Indy is a four season city, and something is always happening.
Overview
Mission:
The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.
About the 500 Festival:
With a rich history spanning 100 years, no other singular sporting event has a legacy like the Indianapolis 500. No other organization captures the significance of the month-long celebration surrounding the Indy 500 quite like the 500 Festival. The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500. 60+ years later, the 500 Festival is one of the largest and most respected festivals in the nation, adding to the quality of life for Indiana’s citizens and their guests.
Each year, the 500 Festival brings more than half a million people to the heart of Indiana to celebrate the magical month of May. Whether they are participants in one of the nation's largest half marathons, fourth-grade students in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids, or spectators at one of the nation's largest parades, there’s nothing quite like Indy’s electricity leading up to the Indianapolis 500.
Key 500 Festival events include: the 500 Festival Kick Off to May, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon; the 500 Festival mini-mini; JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kid's Day & Rookie Run; the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. (held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway); the 500 Festival Memorial Service, presented by Rolls-Royce; the AES 500 Festival Parade, and the 500 Festival Off the Grid presented by KeyBank
Download the 500 Festival App
Map
Feb 14, 2026
Downtown
Train for your spring race with timed 3-, 6-, and 10-mile events designed to build strength, confidence, and results.Registration is open…
Mar 7, 2026
Downtown
Train for your spring race with timed 3-, 6-, and 10-mile events designed to build strength, confidence, and results.Registration is open…
Apr 11, 2026
Downtown
Train for your spring race with timed 3-, 6-, and 10-mile events designed to build strength, confidence, and results.Registration is open…
Apr 29, 2026
Downtown
The 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank, literally kicks off the greatest month in Indiana and starts the…
May 2, 2026
Downtown
Experience the thrill of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and join over 20,000 participants from around the world for the…
May 16, 2026
Speedway
Honor Indiana’s Mayors, Hear From Racing LegendsOnce a year, a unique convergence unfolds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, bringing together racing…
May 22, 2026
Downtown
Uniting Indianapolis in Reflection for 60+ YearsThe American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has united the community in downtown Indianapolis for…
May 23, 2026
Downtown
Adding Color to Downtown Indy Since 1957!The AES 500 Festival Parade, one of the original 500 Festival events, ranks among the…
May 24, 2026
Speedway
Thirty-three drivers. 200 laps. 500 miles. One bottle of cold milk. The only thing missing from this magical Indianapolis 500 mix…
