A tradition since 1957, the downtown Indianapolis parade celebrating the Indianapolis 500 marches on.
2025’s AES 500 Festival Parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators to watch floats, giant helium balloons, bands and all 33 Indy 500 drivers.Here’s what to know about one of the most anticipated events of the year:
When is the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade?
The parade will take place on Saturday, May 24. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon.
How to watch the 500 parade on TV
WTHR, Channel 13, will broadcast the parade live for the Indianapolis audience, while Peacock will stream the event live.
WTHR will re-air the broadcast at 8 p.m. on May 24.
Who is the grand marshal for the 500 Festival Parade in 2025?
NBA champion and former Indiana Pacer star Scot Pollard is this year’s grand marshal.
Who is performing at the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade?
Kelsey Hart is the featured performer for the AES 500 Festival Parade Opening Production. The Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders and Pacemates will also perform.
Hart will perform a post-parade concert at Turntable starting at 8 p.m. The general admission show benefits the 500 Festival. Use code PARADE to get tickets for $10 at turntableindy.com.
Marching bands performing in the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade
2025 500 Festival Parade route
The parade starts at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North streets and goes south to Washington Street, east to Meridian Street, and then north on Meridian to end at North Street.
See the parade route at 500festival.com.
What is the 500 Festival Parade theme?
The 2025 theme is “Connected Through May,” celebrating how the 500 Festival unites with local organizations and community members through its diverse events and programs, especially in May.
How to get tickets to the parade
AES 500 Festival Parade tickets are on sale, starting at $25, at 500festival.com/tickets.
Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free education, health, and fitness initiatives for Indiana youth.
Parking for 500 Festival Parade
Organizers suggest arriving early to find parking, as many downtown streets will be closed to traffic and public parking in preparation for the event. Several parking facilities will be open for event parking, but due to street closings, not all routes into the various parking locations will be available.
500 Festival Parade recommends drivers:
See street closures for 500 Festival Parade
Visit 500festival.com for street closures.Meters close on May 23 for Vermont Street between Pennsylvania and Delaware streets; and on May 24 for the parade route.
Who produces the 500 Festival Parade?
The event is coordinated by 500 Festival, a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 events and programs while celebrating the Indianapolis 500.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 500 Festival Parade returns. What to know about parking, performers and tickets
Reporting by Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
