Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank, which kicks off May festivities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has come and gone. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to mark the month and mingle with top INDYCAR drivers and other celebrities. There are plenty more events to celebrate the upcoming 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on May 28.
500 Prelude Benefiting the Survivors of Violence Foundation
TICKETS: From $115 to $1,500
WHEN: Today from 6-9 p.m. ET
WHERE: Prime 47 (47 Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis)
WHAT TO WEAR: Cocktail
MORE INFO: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/500-prelude-benefiting-the-survivors-of-violence-foundation-tickets-32087533677?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button
Join host (and former Miss Hurst Golden Shifter) Linda Vaughn, special guest Mario Andretti and several Verizon IndyCar Series drivers for steak, seafood and specialty beer and wine. Proceeds go to the Survivors of Violence Foundation, which provides reconstructive surgery and scar therapy to survivors of violence and maintains a special fund for injured drivers and INDYCAR crew members.
Breakfast at the Brickyard
TICKETS: $75
WHEN: Saturday, May 20 at 8:30 a.m. ET
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza Pavilion
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual
MORE INFO: http://www.500festival.com/community-events/breakfast-at-the-brickyard/
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For those who attend Breakfast at the Brickyard, it’s also the most fun. In addition to enjoying a hearty Hoosier breakfast, attendees can take a lap around the speedway in their own vehicle (weather permitting), tour the garages and witness the crowning of the 2017 500 Festival Queen.
45th annual Last Row Party
TICKETS: $50
WHEN: Thursday, May 25 from 7-10 p.m. ET
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda Suites
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual
MORE INFO: https://www.indypressfoundation.org/last-row-party
This event is not so much a “party” as it is a “toast and roast” of the three drivers slated to start from the stern of this year’s Indy 500 field. Ticketholders will enjoy free food, a cash bar and the comforting knowledge that, unlike the guests of honor, they won’t be publicly humiliated (all in good fun, of course). This event benefits the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, which provides journalism scholarships, awards and fellowships for Indiana college students.
Conquer Paralysis Now Racing to Recovery Gala
TICKETS: $250
WHEN: Thursday, May 25 from 6-10 p.m. ET
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
WHAT TO WEAR: Cocktail attire
MORE INFO: http://conquerparalysisnow.org/DetailsPage/tabid/147/ArticleID/118/18th-Annual-Racing-to-Recovery-Fundraising-Gala-Save-the-Date.aspx
Conquer Paralysis Now (formerly the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation) has one simple goal: to cure paralysis. To aid in this effort, the charity will host the 18th annual Racing to Recovery fundraising gala. In addition to enjoying dinner and dancing, gussied-up gala guests can take a turn through the IMS Museum’s unparalleled collection of historic race cars and bid on racing-related items.
Racing for Cancer Karting Rally
TICKETS: $101
WHEN: Friday, May 26 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Speedway Indoor Karting (1067 Main St., Speedway)
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual
MORE INFO: https://carbdaykartingforcancer.com/
The Carb Day Karting for Cancer rally presents fans with a unique opportunity to help put the brakes on cancer — ironically, by hitting the accelerator (of a go-kart, that is). The event, which benefits Racing for Cancer, founded by driver Ryan Hunter-Reay following the death of his mother from the disease, includes brunch and unlimited karting at Sarah Fisher’s indoor track, located a stone’s throw from IMS.
Steak ’n Shake Carb Night Burger Bash
TICKETS: Free
WHEN: Friday, May 26 from 5-11 p.m. ET
WHERE: Pan Am Plaza (201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis)
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual
MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/CurtCavinsCarbNightBurgerBash/
For thousands of race fans, this free family-oriented event, hosted by Curt Cavin, the INDYCAR vice president of communications, and Kevin Lee, the NBCSN reporter, is the kickoff to race weekend. In addition to rubbing elbows with Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, attendees can purchase burgers, fries and shakes from Steak ’n’ Shake, take in musical entertainment provided by DJ Indiana Jones and “American Idol” winner Trent Harmon; and bid on items in a silent auction to support Basic Needs, Simple Solutions, which helps impoverished communities meet their basic needs.
IPL 500 Festival Parade
TICKETS: From $15 to $20
WHEN: Saturday, May 27 from noon-2:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Downtown Indianapolis
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual
MORE INFO: http://www.500festival.com/parade/
On par with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the IPL 500 Festival Parade draws some 300,000 race fans from around the country to celebrate the Indianapolis 500. Spectators will enjoy watching dozens of marching bands, floats, celebrities and VIPs scroll by — including, of course, all 33 drivers slated for this year’s Indianapolis 500. Pro tip: Bring sunscreen and water.
Key Bank 500 Festival Snake Pit Ball
TICKETS: $325
WHEN: Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m. ET
WHERE: Indiana Roof Ballroom (140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis)
WHAT TO WEAR: Black tie optional
MORE INFO: http://www.500festival.com/community-events/keybank-500-festival-snakepit-ball/snakepit-ball/
This exclusive party draws swarms of celebrities and VIPs. (Spotted last year: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, Indiana Pacers standout Miles Turner, “Hercules” star Kevin Sorbo, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and author John Green.) Attendees will enjoy an inspired selection of tasty morsels, signature cocktails and live music by the platinum-selling X Ambassadors of “Jungle,” “Unsteady” and “Renegades” fame.
Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration
TICKETS: $200
WHEN: Monday, May 29 at 7 p.m. ET
WHERE: JW Marriott (10 S. West St., Indianapolis)
WHAT TO WEAR: Cocktail
MORE INFO: http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/Products/?p=fbb74054-f50d-4d90-9b45-775c99fd2370
Come celebrate with the winner (and commiserate with everyone else) at this lively event. Guests enjoy a sit-down dinner and entertainment in the form of speeches by drivers. What better way to relive the excitement of the 101st running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing?”