Indianapolis 500, Memorial Day Weekend Preview

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — We're just days away from Memorial Day Weekend and 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.

>>Memorial Day Events In Fishers

Race weekend at the track

• 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.
• 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

RELATED:

• Victor Oladipo Will Drive 2018 Pace Car At Indianapolis 500
• This Is The 2018 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
• 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.

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.

Patch will provide updates, including weather alerts closer to race day.

(Jared C. Tilton/Sports/Getty Images)