10 fabulously fun alternatives to the Indy 500
Already watched the Indy 500 several times and looking for an alternative? Check out these fun races found throughout Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis 500 Stiletto Sprint – Founded 1992
Location: Mass Ave Arts District
Ladies and gents, ditch the cars and don your highest heels! Racers run a 500-meter dash in stilettos, with prizes not just for speed, but style and flair.
The Canal Canine 500 – Founded 2001
Location: Canal Walk, Downtown Indianapolis
Man’s best friend gets a chance to shine! Dogs pull miniature racecars along the Canal Walk, with categories based on size, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.
The Broad Ripple Balloon Bash – Founded 1988
Location: Broad Ripple Village
Participants navigate hot air balloons through a complex 500-point obstacle course in the sky, showcasing their flying finesse against the iconic Indianapolis skyline.
The Fountain Square Fish Fling – Founded 1995
Location: Fountain Square
A competition unlike any other, participants use giant spatulas to fling fish into the fountain, aiming for precision, distance, and style.
The Indy Alleyway Art Adventure – Founded 2000
Location: Various alleyways in Lockerbie Square
Artists get 500 minutes to transform drab city alleyways into vibrant masterpieces using only chalk and their imagination.
The Monument Circle Circus 500 – Founded 1993
Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
This circus spectacle involves 500 performers – from jugglers to acrobats – each trying to outperform the others around the city’s famous monument.
The Meridian-Kessler Marble Marathon – Founded 1989
Location: Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood
Participants race 500 marbles down the historic streets, using fans, leaf blowers, and more to guide their marbles to victory.
The Indy Ice Cream 500-Inch Sundae – Founded 2005
Location: Virginia Avenue, Fletcher Place
Teams race against the clock to build, decorate, and eat a 500-inch-long sundae, all while avoiding the dreaded ice cream headache.
The Garfield Park Garden Gallop – Founded 1998
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory
Gardeners have 500 seconds to plant, prune, and present the most beautiful mini-gardens, highlighting both speed and horticultural expertise.
The Irvington Invisible Bike Bonanza – Founded 2002
Location: Irvington Historic District
Cyclists ride ‘invisible’ bikes (mimicking the motion without a real bike) around the district. The challenge: complete 500 rounds while maintaining the illusion and balance.
