For over six decades, the 500 Festival has shown commitment and excellence in our community. Every year, 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participate in many festival activities throughout the Month of May and beyond. These events and programs cater to all people, including individuals who run or walk the Mini-Marathon or 5K, fourth-grade students who take part in the Education Program, families who come to enjoy the state's largest festival for kids, and spectators who are left in awe by one of the nation's premier parades. The 500 Festival's legacy is about bringing joy, togetherness, and a sense of community spirit.

Schedule of Events:

May 3, 2025

Experience the thrill of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3, 2025, and join over 20,000 participants from around the world for the 49th Running.

The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a must-do event for participants of all levels and abilities. Take part in this iconic half-marathon that starts in downtown Indy and includes a 2.5-mile lap around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As a tradition, participants even get to kiss the bricks at the renowned Yard of Bricks on the oval track!

This flat and fast course is filled with friendly volunteers and over 100 entertainers along the way, making it an unforgettable experience.

After the race, participants celebrate their accomplishments with friends and family at the free 500 Festival Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank, featuring an entertainment stage, free massages, a bottle of chocolate milk at the American Dairy Association Refuel and Rejuvenation Area, merchandise, and more!

Named "America's Best Half Marathon" by US Today's 10Best and recognized as one of "America's Most Iconic Races" by Runners World, the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon attracts participants from all 50 states and over 16 countries. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this legendary race and join the thousands who have already experienced The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

Register now to secure your spot and conquer the legendary 13.1 miles at the Indy Mini.

Register Now for the Mini-Marathon!

Conquer the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K!
Join us for one of America's Best 5K Races! The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K kicks off before the iconic IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,

promising an exciting experience in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
What to Expect:

- Fast and Flat Course: Enjoy a 3.1-mile route designed for achieving your personal best
- Live Entertainment: Experience vibrant performances and enthusiastic volunteers cheering you on at every turn
- Iconic Expo: Access the same legendary Expo as the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- Celebrate Our 26th Anniversary: Join us in 2025 as we celebrate the milestone of this beloved event!
- Team Spirit: Team up with friends and conquer the 3.1 miles together
- Post-Race Party: Celebrate your achievement with live entertainment, delicious food and beverages, and plenty of high fives

Home of the USATF 5KM Championships
Run the same course as some of America's top athletes! We're excited to bring the USA Track and Field 5K Championships to Indianapolis during Indy Mini weekend. In partnership with Indiana Sports Corp, we're proud to showcase our hometown as a welcoming stage for both elite athletes and the broader running community. This event reflects our commitment to supporting and growing American distance running.

Register for the 5K

May 10, 2025

Indy's Largest Free Outdoor Festival For Kids!
In the heart of May, - the Salesforce and JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids' Day welcomes kids and families to downtown Indianapolis for this family-friendly celebration!

Kids' Day is Indiana's largest free outdoor celebration designed exclusively for kids!

There is so much excitement during the month of May in Indy. On May 10, Monument Circle turns into an Indy 500 celebration for kids with interactive, educational displays in a carnival atmosphere - giving children a day full of fun, learning, and activity for every interest and ability!

Mark your calendars because the 2025 Kids' Day is set to take place at Monument Circle on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and trust us, you won't want to miss this fun-filled family adventure!

What To Expect For Kids' Day!
At Kids' Day, the fun knows no bounds: you can groove to the beat at drumming workshops, master the art of Bollywood-style dancing, craft and take home your very own artistic masterpiece, hoop it up with the Indiana Pacers and Fever, create fabulous sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and so much more! Kids can conquer the 500 Festival Fitness Zone and Obstacle Course, presented by St. Vincent Sports Performance, and that's just the beginning. The Kids' Day Stage will come alive with captivating performances that cater to a multitude of interests.

Also At Kids' Day: The Rookie Run!
Get your little one ready for their own race-day experience at the Rookie Run! Taking place at Kids' Day, this non-competitive fun run is designed for kids ages 3 - 10, giving them a taste of what it's like to be part of a big race — just like the participants in the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon!

Every registered rookie runner will receive a personalized bib, goodie bag, and a finisher's medal — just like Mini-Marathon finishers! Race distances are age-appropriate, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all. From the starting line excitement to the cheers at the finish, the Rookie Run is the perfect way to get kids moving and inspire a love for running!

May 17, 2025

9:00 am - 10:30 am: Honor Indiana's Mayors, Hear From Racing Legends

Once a year, a unique convergence unfolds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, bringing together racing enthusiasts, business leaders, Indiana's Mayors, and the 33 500 Festival Princesses for an electrifying Hoosier tradition: the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. This spirited morning begins by paying tribute to Indiana's dedicated Mayors, with Mayor Joe Hogsett of Indianapolis as the gracious host, welcoming over 70 Mayors from every corner of the state as we celebrate their unwavering commitment to advancing Hoosier communities.

Indiana's Ultimate Taste of May!
While enjoying a traditional Hoosier breakfast, guests are treated to insights from key figures at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500 Festival. Legends from the racing world will also take the stage to share their knowledge, experiences, and epic stories. The event culminates with the exciting announcement of the 500 Festival Queen Scholar.

May 23, 2025

The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service

Uniting Indianapolis in Reflection for 60+ Years

The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has united the community in downtown Indianapolis for decades. Amidst the racing festivities, it provides a moment for collective reflection on a significant holiday - Memorial Day. It is a weekend to remember the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

A wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of all Hoosiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation in all wars and conflicts, will take place. The names of those Indiana service members who have fallen in the theatre of war within the past year will be read aloud and the bell of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 will toll in their honor.

A Military Funeral Procession, also known as a Cortege, will be presented by the Indiana National Guard Headquarters Ceremonial Unit. The Cortege is comprised of service members who accompany the remains of the deceased to the gravesite. Elements of a Cortege are the Escort Commander, Honor Platoons representing all services, Drummers, an Honor Guard, the horse-drawn Caisson which transports the fallen hero's remains, eight Casket Bearers, and the Caparisoned Horse. A riderless horse, also called a Caparisoned Horse, follows the Caisson. The horse is adorned with a saddle, a pair of Cavalry boots reversed in the stirrups, and an Army Saber attached to the right side of the saddle. This symbolizes the fact that the deceased had fallen as a warrior and will not ride again.

May 24, 2025

AES 500 Festival Parade

Adding Color to Downtown Indy Since 1957!
The AES 500 Festival Parade, one of the original 500 Festival events, ranks among the nation's most prominent parades, receiving national recognition amongst the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Over 200,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness the extravagant floats, enormous helium balloons, renowned figures, esteemed guests, top-notch bands, and all 33 Indy 500 drivers in action.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade, set to take place on Saturday, May 24, in downtown Indianapolis. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon. You can catch the parade on WTHR, Channel 13, for the Indianapolis audience and nationally on Peacock.

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Date:
May 3 - 24, 2025

Location:
Various Venues in Indianapolis, IN

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