Indianapolis 500 The Crown Jewel Of Indianapolis Events

Indianapolis is host to tons of great events. Whether you’re in to golf or Van Gogh, the Superbowl or Supercross, there is something happening all the time. None of those something’s are as big as racing’s Indianapolis 500.

Most well known of Indianapolis’ events is the Indianapolis 500. The “greatest spectacle in racing”, draws hundreds of thousands of people to the Circle City every Memorial Day weekend. More than just a one day event, the race is reason for a month’s worth of activity each May. From start to finish it is a month full of things to do, whether you are a racing fan or not.

For a number of years, the race had a reputation as being somewhat sleazy. Public indecency and intoxication was the norm in the old Snakepit. It was racing’s version of Woodstock. By the end of race day a car or couch had usually been set on fire and the paddy wagon would be overflowing. Now the race is seen as a family friendly event.

Another famous race happens on the first Saturday of the month. The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the largest half-marathon in the country. Well over 30,000 runners test their fitness by running a 13-mile course in downtown Indianapolis. More than 40,000 people attend the Mini-Marathon Expo on the Thursday and Friday before the race. Registrations for the race are usually closed long before race day as they tend to sell-out very early.

One of the most popular events connected to the race is the 500 Festival Parade. You don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy the spectacular floats and displays that fill the streets of downtown Indy. Marching bands, dancing troupes, national and local celebrities, and all 33 drivers put their best foot forward for this special day. Also seen will be the always beautiful 500 Festival Queen and her court. Grand Marshalls from previous years include Patricia Heaton from television’s Everybody Loves Raymond and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Carb Day is probably the busiest day of the month next to that of the race itself. It marks the last day of practice for all the drivers. People make it an all day party. This is also the day for the pit stop competition. If you like people watching, this may be the best day to come. In 2008 the Stone Temple Pilots were the headline music act. Other big name performers from recent years were Kid Rock, Blues Traveler, and Gretchen Wilson.

Other special events to consider are Pole Day, Bump Day, Breakfast at the Brickyard, and the Snakepit Ball. But the “don’t miss” 3 are:

• Mini-marathon and Expo
• 500 Festival Parade
• Carb Day

For 64 years in a row the Indy 500 has been the biggest of Indianapolis events. Join the nearly 400,000 spectators who will come to see the biggest sporting event of the year. Don’t forget the sunscreen.