a free community event held at Monument Circle. Fans, 500 Festival Princesses, and surprise guests can rub elbows while enjoying the atmosphere and participating in the festivities. Attendees can even win prizes from exhibitors and take photos with race cars!
Indy 500 is officially on, and it’s time to rev up your engines at these family-friendly events filled with high-speed excitement.
Pit Stop 2: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (Daily)
No Indy 500 experience is complete without a visit to the IMS Museum, and now it’s even better than ever! Recently renovated, the museum, located inside the IMS, has interactive and hands-on experiences that teach about racing history and legendary drivers. The Qualifying Zone exhibit even has a driving simulator, pit stop challenge, reflex test, and play area for kids!
Pit Stop 3: 500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run (May 10)
Kids’ Day is Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids! Held at Monument Circle, Kids’ Day offers interactive activities and meet-and-greets. The exciting Rookie Run for kids ages 3-10 challenges the youngest fans to race their peers on the streets of downtown Indy!
Pit Stop 4: Practice Days (May 13-15, 19) and Qualifying Days (May 17-18)
If you want an up-close look at all of the action but aren’t quite ready for bringing the whole fam to the big race, then practice and qualifying days are for you!
To make sure you’re getting top gas mileage performance on these days, the IMS offers open seating and free admission to kids 15 and under who visit with a paying adult. You can also bring in your own snacks and drinks as long as you follow the cooler size requirements!
On qualifying days, you’ll no doubt be on the edge of your seats as you watch drivers push their limits racing to make it into those final spots. With plenty of food trucks and an action-packed kids’ zone, qualifying days may just be your family’s favorite days at the track!
Pit Stop 5: The Indy 500 Festival Parade (May 24)
The Indy 500 Festival Parade brings the streets of downtown Indy to life! Watch the Grand Marshal, drivers, marching bands, and special guests cruise down the road in a parade full of colorful floats and shiny cars. It’s a great way to see the stars of the race and immerse yourself in the excitement!
Pit Stop 6: Indy 500 Legends Day (May 24)
On Legends Day at the IMS, you’ll have a chance to snag autographs from this year’s drivers and racing legends! You’ll also get an up-close look at Indy cars and experience the thrill of being a fly on the wall at the racers’ public meeting on pit lane.
Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking for fun, Indy has something for everyone leading up to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!
