It’s May in Indianapolis, and it’s no secret that this is our city’s biggest month of the year for events and visitors. Of course you could grab a pace car, a bougie pup, put some head scarves on and cruise around like Thelma and Louise, but that’s already been done. . . .
This month is filled with TONS of race-related happenings, and I’m listing FIFTEEN fun options for you below, from photo opps and shopping to race-venue concerts, I’ve got you covered.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway started this month with a bang along with the IU health Foundation hosting REV and really set the scene for all the festivities moving forward. Of course this event was this past weekend, but if you ever have the chance to go- it’s such a fun party for a GREAT cause!
1.First, something that isn’t constrained to one day, but it would be something fun to do with your family. Snap photos at 8 different #indywings locations! They look something like this:(and even have smaller wings for your littles!)
My friend Kate from Into Indy has collected the locations for all 8 of the tapestries around the city, and you can see their locations, on Kate’s Post “500 Wings and Where to Find Them”.
2. If you’re a social media maven or a fashionista that grazes the interwebs at all- you’ve probably seen the hashtags #500fashion and #500fashionfridays. This one has become more popular over the last few years, and while it’s also “just for fun”, starting May 10th certain Indianapolis restaurants will be giving special discounts for participating in Fashion Fridays- so get ready to sport all your black and white #ootds to represent race month!. See who’s participating, here.
Let me interrupt my list here, while were talking fashion. Be sure to check out Macy’s Castleton for all your May/race month fashion needs: check out this cute Free People #ootd I scored at Macy’s- I wore this to an Art of Racing exhibit, and this would also be fun for the Zac Brown band concert!
4.May 11th– Indy Car Grand Prixe -Bonus! Kids under 15 are free with an adult general admission ticket. You can purchase, here.
5. May 11th– Salesforce and JP Morgan Chase Kids 500 Day- The year’s largest free outdoor festival for kids, takes over Monument Circle. Click here for more info.
6. May 14th- Taco Run Indy, Tacos and beer- need I say more? Takes place on Main St. in Speedway- click here for more info.
7. May 18th– Breakfast on the Brickyard. I have to admit, I didn’t know this was a thing, but sounds pretty cool. A full Hoosier breakfast and attendees also get to drive their own vehicles around the track, weather permitting! More info, here.
8.One America presents the Broadripple Art Festival– not race related but it’s outdoors and there should be some great vendors! Info here on Eventbrite.
9. May 20th- 6:30-9:00 pm, Race Inspired Wine Dinner at Flemings with Indy 500 driver Jordan King . If you’re a wine lover, these are so fun and are a great way to try new wines you’ve probably never had before! Typically each course is paired with a different wine, to complement each dish.
For reservations, please call 317-466-0175 or visit https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/in/indianapolis If you make your reservation online, indicate in the notes section that you’d like to attend the wine dinner.
10. May 24th- Carb(urator) Day– The biggest, sloppiest, party of the year. Feel free to where your hillbilly regalia because the more ‘MERICA-ish, the better for this one- get our your daisy dukes, and American flag gear! Also followed by a concert, see below!
11. May 24th- Carb Day Concert– Foreigner and Kool & the Gang- tickets start at $30. Click here for more info.
12. May 25th- 500 Festival Parade– all 33 drivers plus marching bands, floats and celebrities. Free! Click here for more info.
13. May 25th, Legends Day and Concert– Current and past drivers give autographs and concert by Zac Brown Band with Clayton Anderson. Legends Day Tickets, Here (without concert admission) https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/Firestone-Legends-Day Concert tickets, here.
14/15. May 26th- 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 and the Snake Pit– Of course you can attend just one or the other, but why not both? This EDM lineup includes Skrillex and Alesso. Tickets here. (*All concert attendees must have race admission- you cannot get in today with only a wrist band).
Other notable suggestions:
- Play a round of golf at the Brickyard Crossing Course– this 18 hole course is actually inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Stop at the Smokehouse for BBQ when you’re done!
- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, rich in history from all 103 past years of the Indy 500 and more! Adult tickets are $10 and kids under 5 are free.
- Speedway Indoor Karting– right off Main Street in Speedway, try them out after a visit to the museum or on your hunt for the #500wings
If you know of anything else fun I should add, please feel free to comment below!
