500 Festival

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit community organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 60+ years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

Each year, 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids, or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.

As a nonprofit organization, the 500 Festival relies on a dedicated team of thousands of volunteers to ensure our events and programs enrich the lives of half a million people every year. Working together in true Hoosier spirit, our volunteers help create an exciting and impactful community-led road to the Indianapolis 500. You can check out all volunteer opportunities available HERE!

Volunteer opportunities will be available from February through May 2024! Check out some of the fun perks of being a 500 Festival Volunteer:

• A free commemorative volunteer shirt and a collector’s pin
• An invitation to the 500 Festival’s Volunteer Appreciation Day on May 18th at IMS (must register for at least one shift by 5 p.m. on 4/10/24 to receive an invitation)
• Two tickets to Indy 500 Qualifications on May 18 (must RSVP to Volunteer Appreciation Day to receive tickets)