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Helium balloons and Indy 500 drivers downtown
Watch downtown Indianapolis fill with floats, bands, balloons, and all 33 Indy 500 drivers. Festivities start 11:45 am; parade steps off at noon.
Event details
The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade turns downtown Indianapolis into the city’s front-row view of race weekend on the Saturday before the Indianapolis 500. You watch towering character balloons glide above the streets while marching bands and performers set the pace. It is a direct way to feel the pre-race charge without needing a seat inside the speedway.
You will see a long procession of floats, celebrity guests, local groups, and the full field of 33 Indy 500 drivers, all greeting fans en route to Race Day. The route runs through the center of the city and often passes the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, so you can pair parade viewing with nearby landmarks, restaurants, and museums.
Plan like a local. Arrive by 9:00 AM for the best curbside spots ahead of the typical noon start, and use public transit or park in garages outside the tightest road-closure zone. Bring a compact folding chair, water, and sun protection since shade is limited, and wear comfortable shoes for several hours on pavement.
If you want a guaranteed sightline, buy reserved grandstand tickets months ahead, as they tend to go first. Sidewalk viewing is free, but you must stay behind security barriers throughout the route. The parade runs rain or shine, though high winds can keep the large helium balloons grounded. For the easiest access, book a downtown hotel early, especially near the Wholesale District or White River State Park.
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