May is jam packed with fun events all around our city. Take a look at our list of fun and family events in the greater Indianapolis area for the month of May!
Meet Our Sponsor: St. Richard’s Episcopal School
St. Richard’s Episcopal School provides a timeless, challenging curriculum that embraces diversity while developing global citizens socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Located at the corner of 33rd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis, we provide a rigorous academic curriculum that incorporates three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program, organized athletics, and city-wide experiences that bring learning to life.
For more information, visit their website.
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Events Around Our City
April 30th – May 24th
500 Festival: Family Events and Activities
The month of May is huge in Indiana. There are multiple ways for your and your family to enjoy the events leading up to the biggest event in racing history – the Indianapolis 500. Here are the 500 Festival events you can enjoy with your family:
- April 30th: 500 Festival Kickoff to May
- May 3rd: 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- May 3rd: Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K
- May 10th: 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run
- May 17th: 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard
- May 23rd: 500 Festival Memorial Service
- May 24th: AES 500 Festival Parade
Check out our Guide to 500 Festival Family Events and Activities post for all the details.
May 1st
Indy Ignite versus Atlanta Vibe
Our Indy Ignite, the first and only professional volleyball team in Indianapolis, are playing the Atlanta Vibe on May 1st at 7:00 pm at the Fishers Event Center. Children two and under are free with an accompanying adult ticket but must sit on a lap.
May 1st
Newfields: Free First Thursday
Newfields offers special FREE admission on the first Thursday of every month. Head over from 11am-5pm to explore the grounds and enjoy all that the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to offer. Keep an eye out for additional free admission days throughout the summer.
May 1st
The Children’s Museum: First Thursday Night
On First Thursday Nights, you can pay $6 per person to visit either the museum with their amazing new Minecraft exhibit or the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. And your ticket also includes access to Ask the Experts Night. This is only between the hours of 4 and 8 pm, the perfect after-hours time for families! Get your First Thursday tickets here.
May 1st-11th
The Play That Goes Wrong at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
The Play That Goes Wrong, recommended for students 4th grade and older, is presented by Oxford Financial and runs through May 11th. From the website, “The intrepid thespians of the Cornley Drama Society are more or less ready to raise the curtain on the grandest production the village has ever seen, The Murder at Haversham Manor—until things go from bad to calamitous. There’s an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that won’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)—and that’s only the first act. It’s nothing you want in a show—and everything you want in a show!”
May 3rd
YMCA (Multiple Locations): Kids Night Out
Head to your local YMCA for their KIDS NIGHT OUT EVENT. Parents, this event is perfect to allow yourself a night out on the town and the kids will be having fun too! Program activities include swimming, gym play, arts and crafts, and kid-friendly movies. Dinner is provided. Check out their Family Specialty Activities page for more information and other locations this is offered – registration is required. Prices range from $25-40 dollars and kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years are welcome!
May 3rd
Indiana State Museum: Mother’s Day Teatime
Go on a beautiful tour of the Indiana State Museum gardens, designed by Gene Stratton-Porter, and enjoy a traditional high tea lunch complete with historical delicacies. This celebration of motherhood is from 10:30 am to noon and you can get your tickets here.
May 4th
Stunt Dog Experience at the Schrott Center for the Arts
The Butler Arts’ Schrott Center for the Arts will host the Stunt Dog Experience for two showings, at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm, on May 4th. “During the Stunt Dog Experience you will witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs. With amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, and athletic feats, it is the most entertaining show of its kind!”
May 7th
Original Farmers’ Market: Indianapolis City Market
In the heart of Indianapolis, you’ll find the Original Farmers’ Market. Head over to Monument Circle for local dairy, veggies, fruits, and so much more. Here you will find local growers and farmers that are ready to share their healthy and tasty treats with all of you. You can enjoy the market from 10 am to 1:30 pm every Wednesday. Indianapolis City Market is also full of other events and markets, check out the other fun happenings here this summer.
May 9th-11th
Youth Inspiration Theatre Presents: The Little Mermaid
Butler University’s Shelton Auditorium is hosting another wonderful Youth Inspiration Theatre series, and this year’s show is The Little Mermaid! There are four performances, running from the 9th to the 11th. Grab your tickets on the website.
May 10th
Asian Fest 2025
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 10th at the Indiana Historical Society! Asian Fest 2025 is from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of culture. Enjoy live music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations by talented local artists representing various Asian countries and folk art.
May 10th
Indy Film Festival: Cereal Cinema
Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie! On May 10th at 10:00 am, head down to the Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum to watch Madagascar. Tickets include cereal and coffee is available for purchase.
May 10th
Young Explorers: Blooming Buds at the Indiana State Museum
Children ages four to six get to explore the gardens and native plants that surround the museum. You’ll engage in hands-on, STEAM-inspired projects, create your own flowering artwork, enjoy a story, and go on an exhibit adventure. During this drop-off class, your little one will practice independence while fostering their creativity and exploration during Young Explorers: Blooming Buds.
May 10th-11th
Indianapolis Indians: Weekend with Bluey
Wackadoo! Bluey and her little sister Bingo are returning to Victory Field in 2025 – For real life. Come and meet everyone’s favorite Heelers in person Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th for Weekend with Bluey while the team takes on the Columbus Clippers.
May 13th
Jungle Tales at Garfield Park Conservatory
Bring your preschooler to Jungle Tales at the Garfield Park Conservatory for “a different nature-related story, activity and craft each month.” Registration is required! The cost is $6 per child, and this program is geared toward ages 2 to 5 years old.
May 14th
Indianapolis Public Library: Storytime at Glendale Branch
From 10:30 to 11:30 am, toddlers aged two to four years old and accompanying adults are invited to enjoy a story, songs, and rhymes at the Glendale Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. Registration is not required. Throughout the month of May, the Indianapolis Public Library hosts storytime at different IPL branches. You can see a full list of their storytime events here.
May 16th
Indianapolis 500: Fast Friday
Spend a fun afternoon watching the last practice before our popular Indianapolis 500 qualifications! Fast Friday is on Friday, May 16th and you don’t want to miss “this day of pure speed” where “cars will receive a turbocharger boost to reach the speeds they will run during qualifying the next two days, and sometimes even faster when turning laps in big packs. The practice charts will offer the best look at who might claim the coveted front row for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, and the on-track speeds will thrill fans.”
May 16th
Indianapolis Indians: Friday Fireworks
Head to Victory Field for Friday Fireworks! Enjoy watching our beloved Indians playing against the Louisville Bats and stay for the post game fireworks, a staple of summertime in Indianapolis. Baseball season has arrived and the fun at Victory Field is in full swing. Click here for more information and additional events with the Indianapolis Indians.
May 17th
Touch A Truck at Greenwood DPW
For $2 per child, “your little ones can climb in and bring their toy trucks to life” at Greenwood’s Touch A Truck event. Local departments and companies will pack the new Department of Public Works parking lot (accessed through Craig Park) from 9:00 am to noon.
May 17th
Indiana Fever Season Kickoff vs. Chicago Sky
The buzz surrounding our Indiana Fever team is at an all-time high right now! Get your tickets here for Indiana Fever’s home opening game of their 26th season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tip-off starting at 3:00 pm. Get the season started right on May 17th!
May 17th-18th
Dog Man The Musical at Clowes Memorial Hall
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Check out their website for showtimes and ticket information.
May 21st
Zoopolis 500: Indianapolis Zoo
This is a one-of-a-kind event at the Indianapolis Zoo. Zoopolis 500 is one of the Zoo’s oldest and most popular events, and has been highlighted by Top Events USA’s website as one of the top events in Indianapolis! Come out from 10:30 am to noon and see what makes the Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing such a beloved Zoo event.
May 22nd (through July 13th)
Little Mermaid: Beef & Boards Theatre
Beef & Boards is inviting you to head under the sea to meet the adventurous mermaid Ariel while she steals the stage and our hearts in the musical version of the Disney film. You can get your tickets to the show here.
May 25th
Indianapolis 500
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing is here – the Indianapolis 500! Gates open at 6:00 am and the 109th running of the Indy 500 will begin at 12:45 pm. Make sure to visit the Plan Ahead page to plan your day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whether you prefer to listen to the race live on the radio or be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to see the action, we can all agree the best part is the traditional rendition of Back Home Again in Indiana, right?
May 30th
Party in the Park at the Zionsville Nature Center
Party in the Park will be a fun celebration on the last day of school at Mulberry Fields Park. “Enjoy games and activities with your favorite park staff, a visit from the Zionsville Nature Center, live music, and the opening of the Mulberry Fields Splash Pad! Food trucks are on hand to grab a bite or dinner.”
Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round-up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!
