The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service

For more than 60 years, The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has offered a focused moment of remembrance in downtown Indianapolis. Held on the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial, the ceremony brings a measured, formal tone to Indianapolis 500 race week. You will be alongside Gold Star families, veterans, and visitors who want a meaningful Memorial Day observance.

You can expect a full program of military tradition, including the posting of colors and the sounding of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 bell to honor those who died in the past year. The service centers on the Cortege, a military funeral procession with a horse-drawn caisson. A key visual is the caparisoned horse, riderless, with boots reversed in the stirrups. Music is provided by groups such as the 38th Infantry Division Band and the Capital City Chorus, followed by a wreath-laying and a missing man formation flyover, often featuring A-10 Warthogs or vintage aircraft.

Plan to arrive at the Indiana War Memorial plaza by 11:30 AM for a clear view before the noon start. Seating is limited and many people stand, so a small folding chair helps if you prefer the grass. Downtown closures and full lots are common during race week, so consider IndyGo stops near Meridian and Michigan Streets. If rain is in the forecast, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof layer, the service typically continues.

Entry is free and no tickets are required. Children are welcome, but you should expect a quiet, respectful hour. The north steps area is wheelchair accessible via ramps on Michigan Street, with accessible restrooms on the first floor of the memorial. If you are staying overnight, the Wholesale District and Near Northside keep you close to the plaza, and we also like residential rentals near the Central Canal or the downtown core for an easy walk. After the ceremony, the Indiana War Memorial museum is free and worth your time for added historical context.