So, you know the Indy 500, right? Fast cars, roaring engines, and that moment the crowd erupts when checkered flags wave at the end? Well, that’s only part of the story. When over 300,000 fans flood into town, the usually quiet streets become hosts to an annual, all-weekend party. The Indy 500 is more than just a race; it’s an incomparable experience filled with traditions, events, and celebrations.
Parade
Indy 500 fans line Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade on Saturday May 25, 2024. The parade ended on Meridian Street.
Professional Japanese driver Takuma Sato waves to fans during the parade on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Sato won the Indy 500 in 2017 and 2020.
Band members and cheerleaders from a local Indiana high school and Indiana University engage with the parade’s audience on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Participants of the parade, perform to over 200,000 fans.
Parade participants showcase their traditional attire during the parade on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Many participants also danced to their traditional music while following the 2-mile parade route.
A colorful float designed to look like a race car driver leans down to fit under the traffic lights during the parade on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The parade gives out float awards each year.
Snake Pit
Fire shoots above musician and DJ Sullivan King during the Indy 500 Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Each year on race day, the Indy 500 hosts a music festival inside the racetrack.
With the American flag draped over his head, Australian DJ and producer Timmy Trumpet walks across the stage during the Indy 500 Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2024. At 8:15 a.m., Timmy Trumpet took the stage to kickoff the all day event.
Fans passionately celebrate the music during the Indy 500 Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The muddy venue did not stop fans from enjoying the event.
Sullivan King shreds his electric guitar during the Indy 500 Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Sullivan King is known for mixing EDM and heavy metal music together.
Timmy Trumpet takes center stage while playing his trumpet during the Indy 500 Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Timmy Trumpet’s explosive performance captivated fans.
During the Race
During a rain dela, fans find shelter and later watch trucks work to dry the track before the start of the race on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The rain delayed the race by four hours.
During the national anthem fighter jets fly over the crowd before the race on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The last time the Thunderbirds flew over the Indy 500 crowd was 2022.
As racers turn the corner, fans watch in excitement during the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2024. When the clouds disappeared, many fans found shelter from the blazing sun with hats.
From seats to hills, fans watched in anticipation as racers battled for 200 miles during the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 2024. Josef Newgarden won the race for his second time.
NO COMMENT