INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2025) – The 500 Festival proudly announces the acclaimed lineup of marching bands set to perform in the renowned AES 500 Festival Parade, taking place on Saturday, May 24, in downtown Indianapolis.   These 14 musically accomplished and celebrated marching bands from across the U.S. will deliver unforgettable [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (April 4, 2025) – The 500 Festival announces Kelsey Hart as the featured performer for the AES 500 Festival Parade Opening Production, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller. Tickets are on sale starting at $25 and can be purchased online at 500festival.com/tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (March 22, 2025) - The 500 Festival is excited to announce that former NBA star and long-time fan of the 500 Festival, Scot Pollard has been named Grand Marshal of the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade.  Known for his larger-than-life personality, championship career, and deep ties to Indiana, Pollard will [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (March 18, 2025) – Secure your spot at the AES 500 Festival Parade – tickets are on sale starting today! Tickets may be purchased for as low as $25. To buy, visit 500festival.com/tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free education, health, and fitness [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (March 6, 2025) – Tickets are now on sale to the public for the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. This time-honored tradition returns on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00-10:30 a.m., at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Gallagher Pavilion.   Tickets may be purchased at 500Festival.com/Breakfast [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2025) – The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Kickoff to May Contest, giving Hoosiers ages 18 and older the chance to win an exclusive Month of May prize pack. To enter, participants write a short story sharing [...]

INDIANAPOLIS (February 24, 2025) - The 500 Festival is proud to announce that the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has been nominated for Best Half Marathon and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K has been nominated for Best 5K in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.  Voting begins today, [...]

Registration is now open for the 2025 Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Rookie Run, which will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Indianapolis.   The Rookie Run is a perfect introduction to running for kids ages 3-10, offering a fun, supportive, and festive [...]

The 500 Festival proudly announces “Connected Through May” as the theme for the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade. This theme will weave through all Festival promotions and events, with a special focus on the Parade. It celebrates the strong sense of community the 500 Festival brings to life leading up [...]