Tickets on Sale for 2026 500 Festival Parade

Enjoy spectacular floats, balloons, and marching bands at the 70th annual event in downtown Indianapolis.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Tickets are now on sale for the 70th Annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis, taking place on May 23, 2026. The parade, themed 'Racing Through History,' will feature floats, giant balloons, and marching bands from across the nation, as well as showcase the 33 INDYCAR drivers preparing for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Why it matters

The 500 Festival Parade is a long-standing tradition and a primary celebration for the Indianapolis 500 race weekend, drawing large crowds to downtown Indianapolis each year. The parade helps build excitement and anticipation for the big race, while also serving as a fundraiser for the 500 Festival's free education, health, and fitness programs for Indiana youth.

The details

The parade festivities will start around 11:45 a.m. on May 23, 2026, with the official step off at noon. General admission tickets start at $25, and the 500 Festival is offering a printed commemorative ticket for an additional $10, though all tickets will be delivered digitally. All proceeds from the ticketed events go towards funding the 500 Festival's community programs.

  • Tickets for the 70th Annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade went on sale on March 10, 2026.
  • The parade will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The players

500 Festival

The organization that puts on the 500 Festival Parade and other events during the Month of May in Indianapolis leading up to the Indianapolis 500 race.

Indianapolis 500

The famous annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is celebrating its 110th running in 2026.

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What’s next

Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as the parade is a popular event that often sells out.

The takeaway

The 500 Festival Parade continues to be a beloved Indianapolis tradition that celebrates the city's rich racing history and helps support important community programs, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Indianapolis 500 and the Month of May festivities.