From race day excitement to animal adventures, there’s plenty to make your three-day weekend memorable in Downtown Indy. Check out our day-by-day guide below.
Friday, May 26
The 2017 Indianapolis 500 weekend – culminating with the 101st Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing – kicks off on Friday, May 26. Join Indianapolis officials and residents as they pay special tribute to our military and fallen Hoosier soldiers at the 500 Festival Memorial Service presented by Rolls-Royceat the Indiana War Memorial at noon.
Make your way to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Miller Lite Carb Day featuring a concert by Steve Miller Band, with special guest Barenaked Ladies. The concert is free with Miller Lite Carb Day admission of $30. Gates open at 8 a.m.; the Indy Lights Freedom 100 at 10:30 am; and the concert at 3:30 p.m.
While Downtown, make a “pitstop” at Food Truck Friday on Georgia Street May 27 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hear tunes from Radio One DJs while you enjoy your lunch outside.
Saturday, May 27
300,000 spectators from around the country will come Downtown for the 61st IPL 500 Festival Parade starting at noon. Local celebrities, costumed characters, floats, marching bands, giant balloons and the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 will fill the streets to celebrate the largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500.
Parade attendees will don red carpet attire and enjoy entertainment from nationally recognized artists, food stations, cirque-style performers and more at KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball: The Art of The Race at the Indianapolis Roof Ballroom. This event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a televised red carpet with celebrities in town for race weekend and special VIP guests.
At the track, Keith Urban will headline the Legends Day Concert presented by Firestone at 3 p.m. The opening acts include Dustin Lynch and Clayton Anderson. Tickets are $40, $75 for pit access and FREE for kids 3 and under.
Photo by Brett Kelley (IMS)
Sunday, May 28
This year marks the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500. IMS gates open at 6 a.m. and the green flag is raised at 12:20 p.m. General admission tickets are $40. EDM superstars Zedd and Marshmello will headline the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $120 for VIP. Attendees must have an Indy 500 race day ticket to enter the grounds.
Indy 500 attendees can participate in the second annual Bike to the 500, a group bike ride to the track. Participants will gather at the Indianapolis City Market starting at 7 a.m. for food, music, drinks and family fun before the four-mile ride. The ride is $10 and free for children 17 and under with the purchase of adult admission.
Monday, May 29
Grab a bite at one of Downtown’s great restaurants or dine al fresco along the Downtown Canal Walk.
More fun around town
The Indianapolis Zoo’s Magnificent Macaws opens May 27. The exhibit features more than 50 birds of seven different species of macaws. The macaws will soar high overhead as they fly to and from the new Bicentennial Pavilion. You can also meet the brightly-colored birds up close in the new, permanent aviary. The exhibit is included with zoo admission.
Head to the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s brand-new Mini Golf course featuring 18 holes designed by local and regional artists. Opening May 28, the course will take you through rivers and volcanoes during a true outdoor adventure.
Keep us updated on your weekend, by sharing your experience on social and using the #downtownindy!
