Atmosphere
Those of you attending a major race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will find one big party. The entire week leading up to big races like the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400 are filled with all kind of racing events and concerts.
The fine people of Indianapolis go all out to put on an incredible event for the Indy 500. Not only will you find a whole weeks worth of racing events and concerts, but there is also a parade as well. If you want to get the most out of attending the Indy 500, make sure to arrive by at least Friday, or you’ll miss a lot of the activities surrounding the race.
The major partying before the Indy 500 is kicked off on Friday evening with the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert and things just get better from there. The Legends Day Concert on Saturday is another fantastic concert to see during your trip to Indy as well. However, while both those concerts are fun places to party before the race nothing beats the Snake Pit and the Snakepit Ball. The Snakepit is as all out EDM festival that is the perfect way for anyone who loves to party to attend the race and the Snakepit Ball, which takes place the night before the race, is the place to hobnob with celebrities at the Indy 500.
Those you who are looking for some more family friendly entertainment will want to make sure to check out the IPL 500 Festival and Parade. The 500 Festival is a month long event throughout May that is home to a variety of events including Breakfast at the Brickyard, the 500 Festival Kids Day, and most notably the IPL 500 Festival Parade. The parade is one of the best parts of the Indy 500 and is one of the best parades in the country. At the parade, you’ll see amazing floats, costumed characters, celebrities, and much more, so take some time to see the IPL 500 Festival Parade during your trip to Indianapolis.
Even if you’re not attending one of the bigger races, take some time to explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the race as the Grounds Tours and IMS Hall of Fame Museum are worth spending a day seeing. Additionally, if you’re a golf fan, you’ll want to take the opportunity to play 18 holes at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course.
Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers lots of places to camp and tailgate meaning you’ll have no problem finding a place to throw back a few beers with friends and family. The parking lots surrounding the racetrack are filled with a sea of tailgaters leading up to the race, so get your tickets and join in the fun.
A trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides plenty to do before the race and you’ll have an excellent time tailgating with fellow racing fans.