The energy in Indianapolis is reaching a fever pitch as we gear up for one of the city's most beloved traditions: the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade. This year is particularly historic, serving as a cornerstone of the 70th Annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, and America’s Semi quincentennial. From celebrating century-long [...]

For Jennifer Query, the roar of the engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just a sound; it’s the soundtrack of her life. Growing up in a family of Indy 500 enthusiasts, she spent every May either in turn four or glued to the radio broadcast. That lifelong connection eventually [...]

In 1977, none of them imagined this. Al was 23, celebrating his birthday on race day with soreness and blisters. Jerry was 25, and had never run more than a mile, buying his first pair of running shoes the night before the race because of a dare from friends. Mike [...]

Get to Know the 500 Festival Interns for 2026! As the 500 Festival continues Racing Through History, we’re excited to introduce the 2026 class of interns who will help bring this year’s celebrations to life. These 12 talented students will be contributing their skills, creativity, and passion to support our [...]

The 500 Festival is proud to welcome Dave Neff as our new President and CEO. A lifelong Hoosier with a background in sports business and community leadership, Dave brings both a passion for people and a vision for the future as we head into one of the most historic seasons [...]

Fifty Mini-Marathons. Seventy Parades. Thousands of moments and memories in between.  The 500 Festival 2026 season is shaping up to be one for the history books, and it all begins with a calendar of events that has brought generations together in Indianapolis.  As we race toward the Month of May, we’re taking time to reflect on how we got [...]

There’s something about the feeling of May in Indianapolis. The air buzzes. The city comes alive. The celebrations have really begun. We all don’t just experience it; we live and breathe it.  From the moment the first runners toed the line at the sold-out Indy Mini, it was clear: this [...]

Each year, the 500 Festival creates community events in Indianapolis that bring people together to enjoy and celebrate the distinct moments that make the Month of May an iconic time in Indiana. This year’s theme, “Connected Through May,” celebrates these very moments that bring us together and the people who [...]

For Lisa Wegner, running has always been more than just a sport – it's a way to connect with herself, her community, and the people she loves. As a Health Equity Program Manager with IU Health and a Mini-Marathon frequent flyer, Lisa recognizes the importance of maintaining wellness and living [...]