The Month of May is finally here! The 500 Festival, like many fairs and festivals, is on the rebound after being cancelled or significantly whittled down in 2020. The 500 Festival is always a favorite, and although some events will still look different this year, some of the fanfare is back and guarantees an exciting lead up to the Big Race.
Learn more about the Festival here.
Here is a breakdown of virtual, in-person and cancelled events.
| VIRTUAL EVENTS | |
| One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon Delta Dental 500 Festival 5k Salesforce & JP Morgan Chance 500 Festival Rookie Run | Registration has already closed, but if you're running or supporting a runner, learn more here about COVID protocols, swag and using the Indy Mini app to enhance the Mini experience. |
| The 500 Mile Challenge Presented by Clif | Registration opens in late May. Participants will complete 500 miles of physical activity between June 14-October 31, 2021. |
| IN-PERSON AND INVITATION-ONLY EVENTS | |
| 500 Festival Kickoff to May | May 5, 11:30am-1pm at Monument Circle. Only open to the media. WTHR-13 will cover the festivities on their website, mobile news app and Facebook page. |
| 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard | May 22, invitation only. |
| American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service | May 28 at the Indiana War Memorial. Invitation only. |
| 500 Festival mini-mini | The only kids run to take place at IMS! It will take place August 29, and is open to children ages 5-12. Four race distances are possible, from 0.5 miles to 2 miles, finishing at the Yard of ricks! Learn more at Indy mini-mini.com. |
| MODIFIED EVENTS | |
| 500 Festival Parade | The traditional parade has been cancelled, but a new celebration called the 500 Spectacle of Homes will happen throughout May in a variety of neighborhoods across Indy. On May 29, 33 starting Indycar drivers will complete a "reverse parade" through these neighborhoods, from Speedway to downtown Indy. |
| CANCELLED EVENTS | |
| Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids Day | Even though this event is cancelled, an online interactive Kids Day Map will go live on May 15, where families can visit educational booths and watch entertaining videos. |
