May - Indianapolis’ Favorite Month

May is an exciting time in Indianapolis, and we believe it to be the best of the 12 months in Indianapolis.  The sun is often shining, guests from throughout the world visit, and there are countless activities to do!  Below we’ve highlighted some of our favorites.

 

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon | Saturday, May 4th

35,000 runners take to the streets of downtown to race in the largest mini marathon in the country.  The race snakes through much of downtown and heads West to take a turn around the track.  It’s an exciting day and we are proud to also participate with a few runners from the office and host one of the water stations.  If you’re running be sure to look for us at mile 10 with water in hand!

Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day | Saturday, May 11th

This free festival takes place downtown on Monument Circle and is THE event your kids won’t want to miss!  Games, face painting, clowns, local mascots and more.  Kids also can participate in the Rookie Run, a non-competitive fun run for ages 3-12. 

500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard | Saturday, May 18th

This hearty Hoosier breakfast offers guests the opportunity to take a lap around the famed oval in their vehicle, tour the garages and experience Pole Day for the 2013 Indianapolis 500.  Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will speak and the 2013 500 Festival Queen will be crowned.  Click here to purchase tickets.

American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day | Wednesday, May 22nd

Tours of Pit Lane and the official timing and scoring area in the Pagoda are available. Race fans can get autographs from their favorite Indianapolis 500 drivers. Don’t miss the Media Pit Stop Competition at noon, with members of the media contending for $5,000 to donate to charity, compliments of American Family Insurance.  Click here to purchase tickets.

IPL 500 Festival Parade

The IPL 500 Festival Parade allows all spectators to witness the pageantry and larger-than-life floats light up the streets of downtown Indianapolis. Well-known celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, specialty units, spectacular floats and giant helium balloons will fill the streets to celebrate the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500^®.  Click here to purchase tickets.

Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball | Saturday, May 25th

Head to the 10^th Annual Regions 500 Snakepit Ball, presented by Cindy and Paul Skjodt, and rock to the music of British-American rock band Foreigner.  Taking place in the Indiana Roof Ballroom, the Snakepit Ball has become a race-eve tradition. Known as the place to see the stars, the black-tie event includes red carpet arrivals by celebrities in town for race weekend and special VIP guests. Tickets will be available by calling (317) 614-6129, and are $275 per person. Corporate tables may be reserved when purchasing tickets.

 

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Throughout the month, there are several opportunities to check out the IZOD IndyCar Series and its racing teams prior to race day. 

Opening Day | May 11^th | 10-6
 

Practice Days | May 12^th - 16^th | 10-6

Fast Friday | May 17^th | 10-6

Pole Day | May 18^th | 6:30am – 6pm

Armed Forces Bump Day | May 19^th | 7:30am – 6pm

Coors Light Carb Day | May 24^th | 8:30am – 6pm

97th Running of the Indianapolis 500 | May 26th | 12pm

The event, billed as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is considered one of the three most prestigious motorsports events in the world. The official attendance is not disclosed by Speedway management, but the permanent seating capacity is more than 257,000 people, and infield seating raises capacity to an approximate 400,000.  Truly an Indianapolis tradition this event, must be attended!  To purchase tickets, click here.

For full event information at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the month of May, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website.  Have a great May!