Indy 500 Décor, Community Initiatives Celebrate, Extend Iconic Month of May

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 29, 2024) — In May, Central Indiana comes together to celebrate community through 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 beyond to celebrate the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

IMS President J. Douglas Boles said, “Community is one of the many ways May is special. 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.’”

The Countdown Signage installed this week 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.

Additionally, the latest collection of Welcome Race Fans art has been installed at locations throughout Indianapolis. Created by Anna Afshar, Lindsey Lord, Miracle Hall (Ratat Rayay), Jaylei Marie Osting, and Carlos Sosa Pagán in collaboration with the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the art can be found on Main Street in Speedway, the Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis Arts Garden, The Amp at 16 Tech, Clay Terrace Mall, and other locations. Share photos on social media with #WelcomeRaceFans to help welcome fans to Indy.

As May begins, neighborhoods across the state start displaying their own festive, race-themed decorations. Join the community spirit that embodies Indy during the Month of May by decorating your home with race-themed decor and by hosting a porch party with your neighbors and friends. This community-driven porch party initiative is conducted in partnership with the Harrison Center for the Arts. The first porch party celebration of the year will be held on Friday, May 3, at the Harrison Center. You can register your porch party at ims.com/porching.

Race fans are also encouraged to dress in their best and most festive “500” items every Friday in May. 500 Fashion Fridays is a unique outlet for fans to show their Indy 500 pride and excitement for the race. Share #500FashionFridays photos!

IMS is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to support the “Rally for MENtors: 300 Men in 3 Months” recruitment campaign. To learn more about BBBSCI and how to get involved, visit www.bebigforkids.org/rally-for-mentors-300-men-in-3-months

For the third year in a row, IMS will host a naturalization ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, which is also the 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.