It is almost race day, and while some folks may be itching to get down to the track to watch the green flag drop, there are still plenty of Indy 500-themed celebrations and events going on around town to check out!
To make things easier on our beloved Indy 500 fans, we have compiled a list of a few events to tune into before May 28.
Friday, May 26
Miller Lite Carb Day
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$35; free for children under 15
Short for “Carburetion Day,” the Miller Lite Carb Day celebrates the final practice session before the race with a full-fledged party and concert — featuring Bryan Adams and Soul Asylum — held at the track.
indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/Carb-Day/products-carb-day
Rockin’ on Main
Between 14th & 16th Streets, Speedway, IN
5-8 p.m.
Free
Enjoy a night of live music, food and drinks and a little light shopping leading up to the big race. Presented by the Town of Speedway, Rockin’ on Main will feature entertainment from The Last Alpaca, Living Proof and Clayton Anderson, as well as a Kid Zone with a bounce house, slide and games; Speedway Arts Council Pop-Up Shop and more.
indianapolismotorspeedway.com/community-calendar/may-26
Saturday, May 27
2023 AES 500 Festival Parade
Downtown Indianapolis
11:45 a.m.
$25-$45
One of the largest parades in the nation, the AES 500 Festival Parade will feature giant floats and balloons, celebrity guest and dignitary appearances, award winning bands, and 33 competing drivers. The 2023 parade theme is “Fueling May,” which aims to honor the traditions, people and celebrations that emulate the spirit of May.
Firestone Legends Day Concert
TCU Amphitheatre, White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
Tickets start at $49.50
Headlined by country music star Brad paisley, the 2023 Firestone Legends Day Concert will take place downtown at the TCU Amphitheater. With special guests Russell Dickerson and Jackson Dean, the concert expands celebratory race traditions as fans countdown the hours to race day.
whiteriverstatepark.org/event/firestone-legends-day-concert-featuring-brad-paisley/
Legends Day
Pagoda Plaza, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$10
Featuring a full-field autograph session and public drivers meeting with all 33 starters, Legends Day celebrates the history of racing excellence by honoring those who have won in previous years.
indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/tickets-non-race-day
Sunday, May 28
107th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
6 a.m.
Tickets start at $65
If you have made it this far, that means it is time for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Doors open for the 107th Indianapolis 500 at 6 a.m., cars move to pit lane beginning at 9 a.m. and the green flag will drop at 12:45 p.m.
Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
$125
Known as the “Ultimate Motorsports Party,” the Snake Pit’s pre-race concert will feature a full lineup of live EDM acts, such as Jauz, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), Subtronics and Kaskade.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.
