AES 500 Festival Parade to be hosted Saturday in downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Each year, the Indianapolis 500 brings a series of festivities to Central Indiana. From Carb Day and Legends Day to the race itself, fans will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Another way fans can participate in Indianapolis 500 festivities is through the AES 500 Festival Parade, one of the original 500 Festival events. Festivities will begin in downtown Indianapolis at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, with the parade beginning at 12 p.m.

According to its website, more than 200,000 people are expected to line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to participate in one of the 500 Festival’s original events. The parade first occurred in 1957.

Here’s what you need to know before Saturday’s festivities:

Who is the parade’s grand marshal?

This year’s Grand Marshal is Scot Pollard, a former center for the Indiana Pacers who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. Pollard was also a competitor on the reality television show “Survivor” and is a “passionate advocate for organ donation” after receiving a heart transplant himself, according to the parade’s website.

What is the parade route?

The parade will begin on the southeast corner of the American Legion Mall, located at the intersection of North Street and Pennsylvania in downtown Indianapolis. The parade will then continue south on Pennsylvania Street until turning west on Washington Street.

The parade will the continue north on Meridian Street, travel around Monument Circle, and continue north until the intersection of North Street and Meridian Street.

This map showcases the street and meter closings that the parade will impact starting Friday morning and lasting through the parade on Saturday:

Where can attendees park for this year’s parade?

Officials encouraged attendees to arrive in downtown Indianapolis early to find parking before the parade. According to the parade’s website, officials provided the following tips to park for Saturday’s parade:

• Arrive early and relax during peak exit times.
• Enter downtown from the side on which you plan to park and park facing the direction you intend to depart.
• Parking is abundant. There are more than 66,000 parking spaces downtown.
• Plan where you will park ahead of time. Plan your route ahead of time and carpool if possible. Prepare to park away from the event site.
• Plan to use a parking garage or lot. Metered parking is limited around special event areas.

For more information on Saturday’s parade, click here.