Start Your Engines! It’s the Month of May

It’s that time of year again! The Indianapolis 500 is back for its 108th running, and we’re revved up and ready for it.  

In Indy, the whole month of May is filled with an array of events, all centered on the Indianapolis 500. We’ve rounded up some festivities that are perfect for the family to enjoy together, leading up to race day on Sunday, May 26! 

500 Festival Kickoff to May 

May 1 | 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 2024 500 Festival Cars, and much more. 

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo 

May 2-3 | 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 4 | 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 11 | Downtown Indy | 500festival.com 

Indiana’s largest free outdoor celebration designed exclusively for kids! Enjoy interactive, educational displays in a carnival atmosphere – giving children a day full of fun, learning and activity for every interest and ability! 

500 Festival Rookie Run 

May 11 | 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 14 | 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 108th 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 22, 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 25, 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. 

Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe is the editor of Indy's Child and Southwest Ohio Parent magazines. She has a BA in Journalism from California State University Northridge, and has been involved in the print and digital publishing world for most of her life. Born and raised in Southern California, Nicole traded the city and sun for corn and creeks, and now lives in central Indiana with her husband, two sons and Collie. Her latest book for children, “All About Me! Art Journal” was published in 2022 by Walter Foster Jr. In her spare time, she likes traveling with her family, enjoying good food and drink, volunteering at her children’s schools and around her community, and practicing yoga.

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