The Indy 500 Downtown Décor Invasion is a collaboration with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Visit Indy to ensure the characteristic hospitality of Indianapolis is obvious for visitors during the Month of May. Beautiful signage will greet race fans at the Indianapolis International Airport, and in downtown Indianapolis at locations such as the JW Marriott, the Arts Garden, Simon Malls, Harry and Izzy’s and more. Plus, we also work with the City of Indianapolis to rename downtown Indianapolis streets after the star athletes of the Indianapolis 500! Make sure you grab your photo with your favorite piece of signage and post it on social media for everyone to see by tagging @IMS.

Porch Parties are an incredibly popular part of the Indy 500 celebration and serve as a great example of the community spirit this city has for the Indianapolis 500. In collaboration with the Harrison Center for the Arts, race fans are encouraged to celebrate the Month of May by hosting a fun racing-themed porch party that helps neighbors connect, build local communities and celebrate the spirit of the Indianapolis 500. Show off your IMS tradition by making it a part of 500 Spectacle of Homes and encouraging your local neighborhood to embrace the energy of the Month of May! Don’t miss the first porch party celebration of the year at the Harrison Center for the Arts on Friday, May 5!

Each year, the Indiana University Health Foundation hosts their marquee event: Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank, at IMS. This event raises money for the IU Health Foundation and attracts guests who enjoy racing-themed food from several Indianapolis restaurants and chefs, as well as entertainment. This year’s event takes place Saturday, May 6 and will help kickoff the greatest month in racing.

For several years, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Bike Indianapolis have collaborated to offer race fans a safe and healthy commute to the Speedway on Race Day through Bike to the 500. New this year, the Race Day commute starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the racetrack, where cyclists will then park outside the famed Gate 1. This year, Bike to the 500 is expanding to allow for bike parking at IMS all month long. This is as close as it gets to all of Race Day’s most exciting action! Registration will open up soon to secure your spot in line for Race Day.

The opening day for the 2023 Indianapolis 500 will kick off with a naturalization ceremony at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In honor of the Indy 500 starting field, 33 individuals from around the world will be inducted as United States citizens at the Racing Capital of the World on Tuesday, May 16. Their first event as U.S. citizens will be the first Indianapolis 500 practice of the year that afternoon.

Every year, we rev up excitement for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge by bringing local businesses and race fans together. Handlebar Hot Laps make colleagues work together and take on other Indianapolis businesses in a 48-team tournament-style Handlebar race with the ultimate bragging rights on the line. Save the date: This year’s Handlebar Hot Laps will take place Friday, May 23. Registration for this event opens soon!

Indianapolis 500 Community Day was created to teach students in kindergarten through 8th grade about the importance of nutrition, well-being and physical fitness, and to offer a real-world perspective into the motorsports industry. Each year, we focus on bringing together drivers entered in the Indianapolis 500 and children in local Indianapolis schools. On Wednesday, May 24, several drivers will visit Wayne Township Schools, Speedway Schools and Charter schools located around Speedway, impacting more than 2,000 students.

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The AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest and most respected parades, earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade returns to Indianapolis’ downtown streets Saturday, May 27! More than 300,000 people will line the city to experience larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities and dignitaries, award-winning bands and all 33 drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500.

The best way to thank those who make the Indianapolis 500 a thrilling, unforgettable event is by giving the most Indy 500 gift ever. Commemorative milk bottles are delivered every year to various celebrities, VIP’s, civic officials, groups and organizations throughout Indiana that work tirelessly to support the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to drive fans and the community to support the 100+ young people in our community who are looking for mentors. The goal is to recruit 500 Bigs and connect them to young people before the Indy 500 on May 28. For those interested in becoming a Big or looking for ways to support the program, fans can visit bebigforkids.org/500by500 to learn more about the process.

Indy Wings returns this year bigger than ever as an integral part of the welcoming décor around Central Indiana. Indy Wings provide a perfect Instagram photo opportunity for fans, pedestrians and business customers. Stay on the lookout for when the 2023 Indy Wings locations are announced.