Fostering a Positive Impact

Enriching Lives Through…

Education

Since its inception in 2004, the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Riley Children’s Health, has impacted more than 500,000 students in more than 20,000 classrooms throughout Indiana.

Fitness

Reaching thousands of students each year, the 500 Festival KidsFit Program gets Indiana kids moving while teaching them how to pursue healthy lifestyles.

Community

Recognized as “America’s Best Half-Marathon” by USA Today, the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon brings together runners, volunteers, and spectators from around the globe to celebrate the spirit of May!

Service

Our dedicated 2,000+ volunteers, along with 12 interns and 33 princesses, contribute hundreds of thousands of hours annually to community service, driving meaningful change across Indiana.

Celebration

The 500 Festival Parade is among the longest-running and most significant parades in the country, with over 200,000 spectators celebrating annually.

Family Fun

The  JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids! Thousands of families join us each year to participate in educational and play-based activities.

At the 500 Festival, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community and the connection that arises from shared experiences. From offering opportunities for personal and professional growth to creating once-in-a-lifetime participation moments, we are dedicated to driving meaningful change that extends beyond our events. Our work reaches individuals, families, local organizations, and the city of Indianapolis, helping create a place where everyone can come together, thrive, and celebrate the spirit of May. Through strategic partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and a commitment to education and fitness, we continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

Your Participation Makes a Difference!

Fueling Futures, One Table at a Time

Each $1,500 premium table purchased for Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA, directly funds a scholarship for a 500 Festival Princess. A sold-out event guarantees scholarships for the entire year’s class, making a lasting impact on these young leaders.

Racing Toward Education

Every eight registrations for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon fund an Education Program study trip, providing students with a day of immersive learning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Forecasted 10-Year Economic Impact

Estimated Annual, State, and Local Taxes Generated

Annual Jobs Added by 500 Festival Events

There are a number of economic benefits that are not easily measured, therefore, were not included in this estimation including, but not limited to:

  • Spending by local residents who attend or participate in 500 Festival events such as the 500 Festival Parade and IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
  • Health benefits of 17,000 local residents training for and participating in the Mini-Marathon
  • Attracting visitors to Indianapolis that may return for other reasons
  • The 500 Festival events are designed in part to help promote the Indianapolis 500®, which in turn may increase awareness and attendance of the race

The 500 Festival Economic Impact study was authored by Kyle J. Anderson, Economist at the Kelley School of Business.