2026 Indianapolis 500 Schedule

2026 Indy 500 Schedule

Indy 500 weekend is one of the most exciting times of the year in Indianapolis. In 2026, Indy 500 race weekend will take place from May 22-24th, and there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. We’ve detailed some of the most popular events below to help you plan your ultimate Indy 500 race weekend. Our pre-travel specialists are available to all our guests for recommendations and additional event information.

When is the Indy 500?

The 2026 Indy 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, with the green flag set to drop at 12:45 p.m. (ET) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event, marking the 110th running of the race, takes place over Memorial Day weekend, with race weekend running from May 22 to May 24. Friday features the Pit Stop Challenge, Saturday hosts the Indy 500 Festival Parade, and Sunday is the main race.

8:00 am start

Indy 500 race weekend kicks off with Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many years ago, this was the final day teams could tune their carburetors in race conditions and though carburetors haven’t been used in the race since 1963, the name “Carb Day” remains. The day begins with the final practice session, the drivers’ last opportunity to test themselves and their cars before the big day.

Next up is the Pit Stop Challenge. This tournament-style competition is a fun event to watch, as teams race to be the fastest to complete a series of pit stops. There’s a lot of pride on the line and it makes for a thrilling experience for competitors and spectators alike.

The fun continues with the Carb Day Concert. Consistently delivering a high-energy performance, recent past entertainers include Rick Springfield, Kings of Chaos, Foreigner, Bryan Adams, and Kool & the Gang. The headliners for the 2026 concert will be announced at a later date.

Gates Open – 8:00 am
Practice – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pit Stop Challenge – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Carb Day Concert – 4:00 pm

8:00 am start

The day before the Indy 500 is known as Legends Day and there’s plenty to see and do. Saturday is your chance to snag an autograph from your favorite driver, as all 33 Indy 500 starters begin the day with an Autograph Session. Be sure to get there early as space is limited.

From the autograph session, the drivers will head to the public Drivers’ Meeting, where they will receive their final instructions as well as their starter’s rings, and watch as various awards are presented. Following the Drivers’ Meeting, there are usually autograph sessions with veteran drivers.

Also on Saturday is one of the biggest and most-anticipated parades in the country. The Indy 500 Festival Parade attracts huge crowds to downtown Indianapolis to witness extravagant floats as well as appearances by celebrities, all 33 drivers, and other VIPs. It’s quite a spectacle and a great way to celebrate this iconic event.

The Legends’ Day Concert, traditionally held in the late afternoon at the speedway, moved in 2022 to an evening event at the Everwise Amphitheater. The Legends’ Day Concert typically features big names in country music.

Gates Open – 8:00 am
Autograph Session – 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Drivers’ Meeting – 10:30 am
Veteran Drivers’ Autograph Sessions – 12:00 pm
Festival Parade – 12:00 pm
Legends’ Day Concert – 7:00 pm

6:00 am start

Race Day! Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for: the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. Gates open early to allow fans to soak up as much of the amazing atmosphere as possible. From the moment the cars make their move to pit lane to the dropping of the green flag, there’s a whole lot of tradition to experience before the main event.

Gates Open – 6:00 am
Borg Warner Trophy March to the Bricks – 8:45 am
Cars to Pit Lane – 9:00 am
Cars to Grid on Front Stretch – 10:30 am
Driver Introductions – 11:47 am
Invocation and National Anthem – 12:18 pm
Singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” – 12:35 pm
Green Flag for the 2026 Indy 500 – 12:45 pm

*Times are approximate and based on previous years. All times and details are subject to change. All times are local (ET).

INDIANAPOLIS 500 DISCLAIMER

Roadtrips is in no way associated with the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), or IndyCar. The term Indianapolis 500 is used only for the purpose of properly describing certain events and without the specific permission of event organizers. Roadtrips’ travel packages and services are not affiliated with the Indianapolis 500, IMS, or IndyCar.

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