INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2025) – The 500 Festival proudly announces the acclaimed lineup of marching bands set to perform in the renowned AES 500 Festival Parade, taking place on Saturday, May 24, in downtown Indianapolis.  

These 14 musically accomplished and celebrated marching bands from across the U.S. will deliver unforgettable tunes, vibrant performances, and standout excitement in this 69th annual event. From start to finish, this year’s parade will be a can’t-miss event for music lovers and parade enthusiasts alike. 

2025 Band Lineup

• 38th Infantry Division Band, Indianapolis, IN – Director, Catherine Maloney 

• Centerville High School Blue Regiment, Centerville, IN – Director, Johnathan Lucy 

• Chartiers Valley Showband, Bridgeville, PA – Director, Traci Kelly 

• Goshen High School Crimson Marching Band, Goshen, IN – Director, Tom Cox 

• Indianapolis Public Schools All-City Marching Band, Indianapolis, IN – Director, Josh Goodman 

• Jimtown High School Marching Jimmies, Elkhart, IN – Director, Kathy Baughman 

• Belleville West Marching Maroons, Belleville, IL – Director, Michael Pond-Jones 

• Eastern (Pekin) Musketeer Brigade, Pekin, IN – Director, Matt Lindley 

• National Band Association Indiana All-Star Band, Zionsville, IN – Director, Mickey Stisher 

• New Prairie Marching Cougars, New Carlisle, IN – Director, Jared Jaggi  

• Purdue University “All-American” Marching Band, West Lafayette, IN – Director, Matt Conaway

• NorthWood High School Red Regiment, Nappanee, IN – Director, Eric Criss 

• Speedway High School 500 Regiment Band, Speedway, IN – Director, Amy Mohl 

• Warren Central Gold Brigade Marching Band and Color Guard, Indianapolis, IN – Director, Ed Meckes 

The AES 500 Festival Parade is a longstanding tradition that honors the talented musicians who have performed at the parade over the decades, and an exciting opportunity for today’s marching bands to proudly represent their communities, schools/universities, and organizations. These 14 bands will perform alongside eye-catching floats, vibrant balloons, celebrities, and all 33 INDYCAR drivers competing in the Indy 500, captivating over 200,000 spectators along the 2-mile route.  

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome these talented musicians to this year’s AES 500 Festival Parade,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Their energy and spectacular performances will add excitement to our city’s biggest race-weekend celebration before the Indy 500.”

Catch the bands in action! Tickets are still available at 500festival.com/parade   

The Parade will be televised live for the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. You can also catch a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, on WTHR+.

For more information, visit 500festival.com/bands.