Mission
The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.
About the 500 Festival
No other singular sporting event in the world has a legacy like the Indianapolis 500. No other event has shaped and defined a city and state and their people like the Indianapolis 500.
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 51 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation's premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.
500 Festival Past Themes
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1957 |
No Theme |
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1958 |
Spectacle of Speed |
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1959 |
Freedom... the American Way |
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1960 |
Festival of Firsts |
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1961 |
50 Golden Years |
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1962 |
Music, Yesterday and Today |
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1963 |
Happy Holidays |
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1964 |
The Big Fifty |
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1965 |
Showtime, U.S.A. |
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1966 |
150 Years of Progress |
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1967 |
The Wonderland of Books |
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1968 |
The Wonderful World of Art and Music |
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1969 |
The World of Sports |
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1970 |
Moments to Remember |
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1971 |
International Storybook |
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1972 |
Those Wonderful Years |
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1973 |
Down Memory Lane |
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1974 |
Through the Eyes of Children |
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1975 |
The Magic of Music |
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1976 |
America Is |
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1977 |
Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera |
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1978 |
The Wonder of America Set To Music |
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1979 |
It's a Good Life |
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1980 |
Something Old, Something New |
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1981 |
Reflections of Great Moments |
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1982 |
Previews: A Look at Tomorrow |
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1983 |
America, You're Beautiful |
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1984 |
Salute to Heritage |
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1985 |
The Wonderful World of Disney |
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1986 |
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow |
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1987 |
Fiesta 500 - In the Spirit of the Pan American Games |
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1988 |
Zoobilee '88 - The 500 Festival Salutes the New Indianapolis Zoo |
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1989 |
The American West; From the Frontier to the Future |
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1990 |
Explorations - "Journey Through Time" |
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1991 |
A Time to Remember - A Salute to the 75th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race |
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1992 |
20th Surprise Party - Walt Disney World's 20 Magical Years |
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1993 |
Learning Comes Alive |
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1994 |
Catch a Dream |
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1995 |
A Trip to the Track |
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1996 |
Fast Friends |
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1997 |
Here's to the Winners |
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1998 |
Creating Magic Moments |
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1999 |
Victory Gardens: Celebrating 20th Century Heroes |
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2000 |
Back Home Again in Indiana |
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2001 |
Home of Champions |
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2002 |
One Track Mind |
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2003 |
Art in Motion |
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2004 |
Lights, Camera, Traction! |
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2005 |
Accelerate Your Senses |
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2006 |
Celebrate the Spectacle |
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2007 |
Spirit and Speed |
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2008 |
Fuel the Dream |
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2009 |
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© 2008 500 Festival