AES 500 Festival Parade

One of the original 500 Festival events, the AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most-respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience the larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities and dignitaries, award-winning bands, and all 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500.

The 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, May 27, in downtown Indianapolis. More than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to celebrate the return of Indy’s biggest celebration before the Indianapolis 500 and this year’s theme, Back to Traditions. Racing Forward. This year’s theme welcomes Indianapolis and race fans back once again to remember the rich traditions of the Month of May and celebrate racing toward a brighter future. Parade festivities start at 11:45 am, with the parade beginning at noon. The Parade will be telecast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13, and nationally on Peacock.

Tickets for the 2022 AES 500 Festival Parade are not yet on sale. Tickets will be available for purchase in the coming weeks, stay tuned for ticket sales to begin! To be notified when ticket sales open, please click the button below to fill out the interest form.

PARKING

Arrive early downtown to give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Many Indianapolis city streets will be closed to traffic and public parking in preparation for the race. Several parking facilities will be open for event parking. Please keep in mind that due to street closings, not all routes into the various parking locations will be available. 

Here are a few downtown parking and traveling tips:

• Arrive early and relax during peak exit times.
• Parking is abundant. There are more than 66,000 parking spaces downtown.
• Plan where you will park ahead of time. Plan your route ahead of time and carpool if possible. Prepare to park away from the event site.
• Enter downtown from the side on which you plan to park and park facing the direction you intend to depart.
• Plan to use a parking garage or lot. Metered parking is limited around special event areas.