2027 Indianapolis 500 Schedule

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 2027 concert will be announced at a later date.

Gates Open – 8:00 am
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Hours – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Practice – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wienie 500 – 2:00 pm
Pit Stop Challenge – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Carb Day Concert – 4:00 pm

There are two great options to choose from on Saturday. If you want to attend the Drivers’ Meeting, collect autographs, and maximize your time at the track, we recommend Legends Day. If you’ve already experienced the Speedway or are looking for something a little different, the Indy 500 Festival Parade offers a spectacular and uniquely Indianapolis way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Legends Day – 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 in Pagoda Plaza. If you’re hoping for autographs, plan to arrive when the gates open at 8:00 am. Space is limited and autograph lines will close once they reach capacity.

From the autograph session, the drivers will head to the public Drivers’ Meeting, where they will receive their final instructions along with their starter’s rings, and watch as various awards are presented. Following the Drivers’ Meeting, there are autograph sessions with veteran drivers, which require a wristband. A very limited number of these wristbands are available at 8:00am Saturday morning in Pagoda Plaza.

Gates Open – 8:00 am
Veteran Driver Autograph Session Wristband Distribution – 8:00 am
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Hours – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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

Indy 500 Festival Parade – If you’re not an autograph seeker, you can also see the drivers on Saturday at 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. If you’re staying at the Hyatt Place or the Westin, you’ll find the parade route conveniently within walking distance.

Following the daytime events, the Legends Day Concert, traditionally held in the evening at Everwise Amphitheater in downtown Indianapolis, is expected to return in 2027. The Legends’ Day Concert typically features big names in country music.

Race Day! Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for: the 111th running of the Indianapolis 500. Gates open early to allow fans to soak up as much of the race day atmosphere as possible. For those who have purchased pit passes, we recommend heading to the infield first so you can fully enjoy this experience, before heading to your seats for the race.

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
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Hours – 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
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 2027 Indy 500 – 12:45 pm