This year’s theme, “Racing Through History,” celebrates seven decades of tradition and race-weekend excitement in downtown Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS (March 10, 2026) – Secure your spot at the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade – tickets are on sale starting today! Tickets are available starting at just $25 at 500festival.com/tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events support the organization’s free education, health, and fitness initiatives for Indiana youth.
The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, May 23, in downtown Indianapolis, kicking off at 11:45 a.m., with the Parade stepping off at noon. This beloved race-weekend tradition will showcase spectacular floats, giant balloons, marching bands from across the nation, celebrities, local heroes, and the 33 INDYCAR drivers preparing for the Indy 500 the following day.
This year’s theme, Racing Through History, celebrates the 70th annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade and honors the rich legacy, iconic moments, and community traditions that have defined the event for seven decades. From its earliest years to today, the Parade has remained a cherished part of race weekend, uniting generations of fans in downtown Indianapolis. The 2026 Parade will pay tribute to its storied past while embracing the excitement of today’s Indy 500 festivities.
“The 70th running of the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade is a powerful reminder of the traditions that make May in Indianapolis so special,” said Dave Neff, President and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Through this year’s theme, ‘Racing Through History’, we’re celebrating 70 years of unforgettable memories while looking ahead to the future of this great tradition. We invite fans of all ages to join us downtown as we honor the past and create new memories together.”
“We are thrilled to help celebrate this milestone year for an event that means so much to Indianapolis and the racing fans who visit every year,” said Katie Lucas, President of Lucas Oil. Being a part of the 70th anniversary celebration is incredibly special for our team and we are grateful to support this historic parade and all fans, families and partners who make this event possible.”
The Parade will be televised live for the Indianapolis market on WTHR, Channel 13. You can also catch a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, on WTHR+.
Support of the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade is provided by: Lucas Oil, AES Indiana, American Dairy Association of Indiana, Central Indiana Chevy Dealers, Eli Lilly, Franciscan Health, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IU Simon End Lunch Cancer Now, KSM CPAs & Advisors, Meijer, OneAmerica Financial, Purdue University, Regions Bank, Republic Airways, Shell Starship, Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Susan G. Komen, and WTHR-13.
