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: Herron Classical Schools
Herron Classical Schools is a network of three tuition-free public charter schools, Herron High School, Herron-Riverside High School, and Herron Preparatory Academy. Within each of our schools, we envision a racially and socio-economically diverse student body. Herron Classical Schools believes that a classical, liberal arts education prepares students to become well-rounded, engaged citizens of the future.
For more information, visit their website.
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Events Around Our City
May 1st
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 1st-19th
Little Shop of Horrors at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is bringing a musical back to its stages for the first time since 2013! Little Shop of Horrors is presented by Glick Philanthropies and runs through May 19th. From the website, “When shy, awkward Seymour Krelborn finds a strange and interesting new plant that sings wicked R&B, he suddenly sees an unexpected road to fame, fortune, and the heart of his true love—as long as he’s willing to pay a horrible price. This silly, scary sci-fi musical romp has devoured the hearts of audiences around the world—and now it’s coming for you! You’ll laugh. You’ll scream. You’ll give up gardening for good!”
May 1st – 25th
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:
- May 1st: 500 Festival Kickoff to May
- May 4th: 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- May 4th: Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K
- May 11th: 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run
- May 18th: 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard
- May 24th: 500 Festival Memorial Service
- May 25th: AES 500 Festival Parade
Check out our Guide to 500 Festival Family Events and Activities post for all the details.
May 2nd
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 2nd
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 3rd-5th
Youth Inspirations Theatre: Matilda, Jr.
The Butler Arts’ Shelton Auditorium will be home to the Youth Inspirations Theatre’s production of Matilda, Jr. The show is “a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination!” You can get your tickets here.
May 4th
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 4th
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. During your high tea lunch, you will listen to tea enthusiast Deb Stuart share the history of tea, different recipes, and the reasons for teas. This celebration of motherhood is from 10:30 am to noon and you can get your tickets here.
May 4th
Indianapolis Indians: Star Wars Night
The Indianapolis Indians is playing the Buffalo Bisons on May 4th, but that’s not the only thing going on. Come enjoy baseball and May the 4th be with you! Victory Field turns into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars™ character appearances, music, in-game entertainment and more. Get your tickets to Star Wars Night before they’re all gone.
May 10th
Playtime on the Prairie at Conner Prairie
Purchase your tickets for Playtime on the Prairie today! From the event website, “Playtime on the Prairie for 0-2 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge.”
May 11th
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 11th
Indy Film Festival: Cereal Cinema
Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie! On May 11th, head down to the Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum to watch Paddington 2. Tickets include cereal and coffee is available for purchase.
May 12th
Sesame Street Live: Say Hello at Clowes Memorial Hall
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! In Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, you can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!
May 14th
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 6 years old.
May 15th
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
Indiana Fever Season Kickoff vs. New York Liberty
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 25th season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tip-off starting at 7:00 pm. Get the season started right on May 16th!
May 17th
Indianapolis 500: Fast Friday
Spend a fun afternoon watching the last practice before our popular Indianapolis 500 qualifications! Fast Friday is on Friday, May 17th 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 17th
Indianapolis Indians: Friday Fireworks
Head to Victory Field for Friday Fireworks! Enjoy watching our beloved Indians playing against the Toledo Mud Hens 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 18th
Young Explorers: Farm Animals at the Indiana State Museum
Children ages four to six get to have “barnyard fun and explore all the animals, equipment and jobs that work together to run a farm. Your little farmer will engineer a barn, explore ways to make art on the farm and more.” During this drop-off class, your little one will practice independence while fostering their creativity and imagination during Young Explorers: Farm Animals.
May 22nd
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 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and see what makes the Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing such a beloved Zoo event.
May 23rd (through July 7th)
The Wizard of Oz: Beef & Boards Theatre
Beef & Boards is inviting you to head over the rainbow and follow the yellow brick road to the magical land of Oz in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. You can get your tickets to the show here.
May 26th
Indianapolis 500
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing is here – the Indianapolis 500! Gates open at 6:00 am and the 108th 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 31st
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!
