Get your engines ready because the Month of May is here. Looking for things to do in Indianapolis in May?
As the temperatures continue to rise and the racecars descend on Indy, there will be lots to do this month for the Indy 500. We’ll be updating the calendar daily, so make sure to check in often to see what’s happening all around town. For now, here are some of our picks for May.
Indianapolis May Events and Activities
Here are plenty of things to do in Indianapolis in May to keep the month exciting!
500 Festival Kickoff to May
The best way to kick off the month of May in Indianapoli is at the official Kickoff to May with the 500 Festival. It takes place on Monument Circle on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. There’s fanfare, race car drivers, and the whole fleet of Indy 500 festival cars.
Celebrate Star Wars Day
May the 4th be with you on Saturday, May 4 for Star Wars Day. That’s right, Indy has quite the Star Wars following and social schedule. Check out these May the 4th Star Wars events.
Eat Indy’s Best Tacos on Cinco de Mayo
Taco Tuesday is a myth in our family. We’re down for tacos ANY night of the week. Cinco de Mayo is a great time to try out a new taco place, or just go straight to Moe’s. You KNOW they’ll have a family-friendly deal on Sunday, May 5!
500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run
The 500 Festival Kids’ Day is a huge festival for children that celebrates all things racing and race cars. This is one of the best, most affordable things to do in Indianapolis in May. Admission is free, the activities are free and it’s a lot of fun! They even have a little running marathon for children. See you on Saturday, May 11.
Go Fishing
Every year there are a few free fishing days in Indiana — no license required. Typically, there are events and activities surrounding the whole experience of fishing in Indiana. At some of the events, fishing poles and instruction are provided! This month you can fish for free on Sunday, May 12.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Don’t forget to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12. Make a reservation at one of these great restaurants for Mother’s Day.
Cheer On the Tortoises at Zoopolis 500
Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo is a fun play on the Indianapolis 500. During the Zoopolis 500, tortoises are placed on a race track and encouraged to move toward the finish line where treats wait for them. The event is a fun way to showcase the natural behaviors of tortoises and to promote conservation efforts. In 2024, Zoopolis 500 takes place on the morning of Wednesday, May 22.
Savor the Season’s First Strawberries
Strawberries on the Square in Franklin takes place on Friday, May 24 in downtown Franklin. Strawberries, shortcakes, ice cream, and whipped topping are served up from 11 am until they sell out. Other food vendors are on site for this event and live music begins at 7 pm. A movie will be shown at the Artcraft Theater and a Car Cruise-in will take place at 5 pm.
Catch the Excitement at the 500 Festival Parade
The 500 Festival Parade is on Saturday, May 25 at noon in downtown Indianapolis. Admission is free on a first come first served basis in limited areas, however, the best seating is in the bleachers with a reserved seating ticket.
Honor Our Heroes on Memorial Day
Crown Hill Cemetery has an annual Memorial Day Ceremony that includes patriotic music, flag-lowering, Taps, a 21-Howitzer cannon salute, and historic walking tours. This is the most meaningful way we’ve found to share Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend with our children. See you at Crown Hill Cemetery on Monday, May 27.
More Things to Do in Indianapolis in May
Touch a Truck
Touch-a-Truck events are an annual favorite for many local families. Kids (and their adults) can check out large vehicles like fire trucks, cement mixers, utility trucks, and others.
Tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame
Please Note: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is closed for renovations until 2025.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame are a great pit stop during the month of May. See championship cars from the past, and learn about the evolution of Indy Car and the Indianapolis 500.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s Markets are in full bloom and there’s definitely one near you. Many neighborhoods, cities, and organizations have their own regularly scheduled market days.
Stroll Through Franklin’s Urban Forest
Have you seen the Urban Forest in Franklin? It’s a purposefully planted forest right in the middle of the city. There’s a short walking trail among lots of little trees that will someday be a forest of big trees. Within the Urban Forest, there’s also a StoryWalk. While you’re there, check out these other things to do in Franklin.
Go to a Practice or Qualification Day at the Track
The Indy 500 is one of the top things to do in Indianapolis in May, but there’s not just one day to pay attention to. If you aren’t quite ready to take your kids to the Indy 500, you can attend Indianapolis 500 practice sessions and qualifications.
Play Downtown on the Canal
Walking along the canal is one of our favorite things to do in Indianapolis during the warm months. We love listening to the fountains, crossing the bridges, and then playing at the Colts Canal Playground.
Take a Sweet Class at SoChatti
SoChatti is one of the top places for foodie families to visit. You’ll love their gorgeous tasting room, their delicious SoChatti chocolate-tasting experience, and their specialty classes for both kids and adults.
Sign Up to Bowl for Free All Summer
Did you know that kids bowl free every day this summer? If you’re looking for things to do in May, June, July, and beyond, there’s a great program where your kids can bowl for free and adults can pay a one-time fee to get a summer bowling pass of their own. Sign up today!
Practice Your Putt at a Mini-Golf Course
Nothing screams spring and summertime like a round of outdoor mini golf or putt-putt. Add this activity to your must-do list of things to do in Indianapolis in May.
Imagine Something Amazing at Coxhall Gardens
One of the best parks to run around and play at during the springtime has a very untraditional playground. Coxhall Gardens is a colorful children’s garden with delightful little playhouses and other spaces for fun, imaginative play in nature.
See Garfield Park in Bloom
My children and I love visiting the Garfield Park Sunken Garden when the flowers are blooming and the grass is greener than you could ever imagine. It’s a beautiful space to explore and have a picnic. While you’re there, if the Conservatory is open, it might be worth the price of admission to look around.
Catch a Show at IRT
If you’re the dramatic sort, check out the final show in the season at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre. Little Shop of Horrors is on stage through May 19 and it’s a great show for the older children and teens in your crew.
Gather with Friends in Carmel’s Midtown
Midtown Plaza in Carmel is a fantastic place to visit and relax or play. There’s a great playground for the littles, cornhole, ping pong, and billiards for everyone, and lots of seating for gathering with your family or friends. Plus, you’re surrounded by great cuisine and entertainment.
Try Out Top Golf
If you haven’t tried Top Golf yet, you’re missing out! I know, I know, golf is already a “game,” but Top Golf has really gamified this game in a way that makes it really fun for everyone, not just the BEST golfers out there.
Master a New Recipe
Sur la Table offers Family Fun cooking classes. Your whole family (ages 7+) can reserve seats for a variety of classes. Class subjects in May include Mother’s Day Treats and Pizza.
Enjoy Music and More at Daniel’s Vineyard
Live music, trivia, karaoke, and half-price pizza are just four of the reasons we love taking our family to Daniel’s Vineyard. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run and play. Just bring a ball to toss around. This family vineyard is great for all ages and has so many things to do in Indianapolis in May.
Creek Stomp at Flowing Well Park
Explore Flowing Well Park to learn about its namesake, go creek stomping, and get close to nature.
Eat Out in Speedway
Big Woods is a great restaurant in downtown Speedway. It’s right in the middle of all of the May madness and fun. Look for live music, a beautiful patio, and a fun atmosphere. ORDER THE NACHOS!
Get Ready for SUMMER
If May marks the final day of school for your kids, we have some great ideas for ways to celebrate the last day of school.
With so many things to do in Indianapolis in May, your family will never be bored! We have even more ideas on our Indianapolis events and activities calendar.
Our summer bucket list is packed with 101 activities your kids will love.
Parks and playground season is here! Try one of our 12 favorites in Indy.
