This year marks the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500, a racing spectacle that is near and dear to many Hoosiers. But it’s not just the race that gets people’s motors going: The whole month of May also signals a host of exciting events surrounding the Indianapolis 500, many of which the whole family can enjoy. Here are some fun, family-friendly things to do in Indy to get pumped for the race.
500 Festival Kickoff to May
May 3 | Monument Circle | 500festival.com
The countdown to the Indianapolis 500 is on! This event is packed full of festivities, and you can also pick up prizes from exhibitors, take photos with the 2023 500 Festival Cars, and much more.
500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo
May 4-5 | Indiana Convention Center | indymini.com
An exciting start to Mini-Marathon weekend in Indianapolis! The Mini-Marathon Expo features interactive activities and exhibitors for all ages. The Expo is free and open to the public and a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy the excitement of the Mini-Marathon.
500 Festival Mini-Marathon
May 6 | Downtown Indianapolis | indymini.com
More than 20,000 participants will take over the streets of downtown Indianapolis for The Greatest Spectacle in Running – the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
500 Festival Kids Day
May 14 | Downtown Indy | 500festival.com
It’s an Indy 500 celebration that’s sized for kids! Participate in drumming workshops, learn Bollywood-style dancing, paint and take home your very own masterpiece, race mini cars, make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and much more.
500 Festival Rookie Run
May 14 | Downtown Indy | 500festival.com
Taking place on Kids Day, this non-competitive fun run allows children ages 3-10 the fun opportunity to get active and experience the excitement of a running event, complete with a start and finish line production, cheering section, participant bib, and finisher medal.
Indy 500 Practice
May 16-19 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | indianapolismotorspeedway.com
The roar of engines returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as athletes of the NTT IndyCar Series prepare for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Enjoy the sights and sounds of May at the Brickyard while seeing your favorite drivers push their cars to the limit at speeds over 230 mph.
Zoopolis 500
May 24, 10 a.m. | Indianapolis Zoo | indianapoliszoo.com
Tortoises, start your engines! This unique annual event and race-fan favorite includes a morning of family-friendly festivities leading up to the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.”
AES 500 Festival Parade
May 27, 11:45 a.m. | Downtown Indianapolis | 500festival.com/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.
