Everyone in the Indy area knows that May is all about racing! This month is jam-packed with events revolving around the 103rd running of the Indy 500. The May weather is calling Hoosiers out of their homes to explore what Indianapolis has to offer. Even if you’re not interesting in participating in the race celebrations, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy running, local food, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
MAY 4
500 Festival Mini Marathon & 5k
For the past 60 years, the 500 Festival has brought life-enriching events to Indianapolis in the month of May. Each year over 500,000 Indiana locals participate in Festival events including this weekend’s Mini Marathon and 5k.
MAY 4 (Multiple Dates – See Website)
Big Dino Fun
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/view/28
The perfect activity for kids ages 6-12! Meet the ever-fierce and famous T. Rex fossil skeleton at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum! Learn what is was like to be a part of a T. Rex family during your prehistoric adventure.
MAY 4 (Multiple Dates – See Website)
Life in the Pond
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/view/423/2019-05-18
Explore the life that inhabits the Indianapolis Children’s Museum living, working pond! See and learn about the live animals that live in the pond and how they work together. Complete a take-home field guide as well as watch a live animal feeding.
MAY 4
Terra Cotta Warriors Up Close (Multiple Dates – See Website
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/view/terra-cotta-warriors-up-close/2019-05-13
Learn about the Terra Cotta Army and discover secrets that have been buried for thousands of years!
MAY 4-5
2019 Rev Presented by Fifth Third Bank
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-rev-presented-by-fifth-third-bank-tickets-48695366151
Kick off the greatest month on racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mingle with IndyCar drivers, enjoy entertainment, and indulge in food prepared by Indy’s top chefs. All guests must be 21 and over. Funds raised over the weekend will support Indiana University Health statewide trauma and critical care programs.
MAY 8-12
Virginia Avenue Music Festival
https://visitindiana.com/events/45551-virginia-avenue-music-festival
The largest music festival in Indiana is free to attendees and features 90 artists in 150 performances. The festival will also include music panels, over 50 vendors including those offering food and drink.
MAY 11
IndyCar Grand Prix
Get your reserved seats or general admission tickets for the kick of race to the exciting month of May! Watch in anticipation to see if Will Power can take the win for a second year in a row. Kids 15 and under get in free with an adult GA ticketholder.
MAY 11
Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kid’s Day & Rookie Run
https://www.500festival.com/youth/rookie-run/
Designed for children ages 3-10, the Rookie Run is the perfect way to introduce kids to the fun of running. Participants will receive a goody bag, participant bib, and a finisher’s medal.
MAY 11
The Dinner Detective
https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/indianapolis/events/may-11th-2019-murder-mystery-show/
While you’re enjoying your four-course dinner, you will participate in a murder mystery and anyone in the room could be the culprit…even you! The Top Sleuth will be rewarded with a special prize package.
MAY 11
Rock the Junction Craft Beer & Music Festival
https://do317.com/events/2019/5/11/rock-the-junction-craft-beer-music-festival
Grand Junction Brewing Company is presenting its 4th annual craft beer and music festival on the streets of downtown Westfield. This even will feature more than 20 Indiana breweries and wineries as well as live music. Proceeds from Rock the Junction will help fund the Grand Junction Brewing Company Scholarship Fund.
MAY 17-19
2019 Camaro Pace Car Homecoming
https://indyracingmuseum.org/special-events/2019-camaro-pace-car-reunion/
This year’s Indianapolis 500 marks the 50th Anniversary of the most iconic pace cars: the 1969 Chevy Camaro convertible. This exclusive event is open to the first 150 registered cars. Participants will receive two tickets for Fast Friday as well as two tickets to the Indianapolis 500 qualifier.
MAY 18
Indy Pride Rainbow 5k Run/Walk
https://indypride.org/event/indy-pride-rainbow-5k-run-walk/
The 8th annual family-friendly event is perfect for those that want to stay active or beat their personal best time.
MAY 18
Water Lantern Festival
https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/indianapolis.php
The perfect evening for friends, family, or a date night! Start the night of with food trucks and music then move on to decorating your lantern. After the sun goes down, attendees will launch their lanterns into the White River.
MAY 18
Sudzfest
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sudzfest-tickets-57114141936
Spend your Saturday with four of Indy’s Southside breweries (Mashcraft, Planetary, Oaken Barrel, and Garfield Brewery) as well as wine from Buck Creed Winery. Enjoy traditional German food including Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Strudel. It’s just $8 to get in the door and enjoy your night with music performed by Ride that Train and Pushing Daisy’s Band.
MAY 18
GH Fantasy Weekend
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-18-gh-fantasy-indianapolis-indiana-tickets-52308106956
Are you a fan of “General Hospital”? If so, then this event at the Sheraton Indianapolis is calling your name! See the hottest “General Hospital” stars including Donnell Turner, James Patrick Stuart, Maura West, and more. Enjoy the 90-minute show that features a Q&A and interviews. Treat yourself to the Platinum or VIP packages for a meet and greet or photo op! General Admission starts at $59 for the afternoon.
MAY 18
500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard
https://www.500festival.com/community-events/breakfast-at-the-brickyard/
Each year, racing fans, Indiana mayors, local business leaders and 33 500 Festival Princesses gather together during the morning of the Indy 500 Qualifier. Guests will enjoy a traditional Hoosier breakfast and watch 1&A’s by some of racings most
famous faces. In additional to the festival breakfast events, attendees can tour the garages and will also be given a ticket to the qualification events.
MAY 18
Indy Lagerfest
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indy-lagerfest-tickets-58765562379
Indy Lagerfest is a celebration of lager beers and Indianpolis’ racing history. Guests will enjoy live music and food trucks and will receive a souvenir glass.
MAY 18-19
2019 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Format
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/event-info/qualifying-format
An intense battle for one of the 30 locked-in starting positions will begin on Saturday and will be followed up by another battle for the last 3 positions on Sunday. Sunday’s activities will be closed out by a three-hour practice that should be a great preview of what’s to come in the Indy 500.
MAY 18-19
OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair
https://www.indplsartcenter.org/braf
The Indianapolis Art Center’s largest fundraiser kicks off the summer festival season with a one-of-a-kind experience featuring the nation’s best artists and artisans. Your 2-day admission will include art, live music, and food as well as beer provided by Sun King Brewery and wine from Mallow Run Winery. There will also be artist demonstrations as well as interactive art activities making this event fun for all ages!
MAY 25
500 Festival Off the Grid Presented by KeyBank
https://www.500festival.com/community-events/500-festival-off-the-grid/
This black-tie event is the hottest place to be on race weekend. Celebrities, business leaders, and VIPs will walk the televised red carpet. Formerly called the Snakepit Ball, the 500 Festival Off the Grid event will feature food stations and hand-crafted cocktails as well as a live auction. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on the 200 MPH Club Ride Experience with Mario Andretti on May 27!
MAY 25
IPL 500 Festival Parade
http://www.500festival.com/parade/
More than 300,000 people will gather on the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience one of the nation’s most respected parades. Attendees will enjoy floats, balloons, celebrities, bands, and all 33 drivers of the Indy 500. The parade will also air on WTHR, Channel 13, and NBC Sports Network.
MAY 26
2019 Bike to the 500
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-bike-to-the-500-tickets-58759034855
Beat the traffic and travel to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on a police escorted bike route! Prep for your ride in the plaza of the City Market with food, drinks, and music. Ride with hundreds of other participants and park your bike right outside of Gate 1.
MAY 28
Run/Walk for Mental Health
This is a non-competitive run/walk that is taking place in all 50 states in 50 days. Raise awareness and understanding for mental illness on the White River Trail. Participants will receive a shirt, but will not receive awards for time or finishing.
Are your calendars full yet? Wow! Hoosiers are sure to stay busy with this line up of events coming in May. This list has something fun for anyone looking for a special activity. We hope you get out and enjoy yourself this month, but don’t forget to bring a raincoat for those sneaky Indiana spring days!
