IPL 500 Festival Parade (Indianapolis)

Celebrating 55 years of tradition, the 500 Festival Parade has grown to be one of the signature events held in the United States each year.

Nearly 300,000 people line the streets of downtown Indianapolis on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to enjoy this spectacular event. Children will be amazed by the sight of some of their favorite costumed characters. Participants from past years have included SpongeBob SquarePants, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo and Shaggy and Scooby Doo.

The tradition continues with the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 serving as honorary grand marshals the day before the race, riding in the traditional rows of three, with the winner of the pole position bringing up the rear.

Nationally-known celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, specialty units, spectacular floats, and giant helium balloons filled the streets to celebrate the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.

Tickets: $14.50, bleacher seat; $19, chair seat; $32, VIP seat.