INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2026) – The 500 Festival proudly announces the lineup of marching bands set to perform in the 70th annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, taking place Saturday, May 23, in downtown Indianapolis — as this year’s theme “Racing Through History” honors the rich legacy of the 500 Festival. 

Thirteen musically accomplished and celebrated marching bands from across the country will help bring that history to life, delivering unforgettable performances filled with energy, tradition, and excitement. From iconic sounds to vibrant displays, this milestone parade will take spectators on a journey through the moments, memories, and milestones that have defined generations of racing and community celebration. 

2026 Band Lineup 

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

• Berlin Bears Marching Band, Olentangy Berlin High School, Delaware, OH – Director Michael Reeves 

• Clark County High School Marching Band, Clark County High School, Kahoka, MO – Director Robert Dooley 

• Greenwood Marching Woodmen, Greenwood Community High School, Greenwood, IN – Director Luke Aylsworth 

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

• Marching Highlanders, Anderson High School, Anderson, IN – Director Richard Geisler 

• Marching Patriots, Jay County Jr. – Sr. High School, Portland, IN – Director Charles Roesch 

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

• Noblesville High School Marching Millers, Noblesville High School, Noblesville, IN – Director Eric Thornbury 

• Northwestern High School Tiger Pride Band, Northwestern High School, Kokomo, IN – Director Jeremy Snyder 

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

• Speedway High School 500 Regiment, Speedway High School, Speedway, IN – Director Delaney Ruble 

• Squadron of Sound, Adams Central Community Schools, Monroe, IN – Director Cory Kelley 

The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade continues a proud tradition of showcasing exceptional marching bands while giving today’s performers a national stage to represent their schools and communities. This year, 13 standout bands will take part in the celebration, joining colorful floats, larger-than-life balloons, special guests, and all 33 INDYCAR drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500. Together, they will entertain more than 200,000 spectators lining the two-mile downtown route. 

“As we celebrate 70 years of parade tradition and this year’s ‘Racing Through History’ theme, these bands play an important role in bringing that story to life,” said Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Their talent, passion, and pride create an unforgettable experience for fans and help carry forward the spirit of this iconic celebration.” 

Join us as we Race Through History! Tickets are still available at 500festival.com/parade.   

The Parade will be televised live for the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13.  

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

Support of the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade is provided by: Lucas Oil, AES Indiana, American Dairy Association of Indiana, Central Indiana Chevy Dealers, Eli Lilly, Franciscan Health, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IU Simon End Lunch Cancer Now, KSM CPAs & Advisors, Meijer, OneAmerica Financial, Purdue University, Regions Bank, Republic Airways, Shell Starship, Sullivan Hardware & Garden, and WTHR-13.