May and its springy warmth will soon be upon us, and that means the onset of racing season! Indianapolis will be festooned with not only new flora, but black and white checkerboards as well. Drive through a neighborhood or two—we bet you’ll see at least a few friendly “Welcome Race Fans!” signs hanging from front porches. We love it—the tradition, pageantry and Hoosier hospitality that envelope the Indianapolis 500 make the month of May special. Whether you’re an avid race fan or not, it’s hard to not get caught up in the festivities! And lest we forget… there are plenty of other fun things going on in the city, too! Here are our picks for an aMAYzing month in Indy.

All Month: Indianapolis Indians Baseball

Let me root, root, root for the home team; if they don’t win it’s a shame! Right, Indianapolis Indians fans? Join in the great American pastime at Victory Field this month and all summer through September. Details >>

April 26: Grand Opening of the Biergarten at the Rathskeller

The reopening of the Rathskeller’s Biergarten serves as an unofficial kickoff for summer, with the much beloved Polka Boy providing their special form of music and entertainment. Details >>

May 4: Carmel Farmers Market Opening Day

Featuring 70 vendors, the Carmel Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in Indiana. Shop for fresh produce, eggs and meats, as well as a variety of prepared foods, while enjoying live music. Located at Center Green on the campus of Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts. Open May through September. Details >>

May 4: Broad Ripple Farmers Market Opening Day

Located in the heart of Broad Ripple at Broad Ripple High School, the popular Broad Ripple Farmers Market is back with a variety of fresh produce, tasty treats and bouquets of fresh flowers. Enjoy the vibe while doing your shopping. Open May through September. Details >>

May 4: 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Whether you compete or cheer from the sidelines, this premiere half-marathon is a much-anticipated event every year. This year marks the 43rd Mini Marathon, and of course, features a lap around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Details >>

May 4: Rev

Kick off racing season with this exclusive experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dine on driver-inspired cuisine, enjoy a variety of music and entertainment, and mingle with IndyCar drivers and racing legends. Funds raised support Indiana University Health statewide trauma and critical care programs. Details >> 

May 8-12: Virginia Avenue Music Festival

Formerly known as the Virginia Avenue Folk Fest, this year’s version of the Virginia Avenue Music Festival has been expanded to five days and will feature musicians of all genres—from funk to hip hop to rock. Bands will play stages all along Virginia Ave. in the Fountain Square and Fletcher Place neighborhoods. As in 2018, the festival will benefit Southeast Community Services, which works “to serve, strengthen and support our neighbors in southeast Indianapolis.” All ages are welcome. Details >>

May 11: 500 Festival Rookie Run

If your kid dreams of someday running the Mini-Marathon, he or she can get a taste for what that’s like by participating in the 500 Festival Rookie Run! All kids ages 3-10 are invited to join in, and they’ll receive a goodie bag, a runners bib with the number 1, and a finisher’s medal. After the run, head over to Kids’ Day! Details >>

May 11: 500 Festival Kids’ Day

This is the largest free outdoor festival for kids in Indiana, and the organizers go all out to make sure the kids in attendance and their families have a fantastic time! Kids can participate in circus workshops, learn Bollywood-style dancing, paint their very own masterpiece, race mini cars, conquer the 500 Festival’s obstacle course, make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses, and so much more! Details >>

May 11: Zionsville Brick Street Market

This juried market features arts, crafts and more from 200 artisans and exhibitors. Stroll along Main Street in Zionsville to explore the market and visit local businesses—it’s a fun day of shopping! Free admission. Details >>

May 10: IndyCar Grand Prix

The IndyCar Grand Prix pits the world’s best drivers against the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With $20 general admission tickets (plus, kids get in free!) and unique sight lines from elevated viewing mounds, the Grand Prix is an ideal way to kickstart racing season. Details >>

May 12: Mother’s Day at Newfields

Take the special mom in your life to Newfields this year for a stroll around The Garden, and then swing by the Beer Garden for a glass of beer, champagne or a refreshing mint iced tea. Details >>

May 14: Opening Day for the 2019 Indianapolis 500

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway roars to life on May 14 as practice for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 begins! Details >>

May 18-19: 49th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair

This juried art fair, now in its 49th year, will feature fine art and crafts from more than 200 artists and artisans, artist demos, interactive art activities, nonstop live music, gourmet food and drink, and fun activities for the kids. Find that perfect, one-of-kind piece to enliven your living space, or just enjoy browsing and soaking in the atmosphere. Details >>

May 24: Indianapolis 500 Memorial Service

In the midst of the Indianapolis 500 celebrations happening during the Memorial Day weekend, the 500 Festival has set aside time to remember the Indiana men and women who died while serving our country in the armed forces. This solemn event takes place at the Indiana War Memorial and Museum. Details >>

May 24: Carb Day

Excitement is sure to run high as the 2019 Indianapolis 500 weekend kicks off with Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rock band Foreigner headlines the Carb Day concert, with special guest Kool & the Gang making an appearance. The concert is free with Carb Day admission. Details >>

May 25: Firestone Legends Day with Zac Brown Band

The 500 celebration continues with Firestone Legends Day, featuring country music superstar: Zac Brown Band! Details >>

May 25: Indianapolis 500 Parade

More than 300,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness one of the nation’s premier parades. And it will be an amazing spectacle with floats, balloons, bands and the 33 starting drivers leading the way. Details >>

May 25: 500 Festival Off the Grid: Presented by KeyBank

Same ball, different name! The "Snakepit Ball" will now be called, "500 Festival Off the Grid," and will feature a one-night, exclusive escape at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Attendees will include an eclectic mix of local and national celebrities and business and civic leaders. The event is black tie. Details >>

May 26: Bike to the 500

If you're sick of traffic leading into the Motor Speedway, grab a bike and a friend and bike to the 500 with a police escort! Join the festivities beginning at 7:30 AM on race day at athe City Market's east plaza.  Start the day with drinks, food and music and prepare to begin pedaling toward the track at 9:30 AM! Details>>

May 26: Indianapolis 500

It’s the day racing fans worldwide have been waiting for all year—the Greatest Spectacle in Racing! Details >>

About the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.