Central Indiana Favorites - May June 2019
May in Indianapolis means one thing – the Indy 500. The 103rd running of the open-wheel race will take place on Sunday, May 26 but the festivities begin long before the green flag drops. Here are a few fan favorite events that embrace the culture, the traditions, and the thrill of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Zoopolis 500
The theme of the month is fast cars, but you can kick it off with a slow start at the Zoopolis 500 where Indy 500 Champion Tony Kanaan serves as commentator and Grand Marshall for the “race” between the Indianapolis Zoo’s radiated tortoises. The morning is filled with family-friendly activities, including appearances by 500 Festival Princesses, race-related games, and more. 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 1200 W. Washington St., free for zoo members or included with price of admission, www.indianapoliszoo.com.
500 Festival Memorial Service
Since its inception, the Indianapolis 500 has always been scheduled on or around Memorial Day. Honor the sacrifices made by Indiana men and women at the 500 Festival Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 24 where guests will witness a wreath-laying ceremony, a posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard and performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band, and a military funeral procession. 12 p.m., Friday, May 24, 55 E. Michigan St., www.500festival.com.
IPL 500 Festival Parade
Considered one of the nation’s largest and most respected parades, the IPL 500 Festival Parade draws more than 300,000 people to downtown Indianapolis the Saturday before the race. See all 33 drivers along with other celebrities, huge helium balloons, fun floats, and award-winning bands to get you in the spirit. 11:45 a.m., Saturday, May 25, see website for parade route, tickets start at $10, www.500festival.com.
103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500
If you’re not exhausted from all of the activities leading up to Sunday, there is of course, the actual race to attend. See some of the world’s best drivers take on 500 miles to compete for the title of Indy 500 Champion. The gates open at 6 a.m. so get there early – the pageantry and pre-race festivities are not to be missed. Sunday, May 26, tickets start at $35, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
