Coca-Cola Indy 500 Porch Parties, Indy 500 Décor, Initiatives Unite Community for May
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) – May symbolizes community, and nothing unites individuals like the remarkable art and fan-friendly activities that proclaim “This is May” throughout Central Indiana.
Whether you’ve lived here forever or are visiting for the first time, everyone in and around Central Indiana is united in the spirit of racing this May. There’s no greater way to mark the countdown to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
As May approaches, neighborhoods across the state proudly display festive, racing-themed decorations. It’s a common sight to see black-and-white drapes, checkered pennants, racing flags, and even homemade adornments at Hoosier residences and businesses.
“Community is one of the many aspects that make May special,” stated J. Douglas Boles, President of INDYCAR and IMS. “Throughout the city, our neighbors, partners, and local organizations lay out the checkered carpet to welcome guests and come together to ensure the Indy 500 remains ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Many community activities are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Originating to commemorate the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, these initiatives continue to bond communities throughout the state.
Porch Parties have become an immensely popular part of the Indy 500 festivities and exemplify the community spirit Central Indiana embraces in May.
Race enthusiasts are encouraged to host racing-themed gatherings to showcase their decorated spaces, whether it’s their balconies, garages, bars, or any place where family and friends gather to celebrate “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
This year, 10 official Coca-Cola Indy 500 Porch Parties are scheduled throughout Indiana:
Tire Rack Corporate Headquarters – 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 22
7101 Vorden Parkway, South Bend, Indiana
Homefield at the Tracks – 6-8 p.m. ET Friday, April 24
415 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, Indiana
Ale Emporium sponsored by Molson Coors – 5-7 p.m. ET Thursday, April 30
8617 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana
Harrison Center – 5-7 p.m. ET Friday, May 1
1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana
Flags for Good – 1-3 p.m. ET Saturday, May 2
646 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana
Group 1001/Gainbridge with Andretti Global – 4-6 p.m. ET Tuesday, May 5
10555 Group Way, Zionsville, Indiana
The Amp at 16 Tech – 4-6 p.m. ET, Wednesday, May 6
1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, Indiana
Westfield Farmer’s Market – 5-8 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 13
225 S. Union St., Westfield, Indiana
Avon Public Library – 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, May 15
498 N. Avon Ave., Avon, Indiana
Fan Midway at IMS – During Gate Hours, Friday, May 8
4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
More than 2,000 Porch Party kits will be available at these events on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, each Porch Party will offer unique opportunities for residents, such as exclusive branded kits, educational sessions, and themed literature. Every community Porch Party is free and open to the public. (Please note that the final Porch Party in the IMS Fan Midway requires gate admission to IMS.)
The best-decorated fan Porch Parties will be recognized and awarded with prize packs and visits from drivers and other special guests. The top three winning residences will be highlighted on the IMS website and social media platforms. To take part, register your Porch Party by 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 17, at ims.com/porching.
Countdown signage set up around the city includes renaming sections of downtown Indianapolis streets after Indianapolis 500 drivers, alongside a spectacular display on the façade of the JW Marriott hotel and in the Civic Plaza of Indianapolis International Airport.
Additional decorations feature the latest series of Welcome Race Fans art. In partnership with the Indy Arts Council, the works of artists Kirsten Anderson, Jonathan E. Carr, Kylene Dolen, Kenyon Mason, and Philip Ramilo will be showcased at the Harrison Center Coca-Cola Indy 500 Porch Party on May 1. After the unveiling, the artwork will be displayed across various locations in Indianapolis. Look out for the art, take a photo, and share it on your social media with #WelcomeRaceFans to help welcome fans to Indy. More details about the program can be found here.
Fans are also encouraged to don their finest “500” themed attire every Friday in May. 500 Fashion Fridays offers a creative, unique opportunity for fans to express their Indy 500 enthusiasm and excitement. Don’t forget to share #500FashionFridays photos!
Once you’re dressed up, there are plenty of ways to celebrate community.
IMS is collaborating with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to support the “500 Bigs by the Indy 500” recruitment initiative. To discover more about BBBSCI and how to participate, visit www.bebigforkids.org/500by500/.
For the fifth consecutive year, IMS will host a naturalization ceremony. On Tuesday, May 12, coinciding with the opening day of practice for the Indianapolis 500, 33 individuals from various parts of the world will become 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.