INDIANAPOLIS — More than 200,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness this wonderful May tradition. 

As always, the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade features floats, balloons, marching bands, local celebrities and the 33 drivers who will race for the Borg-Warner Trophy at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24.

This year’s parade theme is “Racing Through History,” which the 500 Festival says “honors the rich legacy, iconic moments, and community traditions that have defined the event for seven decades.”

The parade will start at noon Saturday, May 23 and will live on WTHR Channel 13 and WTHR’s streaming app, which you can watch for free on your TV or phone. An encore presentation will air Saturday at 7 p.m. on WTHR’s streaming app. Click here for how to watch on WTHR’s streaming app.

Below are maps for the parade route, road closures and food vendors.

Indiana Pacers players Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard have been named as grand marshals of the 2026 Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade.

“Siakam and Nembhard have quickly become fan favorites in Indiana, known for their leadership, dynamic play, and impact both on and off the court,” the 500 Festival said in a statement. “Their selection as Grand Marshals highlights the strong connection between Indiana sports and the 500 Festival, as well as the energy that defines the Month of May.”

The players will be featured along the parade route, greeting fans as as grand marshals.

Acclaimed vocalist Loren Allred and rising star Ephraim Owens will be the featured performers in the opening production of the 2026 Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade. 

Allred will sing the national anthem, and Owens will sing a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Allred is best known for her vocals on the song “Never Enough” from the “The Greatest Showman.” Owens, an Indianapolis native, competed on Season 24 of “The Voice” and quickly became a fan favorite. 

Owens sang the national anthem at the 2026 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, and he will sing “America the Beautiful” at the 2026 Indianapolis 500.

Thirteen marching bands will perform in the parade. Those performing are: 

• 38th Infantry Division Band, Indiana National Guard, Indianapolis, IN – Director Catherine Maloney
• Berlin Bears Marching Band, Olentangy Berlin High School, Delaware, OH – Director Michael Reeves
• Clark County High School Marching Band, Clark County High School, Kahoka, MO – Director Robert Dooley
• Greenwood Marching Woodmen, Greenwood Community High School, Greenwood, IN – Director Luke Aylsworth
• IPS All-City Marching Band, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis, IN – Director Josh Goodman
• Marching Highlanders, Anderson High School, Anderson, IN – Director Richard Geisler
• Marching Patriots, Jay County Jr. – Sr. High School, Portland, IN – Director Charles Roesch
• NBA Indiana All-Star Band, National Band Association, Zionsville, IN – Director Mickey Stisher
• Noblesville High School Marching Millers, Noblesville High School, Noblesville, IN – Director Eric Thornbury
• Northwestern High School Tiger Pride Band, Northwestern High School, Kokomo, IN – Director Jeremy Snyder
• Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN – Director Matt Conaway
• Speedway High School 500 Regiment, Speedway High School, Speedway, IN – Director Delaney Ruble
• Squadron of Sound, Adams Central Community Schools, Monroe, IN – Director Cory Kelley

“As we celebrate 70 years of parade tradition and this year’s ‘Racing Through History’ theme, these bands play an important role in bringing that story to life,” said Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Their talent, passion and pride create an unforgettable experience for fans and help carry forward the spirit of this iconic celebration.”