May is community, and nothing brings people together like the stunning art and fan-friendly events that signal “This is May” throughout Central Indiana.
Whether a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, these elements energize everyone across Central Indiana and way beyond to celebrate the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
As the calendar turns to May, neighborhoods around the state begin to proudly display their own festive, race-themed decor. It’s common to see black-and-white drapes, checkered pennants, race flags and even homemade decorations at Hoosier homes and businesses.
“Community is one of the many ways May is special,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Throughout the city, our neighbors, partners and local organizations roll out the checkered carpet to welcome visitors and gather together to ensure the Indy 500 is truly ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Porch Parties are an incredibly popular part of the Indy 500 celebration and serve as a great example of the community spirit Central Indiana has for the Month of May.
Race fans are encouraged to host racing-themed gatherings to show off their decorated spaces, including balconies, garages, bars or anywhere family and friends gather to celebrate “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Several organizations are holding their own Porch Parties to kick off the celebration and distribute Porch Party kits to fans in their communities.
- Harrison Center – 6-9 p.m. ET Friday, May 2
- 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Fishers Farmers Market – 8 a.m.-noon ET Saturday, May 3
- Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
- Group 1001/Gainbridge – 4-6:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, May 6
- Group 1001 Headquarters, 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
- Avon Public Library – 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET Thursday, May 8
- 498 N. Avon Ave., Avon, IN 46123
- Advance Auto Parts – 6-8 p.m. ET Friday, May 9
- 5636 Crawfordsville Road, Speedway, IN 46224
More than 1,900 Porch Party kits will be distributed at these celebrations on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, each Porch Party will feature unique offerings for local residents, including exclusive branded kits, educational sessions and themed literature. Each community Porch Party is open and free to the public to attend.
The best-decorated Porch Parties will be chosen and awarded with prize packs and visits from drivers and other special guests. Communities are encouraged to rally together in support of and in competition with one another this year. The top three winning homes will be featured on the IMS website and social media channels. In addition, one bar hosting a Porch Party will win the ultimate Molson Coors prize pack. To participate, register your porch party by 7 p.m. ET Sunday, May 18 at ims.com/porching.
Countdown Signage installed throughout the city includes the renaming of downtown Indianapolis streets after Indianapolis 500 drivers and the takeover of the JW Marriott hotel façade and Indianapolis International Airport Civic Plaza.
Additional décor includes the latest collection of Welcome Race Fans art. In collaboration with the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the artwork of Sarah Anderson, Xavier Gray, Caroline Hays, Cassie Mitchell and Frances Ruiz has been installed at locations throughout Indianapolis. Look for the art, snap a photo and share it on your social media pages with #WelcomeRaceFans to help welcome fans to Indy. Learn more about the program here.
Race fans also are encouraged to dress themselves in their best and most festive “500” items every Friday in May. 500 Fashion Fridays is a creative and unique outlet for fans to show their Indy 500 pride and excitement for the race. Be sure to share #500FashionFridays photos!
Once you’re dressed in your best, there are numerous ways to celebrate community.
IMS is working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to support the “500 Bigs by the Indy 500” recruitment campaign. To learn more about BBBSCI and how to get involved, visit www.bebigforkids.org/500by500/.
For the fourth year in a row, IMS will host a naturalization ceremony. On Tuesday, May 13, which is also opening day of practice for the Indianapolis 500, 33 individuals from around the world will be inducted as United States citizens at the Racing Capital of the World. The event will be held in Pagoda Plaza and is open to the public for those attending practice.
Bike to the 500 presented by Bike Indianapolis continues this year with two departure times, allowing the most loyal fans to arrive in time for prerace ceremonies. With parking sold out for Race Day, Bike to the 500 offers fans a safe, environmentally friendly and healthy commute to the Speedway on Indy 500 Race Day. The Race Day commute will begin at the AMP at 16 Tech, and hundreds of bikers will depart that morning for the track. To secure a spot in line on Race Day, cyclists must register in advance here.
To explore the full list of Indy 500 community initiatives and programs, visit IMS.com/Community. To see an up-to-date calendar of events IMS will have a presence at this May, click here.
