Great Things To Do In Indy

Ok, the month is half over but there are still some great things to do in Indy this week related to the 500 Festival. Some of them are well known, others not so much. Here's a quick run down.....

Wednesday, May 20
A community favorite, Community Day at the Track. The track will be open 9-6 with admission just $7 per person (6 and under free). Get tickets at gates 2 or 10. Activities you can participate in include taking a lap around the track in your own vehicle (enter through gate 10 off 30th Street).
Tour the IRL car transport trailers. Visit Pit Lane and check out the vintage cars on display. Pro Series drivers and past champions will be there to sign autographs.
Ever wonder what it feels like to be in Victory Circle? Well, now's your chance, you can have your photo taken in Victory Circle, just like you’re the winner in a car with a trophy, a wreath and a glass of milk!
Tours will be available for the suites and the official timing & scoring area in the pagoda.
And if that's not enough you can watch the Media Pit Stop Competition, enjoy live music, question and answer sessions much more!
Plus, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum since admission is included.

Thursday, May 21
Out at the track gates open at 9 a.m. with the Firestone Freedom 100 Practice from 9:00-9:45 and again from 11:45-12:30 with Firestone Indy Lights qualifying from 3:00-4:00. Admission for the day's events are free.

Friday, May 22
While May is a month of Celebration in Indy it is also a time of remembrance of all those who have so valiantly served this country. A must do this week is the 500 Festival Memorial Service presented by Rolls-Royce on the north steps of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument on the Circle. This free service begins at noon and is open to the public.
Highlights of the event will be a wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of all Hoosiers in all wars and conflicts who sacrificed their lives in defense of our great nation, a military funeral Cortège, and ceremonial fly-over.
You can enjoy a jam packed day at the track during the Miller LIte Carb Day festivities. Gates are open from 8-6 with admission just $10 (5 and under free). The full line up of events includes: Indy 500 practice from 11:00-noon with the Firestone Freedom 100 pre-race activites at 12:15. Racing action begins at 12:30. The ever popular Pit Stop Challenge event will begin at 1;30 with the culmanating event of the day, the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring 3 Doors Down to begin at 3:30.

Saturday,May 23
Probably the most well known event of the Festival is the IPL 500 Festival Parade. The parade kicks off at noon at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Streets, heading south to Washington Street. West on Washington to Meridian and north on Meridian around the east side of the Circle to 11th Street.
But before you head to the parade did you think about attending the 500 Festival Costumed Character Breakfast? This event is held at Jillian's at 141 S. Meridian Street beginning at 9:30. This year's guests include SpongeBob SquarePants, The Wiggles and Pablo and Tyrone from The Backyardigans plus many more. Ticket price includes breakfast buffet, a $10 Jillian's game card and one bleacher seat ticket to the 500 Festival Parade.
As if your day hasn't been full enough, top the evening off at the Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball beginning at 6 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom where you can dance and sway to the music of legendary funk band The Ohio Players. This black tie, see and be seen event is known as the place to see the stars that are in town for the race weekend activites. Call 269-0420 for ticket information.

Sunday, May 24
The culmanating event for the month...what you've all been waiting for....The Greatest Spectale in Racing...the running of the Indianapolis 500. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. with driver introductions at 12:30, racing at 1:00. Ticket prices start at $20.