INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL
The Indianapolis 500 Festival was established to celebrate the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race with a variety of special activities. For additional information regarding any of the following events, call the 500 Festival, (317) 636-4556 or (800) 638-4296.
April 7-May 10
500 Festival of the Arts Exhibit
Indianapolis Children's Museum. More than 4,000 entries in a juried art competition, open to Marion County children grades K-12. Regular museum hours. Awards ceremony 1 pm April 25. Adm. chg.
April 19-30
500 Festival Winner's Circle Honor Roll Program
Indiana State Fairgrounds and various schools. Marion County honor roll students can get their photos taken in the official Indy 500 pace car. Hours vary. Free.
April 29
Wesco Community Fair
Hawthorne Community Center. 4 pm. Free.
April 29-30
Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Pre-Race Activities
Time, location TBA
May 1
Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
Downtown. The nation's largest half-marathon starts at Monument Circle, circles the famed oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and finishes back downtown. 9 am. Registration fee; free for spectators.
May 1-2
Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Post-Race Activities
Time, location TBA
May 8
Bank One 500 Festival Rookie Run and Kids' Day
Monument Circle. The city's largest outdoor festival for children offers Big Wheel races, non-competitive running and walking races, carnival games, arts, crafts and more. Kids' Day 9 am-3 pm; Rookie Run 9-11:30 am. Free Kids' Day admission, entry fee for Rookie Run participants.
May 22
500 Festival Members' Party
Time, location TBA
May 26
500 Festival Community Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Lap the track in your own vehicle, visit Gasoline Alley, Pit Row and Tower Terrace. Noon-6 pm. Adm. chg., children 6 and under free.
May 28
500 Festival Memorial Service
American Legion Mall. Special tribute paid to U.S. Armed Forces veterans. 11 am. No adm. chg.
May 28
Xerox 500 Ball
Indiana Convention Center. One of the city's most celebrated black-tie events. Continuous live entertainment, delicious food and special surprises create an evening to remember. Adm. chg.
May 29
IPALCO 500 Festival Parade
Downtown. Drivers, celebrities, magnificent floats, marching bands and more. Parade begins at noon. Charge for reserved seating. Tickets available from 500 Festival or Ticketmaster, (317) 239-5151.
May 29
Lilly 500 Festival Family Concert
Victory Field. Live entertainment by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra climaxed by spectacular fireworks. Bring family, blanket and a full picnic basket. 7 pm. Adm. chg.
May 30
Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The world's largest one-day sporting event. Gates open 5 am; race commences at 11 am. Adm. chg.; reserved seating for 1999 race sold out.
For information regarding the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Race and related events, call (317) 636-4556 or (800) 638-4296.