Everyone knows May is an exciting month — perhaps even the best month? — in Indianapolis and specifically Speedway, as it hosts the legendary Indianapolis 500 race and several other fun-filled events.
May Festivities in Indianapolis
The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, but the festivities start long before that. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens up on May 12 for practice and qualifying for the GMR Grand Prix, with the race the following day. Then, starting from May 16, there will be practice rounds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Big Race, followed by the qualifying rounds on May 20-21. Carb Day, the final practice session before the race, will be held on Friday, May 26, along with the infamous Carb Day concert featuring Bryan Adams and Soul Asylum.
In addition to the Indy 500, May is also known for the 500 Festival, a month-long celebration that includes events like the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 6 and the AES 500 Festival Parade on May 27.
Racing Around Speedway
If that sounds like a lot, buckle up because Speedway is more than just a racing town. The neighborhood features a variety of homes, from cozy bungalows to spacious family houses. Plus the streets are lined with mature trees and sidewalks, making it easy to walk or bike around the area. Residents enjoy a close knit community, strong public schools, and close proximity to downtown Indianapolis and major interstate highways.
As you explore Speedway (whether or not in the month of May), make sure to check out some of the great local businesses in the area. Here are five restaurants, attractions, and parks that you won’t want to miss:
Restaurants:
- Dawson’s on Main: a cozy, family-owned restaurant that serves up delicious comfort food.
- Barbecue and Bourbon on Main: a popular spot for mouth-watering barbecue and craft cocktails.
- Big Woods Speedway: a rustic-chic restaurant and brewery that features wood-fired pizzas and other tasty eats.
- Mug-n-Bun: a retro drive-in that’s been serving up burgers, fries, and root beer floats since 1960.
- Foyt Wine Vault: a wine bar and bistro owned by racing legend A.J. Foyt, featuring a menu of American and Italian favorites.
- Daredevil Brewing Co: a taproom featuring pizzas, sausages, and plenty of local beer, including the #1 selling Indiana-made IPA, Lift Off.
Attractions:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: no trip to the Racing Capital of the World is complete without a pilgrimage to this iconic museum located inside the world famous 2.5-mile oval.
- Indy Racing Experience: get your high speed thrills riding around the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a real race car.
- Speedway Indoor Karting: if that’s too fast for you, check out this fun-filled indoor go-kart track that’s perfect for all ages.
- Fundae’s Ice Cream: a family-owned ice cream shop that serves up homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
- Flying Squirrel Axe Throwing: let loose and have fun throwing some axes at a wall.
Parks:
- Meadowood Park: a spacious park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Leonard Park: a small park with a playground and basketball court.
- B&O Trail: a scenic walking and biking trail that runs through Speedway and beyond.
- Brickyard Crossing: originally built in 1929, this golf course features 9 holes inside the famed racetrack.
Overall, Speedway is a wonderful neighborhood with a unique character and rich history. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just looking for a great place to call home, Speedway has something for everyone.