The 500 Festival today announces the theme for the 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade: Fueling May. The AES 500 Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, May 27, in downtown Indianapolis, the day before the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.  

One of the 500 Festival’s original events, the AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.   

This year’s AES 500 Festival Parade theme, Fueling May, celebrates the people, traditions, history, and the memories that bring the spirit of May to life. May in Indianapolis is more than just a month. It is a tradition, celebration, and spectacle like no other.  

It’s the people that fuel May. Our thousands of volunteers and participants, board members, staff, Princesses, hundreds of partners, and countless community members.  

It’s the traditions that fuel May. 67 years of the AES 500 Festival Parade, 47 years of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, 24 years of the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, over 60 years of the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, over 400,000 students impacted over a span of 19 years in the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Festival Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health.  

It’s the iconic moments that fuel May. Participants kissing the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and crossing the finish line after conquering a half marathon, parade floats and balloons filling the streets of downtown, the honoring of our fallen heroes and families, and the memories created that last a lifetime.  

“The AES 500 Festival Parade is a pillar of the Month of May festivities that brings the entire community together in celebration of the Indianapolis 500,” says Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Fueling May celebrates the hardworking hands, passionate hearts, and unparalleled traditions that make the Month of May what it is.” 

The AES 500 Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, May 27, in downtown Indianapolis at 11:45 a.m. This iconic race-weekend tradition will feature spectacular floats, larger-than-life helium balloons, marching bands from across the country, celebrities and everyday heroes, and the 33 drivers that will be racing in the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.  

Tickets for the AES 500 Festival Parade are not yet on sale. Those interested in purchasing Parade tickets may fill out the interest form HERE to get notified when tickets go on sale later this spring. 

The Parade will be telecast to the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13, and nationally on Peacock.  

About the 500 Festival | Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.  

About AES 

The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy.  Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs.  Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today.  For more information, visit www.aes.com.