Indianapolis 500 Highlights, Memorial Day Weekend Events

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, which includes the kick off to downtown Indianapolis 500 events. Whether you're headed to Indianapolis Motor Speedway or are celebrating the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 and Memorial Day outside of Speedway, here's some guidance on what is happening in the area for Memorial Day Weekend 2018.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, and many Americans observe it by visiting cemeteries or memorials, at family gatherings and by participating in parades. It marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

500 Festival Memorial Service: Friday, May 25, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian St. The city invites everyone to honor the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. See more Memorial Day Weekend events via 317area.com or downtownindy.org.

>>Memorial Day Events In Fishers

Race weekend happenings:

• Miller Lite Carb Day - Friday, May 25; Public gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Several events include Indianapolis 500 practice starting at 11 a.m., followed by the Indy Lights Freedom 100 Race at 12:30 p.m., Pit Stop Challenge at 1:45 p.m. and performances on the Turn 4 Miller Light Carb Day Stage by Blues Traveler at 3:30 p.m. and Train at 5:30 p.m.
• Legends Day - Saturday, May 26; Public gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Several events include autograph sessions and concerts by Canaan Smith and Filmore, and Sam Hunt on the Turn 4 Firestone Legends Day Concert Stage.
• IPL 500 Festival Parade: Saturday, May 26; Expect 300,000 spectators from around the U.S. at this event, Downtown Indy, Inc. says. Led by Grand Marshals Abby Abel and Mitch Bonar, starting at 12 p.m. Local celebrities, costumed characters, floats, marching bands, giant balloons and the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 will fill the streets to celebrate the largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500.
• KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball: Saturday, May 26; Indianapolis Roof Ballroom. This event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a televised red carpet. Grammy Award-winning violinist and producer, Miri Ben-Ari, and entertainment technology dance group, iLuminate, will perform live.
• Indy 500 Snake Pit - Sunday, May 27; Public gates open at 6 a.m. and Snake Pit gates open at 7 a.m. with ATTLAS taking the stage at 7:15 a.m., followed by Griz, Diplo, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Deadmau5 and the Snake Pit gates closing at 3:30 p.m.

102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 - Sunday, May 27 - event highlights

• Public gates open at 6 a.m.
• Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks at 8:30 a.m.
• 500 Festival Princess Parade Laps at 9 a.m.
• Indianapolis 500 Driver Introductions at 11:33 a.m.
• National Anthem performed by Kelly Clarkson at 11:59 a.m.
• "Back Home Again in Indiana" performed by Jim Cornelison at 12:11 p.m.
• "Drivers Start Your Engines" at 12:12 p.m.
• 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Presented by PennGrade Motor Oil at 12:19 p.m. --> Chris Hemsworth To Wave Green Flag For Start Of Indianapolis 500

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• Kelly Clarkson To Sing National Anthem At 102nd Indianapolis 500
• Jim Cornelison To Return For 2018 Indy 500 Performance
• IndyCar Fans Can Expect Local Indy 500 Blackout To Continue

Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com for all details including ticket purchasing, schedules, entry and parking information, prohibited items and more.

Don't miss these other weekend events happening downtown:

• Food Truck Fridays on Georgia Street
• 'Monkey Around' With New Long-Tailed Macaques At Indianapolis Zoo

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