Race Weekend’s Biggest Celebration Returns to Downtown Indy 

The 500 Festival today announces that tickets are now on sale to the public for the 2022 AES 500 Festival Parade. Parade tickets can be purchased online at 500festival.com/tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free programming and events for Indiana youth and college students.  

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.  

On Saturday, May 28 at 11:45 a.m., more than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to celebrate the return of Indy’s biggest celebration before the Indianapolis 500 and this year’s theme, Back to Traditions. Racing Forward. Indianapolis and race fans are welcomed back home again to remember the rich traditions of the Month of May and celebrate racing towards a brighter future through the magic, fanfare, and excitement of the event. 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 competing in the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 

This year’s AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal is August A. Ebeling, a longtime volunteer with the 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group. As the return of in-person events have reinforced that volunteers are essential to making these events possible, it is with great pride that the 500 Festival recognizes August and his service to the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis community, and the state of Indiana. In 2016, August was named the 500 Festival Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and generous donation of his time and talent in assisting the 500 Festival to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate an impactful, community led-road to the Indianapolis 500. August's commitment to service and passion for the 500 Festival has made a profound impact on the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. His willingness to go above and beyond led to the development of the Need for Speed Station, which was voted the #1 rated Study Trip Station by teachers, students, the 500 Festival Princesses, and volunteers.  

“The AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the most beloved Month of May traditions and we are thrilled to gather together once again to celebrate with friends, family, and community,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Our volunteers are the heart of the 500 Festival, and we are proud to honor Augie as our Grand Marshal, representing each of our incredible volunteers who selflessly give their time and effort to help make the Month of May possible.” 

“I am so honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 500 Festival Parade!” said August A. Ebeling. “To represent all the volunteers and staff for their passionate work with the 500 Festival events, like the Education Program, Mini-Marathon, and the Parade, past, present, and the future is such an awesome honor. Just to be open, I will be in a wheelchair when you see me because of my presumptive diagnosis of ALS. The Month of May is also ALS Awareness month.” 

Date: Saturday, May 28 

• Time: Parade festivities start at 11:45 a.m.; Parade begins at Noon 
• Location: Downtown Indianapolis  
• Price: Tickets start at $25 and are available at 500festival.com/tickets  

• Reserved Seating 

• Parade Route 

• Please note the Parade route will be slightly different and shorter from previous years. The route will end at Meridian Street and North Street instead of Meridian and 11th Street as in year’s past. 

“We are incredibly honored to once again support the 500 Festival for the AES Indiana 500 Festival Parade and thrilled to be back in-person for the first time in three years to bring the energy to Downtown Indianapolis,” said Brandi Davis-Handy, Chief Public Relations Officer, AES US Utilities. “May in Indy is an exciting time for our community, and we are proud to be a part of all that it means to our city and our customers.” 

Join us in celebration as we get back to our traditions and continue to race forward! 

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.  

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