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 29th – 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 29th: 500 Festival Kickoff to May
- May 2nd: 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- May 2nd: Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K
- May 9th: 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run
- May 16th: 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard
- May 22nd: 500 Festival Memorial Service
- May 23rd: 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 Columbus Fury
Our Indy Ignite, the first and only professional volleyball team in Indianapolis, are playing the Columbus Fury 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-17th
Finn: A New Musical at the PB&J Cafe
From the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, Finn: A New Musical is a heartwarming musical adventure about a young shark on the brink of growing up. As he prepares to join the fearsome Shark Guard, Finn can’t shake the feeling that he’s different from the other sharks. Deep inside, he discovers a colorful fish inside him—a part of himself that longs to sparkle, sing, and dance. As Finn embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure, he finds the courage to be himself! This show is fun for all ages, and young theatergoers will enjoy a meal during the performance and leave with autographs from their favorite characters.
May 2nd
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 2nd
Indiana State Museum: Mother’s Day Teatime
Dress up and head to the beautiful gardens of Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site for a celebration of mothers! Attend a high tea with the special women in your life while enjoying contemporary and historical delicacies and teas that were popular during the Civil War. This celebration of motherhood is from 10:30 am to noon and you can get your tickets here.
May 3rd
Carmel Japan Spring Fest
May 5th
Free Movie Series: High School Musical 3
At the Schrott Center for the Arts, you can watch High School Musical 3: Senior Year for free on May 5th at 7:00 pm. As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.
May 5th-10th
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Murat Theatre
Be Our Guest at Disney’s enchanting and beloved musical of Beauty and the Beast, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. Check out their website for showtimes and ticket information.
May 7th
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 7th
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 8th
Indianapolis Indians: Friday Fireworks
Head to Victory Field for Friday Fireworks! Enjoy watching our beloved Indians playing against the Omaha Storm Chasers 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 8th-10th
Grease: School Edition at Shelton Auditorium
Step back into the 1950s with Rydell High’s senior class! The Youth Inspirations Theatre Presents Grease: School Edition is production is designed for ages 11-17 and features classic songs like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin’.” Experience the high-energy antics of the “Burger Palace Boys” and “Pink Ladies” in this timeless musical.
Now through May 9th
Fiddler on the Roof at The Tarkington
Tradition! Set in the little village of Anatevka, Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Head to their website to see show times and get your tickets.
May 9th
Asian Fest 2026
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 9th at the Indiana Historical Society! The 20th annual Asian Fest 2026 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. Make sure you register here.
May 9th
Young Explorers: Trains, Planes and Automobiles at the Indiana State Museum
Children ages four to six get to explore the museum galleries and engage in hands-on science, art and sensory activities based on a monthly theme. Discover the different ways people move from place to place! Your child will zoom through the skies as they test their very own planes while also making art and exploring sensory dough. During this drop-off class, your little one will practice independence while fostering their creativity and exploration during Young Explorers: Trains, Planes and Automobiles.
May 9th
Indiana Fever Season Kickoff vs. Dallas Wings
The buzz surrounding our Indiana Fever team is at an all-time high right now! Get your tickets here for Indiana Fever’s home game against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tip-off at 1:00 pm. Check out their season schedule here.
May 12th
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 $7 per child, and this program is geared toward ages 2 to 5 years old.
May 13th
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 15th
Indianapolis 500: Fast Friday
Spend a fun afternoon watching the last practice before our popular Indianapolis 500 qualifications! Fast Friday is on Friday, May 15th 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 15th-17th
Panda Fest
Panda Fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia. Their website has all the information you need to know to plan your visit. Get your tickets today!
May 16th
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 16th-17th
Peter Pan at The Tarkington
A timeless tale of adventure and imagination, Peter Pan invites audiences of all ages to fly away to the magical world of Neverland. Join Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael as they soar beyond the nursery and encounter playful Lost Boys, the daring Princess Tiger Lily, and the infamous Captain Hook. From fairy dust and flying to swashbuckling battles and a ticking crocodile, this enchanting production is filled with heart, humor, and high-flying fun. Get your tickets for the showtimes listed on The Tarkington website before they sell out.
Now through May 23rd
Beef & Boards: Singin’ in the Rain
Step back into the golden age of Hollywood with this splashy stage adaptation of one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Singin’ in the Rain follows silent film star Don Lockwood as he navigates the turbulent transition to “talkies”—with plenty of comedy, romance, and show-stopping dance along the way. A discount of $6 off per ticket available to children ages 3-15. Children under age 3 not admitted to this show. Not all shows may be suitable for all ages.
May 24th
Indianapolis 500
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing is here – the Indianapolis 500! Gates open at 6:00 am and the 110th 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 28th
Beef & Boards: Cinderella Begins
This enchanting Broadway musical, Cinderella, brings the classic fairy tale to life with the romance, magic, and humor that only Rodgers & Hammerstein can deliver. Follow Cinderella as she dares to dream beyond her humble circumstances, with the help of a Fairy Godmother who reminds us that anything is possible. A discount of $6 off per ticket available to children ages 3-15. Children under age 3 not admitted to this show. Not all shows may be suitable for all ages.
May 28th
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.”
May 29th-31st
Indianapolis Indians: Kids Opening Weekend
The best summer ever starts at Victory Field! We’re kicking off summer with unforgettable fun for the whole family all weekend long during Kids Opening Weekend from May 29th to the 31st. Our Indianapolis Indians will take on the Iowa Cubs throughout the weekend. Go Indians!
May 30th
Teddy Bear Concert Series
The Teddy Bear Concert Series is designed specifically for children ages 3-7, introducing them to the instruments of the orchestra through storytelling, movement, and live music. Join musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and a narrator as they introduce instruments from the symphony orchestra through five different original stories written by ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold. Young children will have the opportunity to move with the music, play real violins, and interact with ISO musicians at each 30-minute program! During this program, we will be reading The Runaway Strings.
May 30th
Earth Day Indiana Festival at Garfield Park
The Earth Day Indiana Festival is the state’s largest, free, one-day environmental event, held at Garfield Park on May 30th. The festival promotes sustainability, conservation, and eco-friendly living. It features over 100 exhibitors, local food trucks, live entertainment, a beer garden, and hands-on, family-friendly activities.
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