MAY sTARTS HERE

National in scope, homegrown in spirit, the 500 Festival provides multiple events and programs, many of which are free to attend and impact over 500,000 people annually.

2027 Events
13
Feb

500 Festival 3-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

6
Mar

500 Festival 6-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

10
Apr

500 Festival 10-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

29
Apr

500 Festival Kickoff to May

presented by STAR Bank

8
May

IU Health

500 Festival Mini-Marathon

8
May

Delta Dental

500 Festival 5K

15
May

JPMorganChase

500 Festival Kids’ Day

15
May

500 Festival Rookie Run

presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

22
May

500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard

presented by CHA

28
May

American Legion

500 Festival Memorial Service

29
May

Lucas Oil 

500 Festival Parade

2027 Events

Feb 13

500 Festival 3-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

Mar 6

500 Festival 6-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

Apr 10

500 Festival 10-Miler

presented by OrthoIndy

Apr 29

500 Festival Kickoff to May

presented by STAR Bank

May 8

IU Health

500 Festival Mini-Marathon

May 8

Delta Dental

500 Festival 5K

May 15

JPMorganChase

500 Festival Kids’ Day

May 15

Rookie Run

presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

May 22

500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard

presented by CHA

May 28

American Legion

500 Festival Memorial Service

May 29

Lucas Oil

500 Festival Parade

Celebrate May with Us!

The 500 Festival is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to producing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500.

Over the past 60+ years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. Each year, 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participate in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini-Marathon, 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.

By fostering a positive impact on the city and state, we ensure that every Hoosier can celebrate the legacy of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing®

Become a Sponsor

Elevate your brand by becoming a sponsor for the 500 Festival! With a series of events unfolding throughout the spring and a pinnacle of festivities in the month of May, your brand can gain unparalleled exposure and align with a legacy of excellence.

Partnering with us means not only supporting a cherished community tradition but also positioning your brand at the forefront of one of the nation’s grandest celebrations. Seize this unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to community, culture, and racing heritage.

Show Your Support

Support the cherished legacy of the 500 Festival and help keep Indianapolis celebrating each spring! From a wide array of events throughout the season to the unforgettable festivities in May, the 500 Festival Foundation fuels the programs that make it all possible.

Your support powers the programs and traditions that make May unforgettable, enriches our community, and keeps the spirit of the Festival alive for generations to come. Together, we’re racing toward the next generation of fun and community impact!

Get Social

🚨 24-HOUR COUNTDOWN IS ON! 🚨
We're completely blown away by the incredible response for the 2027 Indy Mini Ambassador Program Application! The energy and enthusiasm from this community are unmatched, and we can’t wait to see what this next group accomplishes.
Due to the volume of applications, our window is closing early — apply by Friday, 09/11 at 7 p.m. EST for your chance to be a 2027 #IndyMini Ambassador! ⏰
Don't wait 👉 Head to the link in our bio to submit your application before it closes! 🏃💨⚡
We love the hype and excitement Indy's mascots bring to our events! We can't wait to keep the momentum going in 2027. 🔜🏁
We do need your help, though... who can identify that last mascot on the final slide? Drop your best guesses in the comments! 🤔
📣 Want to represent one of the nation's best half marathons? The 2027 Indy Mini Ambassador application is officially OPEN. 👟✨
As an ambassador, you'll motivate athletes of all levels to tackle The Greatest Spectacle in Racing®. You'll help spread the word and motivate others to join in the excitement of the Indy Mini — all while building meaningful connections and offering encouragement within the community!
➜ Represent: Join a team celebrating the Indy Mini
➜ Share: Give your community a unique registration discount
➜ Earn: Unlock exclusive rewards as your network signs up!
Ready to inspire? Tap the link in our bio to submit your application today. 🏁
Calling all runners, walkers, and wheelers — registration is OPEN for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by @orthoindy! 🏃💨
Take part in this three-race series designed to build mileage and confidence ahead of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 8:
→ 3-Miler: February 13
→ 6-Miler: March 6
→ 10-Miler: April 10
Run individual races, tackle all three, or go the extra mile by joining a Challenge to earn more cool swag! Don't miss your chance to build habits, boost your training, and connect with the community.
🔗 Head to the link in our bio to sign up today. 🏁
A quick trip down memory lane. 🎞️
The history is rich, but the future is even brighter. We’re channeling all the excitement from seasons past as we gear up for an unbelievable 2027 season!
What’s your first 500 Festival memory? Share your story below! 👇
We were honored to welcome Mark Miles, President & CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., to our Corporate Member Event at @newfieldstoday for an engaging fireside chat.
Overseeing the @indianapolismotorspeedway, @indycar, and IMS Productions at Penske Entertainment Corp., Mark brings decades of civic and sports leadership to Indy — from leading Hulman & Company to bringing Super Bowl XLVI to our city.
With another big year of racing on the horizon, hearing Mark's vision offered an invaluable look at where sports and community intersect right here in Indy! 🏁 ✨
Ready to get hands-on experience behind Indy’s biggest Month of May events? Applications for the 2027 500 Festival Internship Program are officially OPEN! 🏎️✨
We’re hiring full-time, paid interns from January through May 2027 across Event Operations, Graphic Design, Marketing & Communications, Registration & Event Services, and Strategic Partnerships.
From the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, you’ll help bring 30+ historic events to life for over 500,000 people — all while earning college credit and building your professional network!
Positions fill on a rolling basis, so don't wait! Tap the link in our bio to apply today. 🔗
The energy at @newfieldstoday was running at full speed! ⚡🏁
Relive the highlights from our Corporate Member Event.
From announcing firstfinancialbank as the program's presenting partner to an inspiring fireside chat with Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles sharing the future of @indycar, to conversations around our next generation of community leaders, last night was all about building momentum together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped set the stage for an incredible season ahead! 🏎️ 🎥
A picture-perfect evening celebrating the corporate and civic community that drives Indianapolis forward. 📸 ✨
As Indianapolis leans into its identity as Speed City, we're grateful for the opportunity to connect and look ahead together — from insights on the future of @indycar with Mark Miles to conversations about the 500 Festival's investment in developing the next generation of community leaders.
A special thank you to all of our corporate partners who continue to champion our city and are dedicated to celebrating our legendary motorsports history, creating deeper local connections to iconic traditions. 🏎️ 🏁
📣 Indiana educators & group organizers: Registration for the 500 Festival KidsFit Program is officially OPEN! 🏁
Bring the excitement of the #Indy500 to your students with a FREE, customizable fitness program for grades K–6. Designed to align with Indiana Dept. of Education standards, KidsFit seamlessly fits PE, classroom, or after-school schedules!
How it works:
✦ Students complete weekly lessons and log mileage each week with the "Start Your Engines" training plan. By the end, they’ll reach 13.1 miles—the equivalent of a half marathon!
✦ Free resources: Progress charts, student incentives, & official completion certificates.
✦ Groups choose their finale event: 🎉 Celebrate their huge achievement and final miles with a Mobile Run at your school OR by joining us on May 8, 2027, for the KidsFit Final 5K in Downtown Indy!
Learn more and register today 👉 500festival.com/KidsFit
Who are you riding with? 🔎🏎️
Find your birth month below to see which iconic Indy 500 driver you would’ve accompanied down the 70th @lucasoilproducts 500 Festival Parade!
Let us know in the comments 👇
We are pleased to announce a historic 5-year partnership extension with @lucasoilproducts as we continue building traditions that last for generations through the 500 Festival Parade.
From honoring our nation’s heroes to strengthening Hoosier communities, Lucas Oil remains a powerful force for good across Indiana. We look forward to amplifying our shared impact in this next chapter together. 🏁❤️
Loading the next set of instagram posts...