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Memorial Day Weekend in Indianapolis is synonymous with thrilling races, family fun, and a chance to honor those who served.

Beyond the roar of the Indy 500, the city comes alive with a diverse array of events, special offers, and opportunities to create unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the long weekend, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Indy!

The Main Event: Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend (May 23-25, 2025)

No Memorial Day in Indy is complete without the legendary Indianapolis 500. The entire weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is packed with excitement:

  • Miller Lite Carb Day (Friday, May 23): Kicking off the festivities with final practice, pit stop challenges, and a major concert.
  • Legends Day Presented by Firestone & Drivers’ Meeting (Saturday, May 24): A chance to see racing legends and the drivers’ meeting before the big race.

  • Legends Day Concert

  • Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit (Sunday, May 25): The ultimate race day party featuring top electronic music artists like Illenium, Sammy Virji, Two Friends, Kayzo, and Oliver Heldens. (Note: This is an 18+ event, and a valid Indy 500 general admission or reserved seat ticket is also required).

  • Race Day (Sunday, May 25): The 109th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – get ready for an unforgettable day!
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Even if you can’t make the race, the museum on the grounds is open on Memorial Day and offers a deep dive into racing history with a collection of winning cars and memorabilia.

Family-Friendly Fun & Attractions

Explore Indy’s best for all ages.


1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: World’s largest children’s museum.
Dinosaur exhibits, space, outdoor sports experiences, and more.

2. Indianapolis Zoo (White River State Park): Diverse animal exhibits and dolphin shows.
Memorial Day Military Deal: Free admission for current/former military on Memorial Day, plus discounted tickets for immediate family.

3. White River State Park: Explore the Canal Walk (walking/biking).
-Paddle boat rentals.
-Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial.


4. Indiana State Museum (White River State Park): Discover Indiana’s rich history. Open on Memorial Day.


5. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (White River State Park): Immerse yourself in Native American and Western art and culture.


6. Pacers Playoffs: Catch a pacers playoff game!


7. Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts: Indianapolis Museum of Art and stunning gardens.


8. Indianapolis Ghost Walking Tour: Spooky exploration of downtown Indy’s haunted history.

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy the sounds of the city.


1.Howl at the Moon Indianapolis 90’s Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-24): Lively night of music and fun.


2.Firestone Legends Day Concert (Saturday, May 24): Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park.




Memorial Day Deals & Discounts


Special offers, especially for military! (Always call ahead or check websites for specific details and to confirm participation, as deals can vary by location and year).

Food & Drink Discounts:

  • Drake’s Indianapolis: Open regular hours for Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26). Enjoy $3 Hot Dogs with toppings and $3 pints of Miller Lite! (Dine-in only).
  • Fogo de Chão: On Memorial Day, typically offers 50% off a meal for active and veteran military personnel and 10% off up to three guests’ meals. (Verify for 2025).
  • Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s Rewards members may get 20% off Party Packs for Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26). Also offers a daily 10% discount for active and retired military members with valid ID.
  • Mission BBQ: Often offers free sandwiches to active duty servicemembers and veterans the week of Memorial Day. Check their website for 2025 specifics.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Typically offers a 10% off entire check for military, police officers, and firefighters with valid ID.
  • Melting Pot: Participating locations may offer military appreciation discounts. Check with the Indianapolis location.
  • Perkins American Food Co.: May offer military members a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast on Memorial Day with valid ID.
  • Pokeworks: Military personnel may receive 20% off any in-store purchase with valid military ID and a promo code (e.g., MEMDAY25).
  • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Look for deals like $10 off Group Packs for Memorial Day weekend.
  • Fazoli’s: May offer deals like $10 off orders of $50 or more with a promo code (e.g., Memorial25) for Memorial Day.
  • Hot Dog on a Stick: Look for specials like 50% off Cheese on a Stick with purchase of another hot dog or Cheese on a Stick.
  • Krystal: May bring back deals like 12 Original Krystals for $12 or 12 Cheese Krystals for $15 on Memorial Day.
  • Marco’s Pizza: Often has family bundles like the “Crowd Pleaser Bundle” for around $24.99 with a code (e.g., FEED5).
  • Newk’s Eatery: May offer a family meal deal (two pizzas and a salad for $20) for Memorial Day weekend.
  • Sizzler: Look for Memorial Day specials on items like Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine.
  • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: May offer drink deals like two handcrafted beverages for $10 or BOGO deals on drinks.
  • Shake Shack: May offer a free ShackBurger with a minimum purchase and promo code (e.g., BURGERMONTH).
  • Sheetz: Look for promotions like two free hot dogs through their app.
  • Subway: May have deals on footlongs (e.g., $6.99 with a promo code).
  • Taco John’s: Rewards members may get BOGO deals on Summer Lemonades.
  • Zaxby’s: Look for half-off shakes or other birthday specials.


Year-Round Military Discounts (confirm participation locally):

Many chains offer daily military discounts, such as Bob Evans (10% off), Cracker Barrel (varies by location), Dairy Queen (varies by location, up to 50% off), Fuddruckers (10-15% off), Hard Rock Cafe (15% off food, non-alcoholic beverage, and retail), Hooters (10% off food), Joe’s Crab Shack (15% off on Memorial Day), Kolache Factory (10% off), Long John Silver’s (10% off, 20% on Military Mondays), Melting Pot (varies), Pie Five Pizza (may offer free pizza), TGI Fridays (often 25% off family meals).

Other Military Appreciation Discounts (Valid with Military ID):
Indianapolis Zoo: Free admission for current and former military on Memorial Day, plus $2 off general admission for up to two tickets per visit.
Blue Star Museums: Free admission for currently serving military and their families (May 17 – September 1). Check their website for participating Indy locations.
Six Flags Theme Parks: Free single-day admission for servicemembers and veterans (May 23-26), plus discounted tickets for up to six family members.
Cincinnati Zoo: Free admission for active and retired military on Memorial Day, plus discounted tickets for up to six immediate family members.
United Parks and Resorts (Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Sesame Place, etc.): May qualify for free admission (with up to three guests) through their Waves of Honor program (check specific park details).
Retailers & Services (Examples – Confirm for 2025): Academy Sports+Outdoors: 10% off (through July 4).
Rack Room Shoes: 20% off in-store (on Memorial Day).
Sleep Number: 5% off sale prices (through June 16).
ZIPS Cleaners: 10% off uniform cleaning (throughout May).

General Memorial Day Sales:


Look for widespread sales from major retailers:
Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Wayfair
Home Depot
Lowe’s
REI
Target
Costco
Dell, HP, Lenovo (tech)
Adidas (apparel)
Macy’s (department store)
Dick’s Sporting Goods (sporting goods)
Mattress retailers (e.g., Casper, DreamCloud)