Absolute Living

INNOVATIVE SKIN CARE

DR. MELANIE KINGSLEY 'ROUND THE TOWN

FUELING A LEGACY

OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP

INDY CUSTOM POOLS

DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM

INNOVATIVE SKIN CARE

DR. MELANIE KINGSLEY

THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

Where to start with so much going on? A certain racetrack is on the agenda this month, but so is a celebration of Mom, earthy fun, everyone's favorite spring art fair, and so much more to enjoy!

GEAR UP IN GLAMOUR

This curated selection of dazzling pieces from Moyer Fine Jewelers will send your race day spirits soaring.

FUELING LEGACY

It's May, and there's no better time to sit down with IMA President Doug Boles for an Indy 500 Q&A.

CHECKERED CHIC

8fifteen boutique invites you to embrace the timeless elegance of black-and-white fashion.

ABSOLUTE WEDDING GUIDE

We at Absolute Living know how special - and how challenging - it is to plan your perfect day. That's why we bring you the 2024 Absolute Wedding Guide!

'ROUND THE TOWN

Start your engines and check out the city's best events leading up to the greatest spectacle in racing!

Editor-in-Chief

EDUARDO PEÑA

Managing Editor

JUSTYNA PEÑA

Assistant Editor

MATTHEW HUME

Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography

GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER

Graphic Designer NICO PEÑA

Social Media Specialist CHRISTIAN PEÑA

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May 10-11

Sonsio Grand Prix

Indianapolis Motor Speedway indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Kick May off with the thrill of highspeed racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This adrenaline-pumping event features top open-wheel drivers competing in high-speed twists and turns through the road course, with a race Sunday to crown 2024’s first winner at the Brickyard.

AGENDA

By SuSaN Salaz

May 11

Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at the Market

Federal Hill Commons, Noblesville noblesvillemainstreet.org

Treat your mom or special lady in your life to a fresh, farm market brunch at The Green Room overlooking Federal Hill Common. Featuring a menu using local vendor selections, you can relax with a mimosa and enjoy live jazz by the Cohen-Rutkowski Project in the background.

May 17

Michael Feinstein’s Tony Bennett Tribute

The Palladium thecenterpresents.org

Join Indiana’s own Michael Feinstein at The Palladium for a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett. Performing a selection of the late singer’s most beloved songs, this intimate concert is a must-see for fans of classic American music in a venue like nowhere else.

May 18

25th Annual Plant and Iris Sale

Hamilton County Fairgrounds hcmga.org

Green thumbs won’t want to miss the 25th Annual Plant and Iris Sale at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Browse a wide selection of beautiful native plants, hosta, perennials, iris, and more that are perfect for your home garden. Expert gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips.

May 18-19

Broad Ripple Art Fair

Indianapolis Art Center indyartcenter.org

Discover the work of talented artists at the One America Financial Broad Ripple Art Fair. This annual event features live music, food vendors, hands-on activities and a diverse array of art—from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and ceramics, on the beautiful grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center.

May 21

Spring Sips & Wicks

Sun King Fishers sunkingbrewing.com

Your favorite local craft beer company is collaborating with Penn & Beech for a pour-your-own candle event in the Sun King Fishers tap room. Sip a beer, pick your signature scent and even create your own label for a truly one-of-a-kind candle-making experience.

May 24 – June 3

Pnina Tornai Trunk Show

Marie Gabriel Bridal

mariegabrielbridal.com

Fans of Say Yes to the Dress won’t want to miss the famed Pnina Tornai designer trunk show event at Marie Gabriel Bridal, one of only a few select bridal salons in the nation offering Tornai’s first-ever collection outside of Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City.

May 25

Grand Opening of the International Chimpanzee Complex

Indianapolis Zoo indianapoliszoo.com

In a state-of-the-art exhibit spanning the campus, the Indianapolis Zoo invites guests to experience chimpanzees as never before. The Chimpanzee Trail allows the chimps to travel between their community hub, cognition center and culture center via an elevated trail stretching above public walkways throughout the zoo.

June 1

Earth Day Indiana Festival

Garfield Park Conservatory and Garden earthdayindiana.org

Earth Day may have been in April, but you can still celebrate our planet at the Earth Day Indiana Festival, held at the Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens. This eco-friendly event features exhibits, demonstrations and activities focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Model: McKinzie Roth

Make-Up Artist: Julia Wadsworth Jewelry: Moyer Fine Jewelers

By SuSaN Salaz

FUELING A LEGACY

Q&A with Doug Boles, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

It's May in Indianapolis and no better time to sit down with Doug Boles and catch up on this year's Indianapolis 500. From its rich history and traditions to the extensive planning and challenges, the President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway shares his insight on what makes this iconic event so special to our city.

Q: What do you believe makes the Indianapolis 500 so enduring?

A: It boils down to two words: History and tradition. As we get ready for the 108th running of the race, what has made it so special year in and year out is the history upon history upon history—we write a new chapter every year. And the traditions that have been developed over those 107 previous runnings are ingrained in the way the race takes place. So it started in 1911 with 500 miles. And since then, we've added in all these really cool elements that people look forward to every year, and it makes it something really familiar to our fans when they come. But at the same time, it's new every year. Maybe the third piece of it, especially in the last four years, is that we've really seen a resurgence in the number of people that come. I think there's something to be said for continuing with an individual owner in Roger Penske that our fans can connect with and know that he's investing in their experience.

Q: Tell me about the first time you saw the race.

A: The first time I was allowed to see the race in person was in 1977. The rule in our house was you had to be 10 years old to go to the 500. I sat in the Paddock Penthouse with my dad. If I had to list the ten most important days in my life, that would definitely be one of them. That's the crazy thing about working at the Speedway. I think about that walk into Gate One— there at 16th and Georgetown—with my dad every single day I show up here. It's really cool.

Q: What kind of extensive preparations and planning go into organizing the Indianapolis 500?

A: The question I get more than any, all year long, is, “What do you do the rest of the year?” Because so many people obviously know us for the Indy 500. But we've got something on track for almost 150 days during the year. Preparations for the Indy 500 actually started about 18 months

before that particular race. So right now, we're in execution mode for the 2024 Indianapolis 500. But we’re in planning mode for the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

Q: What are some of the key challenges faced during this process?

A: We’re the second largest city in the state of Indiana inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day. It's like running a midsize city—you have 330,000 people here. But a lot of it is planning, blocking and tackling operations. Our biggest challenge is to think through the staffing. So we have about 200 full-time employees between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and our production company and the folks in IndyCar that really put on the Indy 500. But it takes over 10,000 people on race day to execute it. So the biggest challenge is putting those people together, whether it's our safety patrol—which folks think of as yellow shirts—the staff, the not-for-profit companies and help with concession stands and merchandise booths, the parking lot attendants and all of that. So that's the biggest challenge—getting those people sourced, then getting them trained, and then working through the scheduling, in addition to all of the other things you have to do to put on a small event.

Q: What can fans look forward to at this year’s event?

A: This year we had a significant investment in the way that the fans,

when they are at the Speedway, are able to consume the event. So it’s not just what they see, literally, on the racetrack, but we’ve continued to add more video boards. At one point in time, we had under 20 on the property, and now we have over 50 large video boards that really allow our fans to interact—especially those who buy a GA ticket and sit in the infield. We’ve also continued to invest in our PA system. Over the last couple of years, Roger Penske has put well over seven figures into the PA system each year, and we will continue to do that for another two or three years to ensure every customer gets information and can stay connected to what's going on the race, no matter where they are inside the Speedway.

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 4790 West 16th Street in Indianapolis. Find this year’s race schedule and more information online at indianapolismotorspeedway.com and follow @indianapolismotorspeedway on Instagram.

Innovative Skin Care

Dr. Melanie Kingsley of MK Dermatology

By SuSaN Salaz | PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel |

In a new Carmel office, Dr. Melanie Kingsley and her team at MK Dermatology combine expertise, passion and a contemporary approach to personalized care and cutting-edge treatments with a modern, direct care model.

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artwork By eduardo Peña

This time last year, Dr. Melanie Kingsley took a big leap in her career—leaving a long-tenured position at IU Health Physicians to open her own dermatology practice. More than thirteen years earlier, Dr. Kingsley founded the Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center there, leading it through last spring. Throughout her career, Dr. Kingsley has always been at the forefront of dermatology innovation, actively participating in research trials, delivering lectures, authoring publications and teaching as an assistant professor of dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. But she was ready to have the control her own practice allowed.

In addition to the freedom and opportunities being a business owner brings, the Carmel resident and mom of two treasures the impact her new practice has on patients. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to design and structure everything we do with the goal of positively impacting patient outcomes and experience,” she shares.

This month, after packing up their temporary space in Noblesville, Dr. Kingsley and her team move into their ultra-modern Carmel office, offering the latest, most innovative treatment options in the field. “I can’t thank our dedicated staff and loyal patients enough for making this such an incredible journey,” she says, continuing, “I am excited to see us continue to grow and bring new offerings and elevated care to the people in the community.”

The new office is a culmination of hard work and patient support. “We have a beautiful new space built with patient experience and employee satisfaction at the center of the design,” says Dr. Kingsley, who believes it is important for both staff and patients to enjoy their time at the office. In partnership with a local design team, Dr. Kingsley was able to execute her vision and create a destination that looks much different than a typical doctor’s office. The new space has a luxurious and inviting feeling from the moment you walk in that continues throughout your visit.

Dr. Kingsley has wanted to be a doctor for as long as she can remember. “I have always had an artistic side and love procedures, so I found dermatology to be the perfect fit,” she says. She attended medical school and completed a dermatology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine, then pursued a fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology, Lasers and Surgery in Boston before returning to Indianapolis and IU Health Physicians. “Throughout my training and development, I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by the most incredible mentors in the field: Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Dr. Stephen Wolverton, Dr. Ken Arndt, Dr. Jeffrey Dover, Dr. Michael Kaminer and Dr. Tom Rohrer…without their support I don’t think any of this would be possible.”

Dr. Kingsley has dedicated her career to transforming the way dermatology care is delivered in Indiana, staying current with the latest advancements

MK Dermatology in Carmel stands out as the only Direct Care dermatology practice in Indiana, offering a patient-centric approach that prioritizes quality care and accessibility. By eliminating the barriers posed by insurance companies, Dr. Melanie Kingsley and her team can provide the best possible treatments without the constraints of reimbursement concerns, surprise bills or annually changing coverage decisions.

The Direct Care model at MK Dermatology allows for scheduling flexibility, easier access to appointments, and a more personalized and unhurried experience. Instead of focusing on the number of patients seen in a day, the practice emphasizes quality time spent with each individual, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs and concerns, enhancing outcomes and increasing patient and staff satisfaction.

in the field and consistently bringing the best technologies and treatments to MK Dermatology. Beyond that, she has pioneered bringing the Direct Care dermatology model to the state of Indiana. “Direct care allows for better patient access and care. I can get patients in when they need to be seen and treat them the way I feel is best, not the way an insurance company dictates,” she explains.

From a patient care perspective, the office is quite nimble and efficient, tailoring care and bringing new technology and resources to the community quickly. For Dr. Kingsley, who takes pride in continual learning, it’s exciting to see how fast the fields of dermatology and cosmetics are advancing. “I owe it to my patients to give them the most updated and relevant information,” she says.

Patients at MK Dermatology can expect an excellent experience and a comprehensive range of services, including medical dermatology and surgical procedures, cosmetic dermatology utilizing the latest treatments and laser expertise, and esthetics services, including luxury facials. “I love that I can offer my patients all of this in one place,” says Dr. Kingsley, who values seeing her patients often and getting to know them well. Dr. Kingsley believes the dedicated staff and beautiful new office space contribute to an exceptional patient experience. “The team is committed, hardworking, highly

In addition to dermatology and cosmetic treatments, Dr. Melanie Kingsley also offers her own skin care line, Skin Therapy MD. Years in the making, these products combine her favorite skin health ingredients while simplifying routines. Committed to creating natural products without harmful chemicals, Dr. Kingsley collaborated with an experienced chemist to create two product lines: Anti-Aging and ClearSkin, each consisting of an exfoliating wipe and a moisturizing serum.

The two-step process maximizes results by gently delivering its powerful active ingredients deep into the skin. The Camu-Camu berry, boasting the highest concentration of vitamin C among natural sources, plays a vital role in the line, along with an impressive ingredient list including licorice root, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, hydroxy acids, ceramides and more. Visit skintherapymd.com to learn more.

competent and fun,” says Dr. Kingsley, adding that, most importantly, they all trust and respect one another. “This is the foundation of our culture and has a tremendous impact on patient care and experience.”

The new MK Dermatology office is located at 12174 N. Meridian Street in Carmel. For more information, visit mkderm.com and follow @melaniekingsleymd and @MK_Dermatology on Instagram.

2024 Absolute Wedding Guide

By SuSaN Salaz

Planning your dream wedding just got easier with our handpicked selection of Indianapolis' most talented and dedicated vendors. From stunning gowns and bespoke jewelry to exquisite florals, delectable cakes and unforgettable catering, these local artisans are committed to bringing your vision to life.

Step into Marie Gabriel Bridal's luxurious new salon, where you'll find the perfect dress to make your heart sing. Create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring at Petite G Jewelers, and register for timeless treasures at the iconic Charles Mayer & Company. Let Posh Petals design florals that reflect your unique style, while Le Petit Gâteau crafts a cake that's almost too beautiful to eat. And with Jacquie's Gourmet Catering, your guests will savor every bite of a personalized menu tailored to your tastes.

Get ready to fall in love all over again as you explore these exceptional vendors, each dedicated to making your special day truly unforgettable.

(promotional content)

Marie Gabriel Bridal

Marie Gabriel Bridal, founded by Young Colling, has moved into a stunning new location in Indianapolis. It offers an unparalleled selection of wedding gowns and a luxurious shopping experience for modern brides. With a background in fashion and a passion for bridal styles, Young has created a destination that combines global elegance with Midwestern charm.

The three-story salon houses over a thousand styles from iconic designers, catering to various tastes and aesthetics. On the first floor, Marie Gabriel Boho features free-spirited designs and avant-garde bridal styles, along with Marie Gabriel Social with sophisticated selections for mothers of the bride and groom. On the second level, Marie Gabriel Couture showcases elegant, classic, and traditional gowns from iconic designers, including Pnina Tornai, Galia Lahav, Monique Lhuillier, Suzanne Neville, Katherine Tash, and Rosa Clará. The third floor is dedicated to a highly skilled alterations team.

Brides can expect personalized attention from knowledgeable stylists during private appointments in the chic, light-filled space. “We’ve always had the best team of stylists and an unbeatable selection of bridal collections, and now we also have the most beautiful space to bring it all full circle. I am so very

proud of what we’ve been able to build,” says Young. They also present trunk shows, providing exclusive access to the latest collections from renowned designers. This month, Marie Gabriel Bridal is excited to introduce famed Say Yes to the Dress designer Pnina Tornai in her first collection available outside of Kleinfeld Bridal in an event from May 24 through June 3. Looking ahead, they will welcome Suzanne Neville’s romantic Symphony collection designs in July.

Visit Marie Gabriel Bridal at 5830 E. 86th Street in Indianapolis or explore their offerings at mariegabrielbridal.com and on Instagram @ mariegabrielcouturebridal, @mariegabrielbohobridal, and @mariegabrielsocial.

Posh Petals

Flowers set the tone for any wedding, and for couples seeking a truly personalized floral experience, Posh Petals is the preferred choice. Co-owned by Erika White and Meredith Fleming since 2004, this locally owned florist offers custom-made arrangements that set the tone for the entire celebration, from modern and chic to whimsical and garden-inspired.

What sets Posh Petals apart is its commitment to creating long-standing relationships with its clients and their families. Each arrangement is meticulously crafted by select, in-house designers, ensuring that every detail reflects the couple's unique style

and vision. "We don’t have a production line type of product,” says Meredith, who adds that they specialize in collaborating with clients to translate their style and brand into extraordinary floral design and décor. She notes that hydrangeas and roses are classic bridal flowers, but selections depend on the bride, the color palette and the time of year.

Beyond the traditional bouquets, Posh Petals offers a range of wedding day services, including providing loose blooms for photographers to capture the little details, creating a special arrangement from the groom to the bride, and even designing florals for the ladies'

room. Another new tradition is to give a bouquet to the couple married the longest, sometimes in lieu of tossing the bouquet. Meredith notes there is so much opportunity to create a cohesive and personalized floral experience throughout the wedding day. With a commitment to delivering exceptional products and services, Posh Petals is the go-to florist for couples who want their wedding florals to be a true reflection of their love story.

Posh Petals is located at 1134 E. 54th Street near Broad Ripple. Visit posh-petals.com for more information or to schedule a wedding consultation and follow @poshpetalsindy on Instagram to see what’s in bloom.

Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering

For couples seeking an unforgettable culinary experience on their special day, Jacquie's Gourmet Catering is the perfect choice. With a degree in Hotel Management and extensive culinary training, Jacqueline Bols brings her passion for food and years of experience to create custom menus tailored to each couple's taste and vision. "I've traveled all over the world on culinary quests and trained with the finest ingredients for food, wine, and décor," shares Jacquie, who also owns Jacquie’s Gourmet Cafe, highlighting her commitment to quality and creativity. From elegant cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres to decadent multi-course dinners, Jacquie's

Gourmet Catering ensures that every bite is a delight for you and your guests.

Jacquie's favorite wedding menu options include braised boneless short ribs and chicken with brie wrapped in prosciutto, always sourced with local, fresh and seasonal products of the highest quality. Jacquie's Gourmet Catering offers five ideal wedding reception menus as a starting point for couples to compare main courses and branch out to garden-fresh asparagus salads, heirloom potatoes, spinach souffle, Belgium endive, and baby spinach salads. These menus are grouped by taste, freshness, visual appeal, scalability and

more, making it easy to customize depending on your group and tastes.

With reliable service, unmatched attention to detail and the ability to cater events anywhere, Jacquie's Gourmet Catering transforms your wedding into a masterpiece. From pre-wedding events to the big day itself, Jacquie's Gourmet Catering elevates your wedding cuisine, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable dining experience.

Visit jacquies.net for more information, menus or to schedule a catering consultation, and follow @jacquies_gourmet_catering to see what's cooking.

With reliable service, unmatched attention to detail and the ability to cater events anywhere, Jacquie's Gourmet Catering transforms your wedding into a masterpiece.

Le Petit Gâteau

When seeking a wedding cake as unique as your love story, Le Petit Gâteau in Carmel is the finest destination. Founded by Chef Chris Holland in 2019, this French-inspired bakery and custom cake studio creates edible works of art that leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees and tastes them. Fusing Chef Holland's baking expertise with his artistic background (he holds degrees in both culinary arts and fine arts) each cake is meticulously crafted to reflect the personalities and love stories of the couples he works with. "From intricate designs to exquisite flavors, my cakes are more than just sweet treats; they're masterpieces that are custom-tailored for your event," he says.

When working with couples, Le Petit Gâteau takes the time to understand their vision and ensure each cake design tells their story. “Many couples come to us because we take time in getting to know the and the vision they have for their wedding and we create a

cake that integrates with that vision,” says Chef Holland, citing a cake that incorporated the silhouette of the Brooklyn Bridge, where the couple was engaged.

Using top-quality and ethically sourced ingredients, such as unbleached and unbromated flour, cane sugar, fair-trade Belgian chocolate and Europeanstyle butter, Le Petit Gâteau's cakes and pastries are truly one-of-akind. Chef Holland takes pride in letting the flavors be the focus. In addition to custom wedding cakes that look and taste delicious, Chef Holland and his skilled team provide dessert or pastry tables for wedding events, such as bridal showers or newlywed brunch.

For fresh pastries, sweet treats and custom cakes, Le Petit Gâteau is located at 525 North End Drive in Carmel. For more information, visit lpgbakery.com and follow @lepetitgateauindy on Instagram.

Charles Mayer & Company...

For couples seeking an exceptional wedding registry experience, Charles Mayer and Co. is the premier destination in Indianapolis. With a rich history dating back to 1840, this revived boutique features charming and sophisticated items that will never go out of style. From exquisite Royal Limoges china to the artistic Pinto Paris tableware to classic William Yeoward crystal, Charles Mayer and Co. curates a collection of timeless treasures that will serve as the foundation for your new life together.

Claudia Ryan, who reopened the iconic Indianapolis department store more than 30 years ago, is grateful for the opportunity to inspire a younger generation with the unparalleled selection of cosmopolitan tabletop and home décor items that are meant to be enjoyed every day. “We want our couples to love and use their gifts and to enjoy them for years to come,” she says. The store's dedicated Registry Experts provide personalized consultations to assist with building your registry—helping to select patterns and pieces that complement family heirlooms and reflect each couples combined style. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or transitional aesthetic, they will guide you in creating a cohesive and personalized collection that seamlessly blends your tastes and traditions.

In addition to their extensive tabletop selection, Charles Mayer and Co. offers a range of luxurious items perfect for bridal registries, showers and bridal party gifts, including Glass House candles, Baccarat ring holders, Wrap It Up gowns, Annie Selke robes and Trudon

fragrances. Gift options, including engraving, monograming and complimentary gift wrapping, are also available.

Shop Beautiful Things for a Beautiful Life at Charles Mayer & Company, located at 5629 N. Illinois Street and online at shop.charlesmayer. com and @charlesmayerco on Instagram.

Petite G Jewelers

When it comes to the perfect engagement ring, Petite G Jewelers in Indianapolis is dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for every couple. “It’s the one piece of jewelry you will have forever,” says owner Dana Friedman. With a full design studio, bench jewelers on staff and an onsite jeweler specializing in hand fabrication, Petite G is known for crafting custom rings that reflect each couple's unique style and story.

For a classic engagement ring, Dana says that solitaire settings will always stand the test of time. “Right now, we are still seeing very minimal engagement rings with a single stone on top," says owner Dana Friedman,

adding that some of the most popular designs this year feature a thin yellow gold band, a tiny single row of diamonds, and a hidden halo, or petite row of diamonds underneath the main stone only visible from the profile side, giving the bride a subtle surprise. Wedding bands and anniversary bands can easily be added, creating the perfect stack throughout the years and allowing you to mix up your daily look.

For those seeking exclusive, designer styles, Petite G carries exquisite collections from Megan Thorne and Erica Winters, among others. They also offer men’s wedding bands, designer watches and bespoke

bridal party jewelry. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and creating lifelong relationships with their clients, Petite G Jewelers is the ultimate destination for all your bridal jewelry needs.

Find Petite G Jewelers at 5609 N. Illinois Street in Indianapolis for an exclusive jewelry experience. Visit petiteg.com to explore their collections online or schedule an engagement consultation. Follow @petitegjewelers on Instagram for the latest styles, news, and events.

By SuSaN Salaz

’Round the Town

Start Your Engines – Your Mini-Guide to All Things Indy 500

We’re revving up for the Indianapolis 500 with a victory lap showcasing the Circle City’s best events leading up to the greatest spectacle in racing. Buckle up!

May 11 500 Festival Kids Day Monument Circle, Indianapolis 500festival.com

Ignite your child’s love of fitness and fun at the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids Day. This free, familyfriendly celebration on Monument Circle features interactive displays, captivating performances and the Rookie Run. Don’t miss Indiana’s largest outdoor festival designed exclusively for kids!

May 14

Opening Day at IMS

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

indianapolismotorspeedway.com

It’s finally May in Indianapolis! The gates are open and you don’t want to miss the sights and sounds at the iconic Brickyard. Experience the heart-pounding excitement as the NTT INDYCAR Series kicks off the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, where your favorite drivers push their cars to the limit, reaching speeds over 230 mph.

May 18-19

Qualifications

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Prepare for a heart-pounding weekend as the world’s most daring racers push their limits to qualify for this year’s race. Drivers will navigate 16 perfect corners over four intense laps, vying for their spot in history. On Sunday, don’t miss the thrilling battle for the front row and coveted pole position.

May 18

500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard

Gallagher Pavillion, Indianapolis Motor Speedway 500festival.com

Join racing enthusiasts, local business leaders, the 500 Festival Princesses and Indiana’s mayors at the annual Breakfast at the Brickyard—this year honoring legendary driver Mario Andretti. Guests will enjoy a Hoosier breakfast and insights from racing icons, along with a lap around the historic oval and access to Gasoline Alley.

May 23

Last Row Party

Hulman Terrace Club at IMS indypressfoundation.org

Don your best black-and-white attire to rub elbows with racers at the 52nd Annual Last Row Party. This exciting event, held at the Hulman Terrace Club on Turn 4 with sweeping views of the speedway, brings fans together for an evening of food, drinks and a lively roast of this year’s three 11th row drivers.

May 24

Rockin’ on Main Main Street, Speedway speedwayin.gov

Celebrate the race in Speedway, Indiana, the true host of May in Indy. On the Friday evening before race weekend, Main Street will be transformed into a race-inspired, music-infused party, with local artists, boutique vendors and delicious food. This community event promises to be a fun, festive and safe space to kick off race weekend.

May 24

Carb Day Party

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Rock the racetrack on Carb Day—the best way to play hooky in May. Soak in the final practice laps of the season before the thrilling Pit Stop Challenge. Stay for the concert featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers with special guest Gin Blossoms and opening act Kid Quill as we gear up for the greatest weekend in racing.

May 25

500 Festival Parade

Downtown Indianapolis 500festival.com/parade

An iconic Indianapolis event since 1957, the 500 Festival Parade draws spectators worldwide to witness one of the nation’s most prominent parades, featuring a dazzling display of floats, helium balloons, marching bands, esteemed guests and all 33 Indy 500 drivers. Can’t make it in person? Catch the action on WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis or nationally on Peacock.

May 26 Race Day

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

indianapolismotorspeedway.com

From the breathtaking flyover and singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” to the roar of the engines, the waving of the green flag and the infield Snake Pit Party—this is a special day at the Brickyard, for exhilarating racing, cherished traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

May 27

Indy 500 Victory Celebration

JW Marriott, Indianapolis indianapolismotorspeedway.com

After the checkered flag waves, the milk is drunk and the bricks are kissed, the magic of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 continues at the annual Victory Celebration. Honor this year’s winner with the most talented NTT INDYCAR Series drivers as they receive special awards and recognitions and relive the emotion and pageantry of the entire month of May.

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