It’s May in Indy and you know what that means: *cue the Kevin James “start your engines” meme. That’s right, it’s Indy 500 season. If you’re in town for the race, you’re probably looking for things to do and eat while you’re here. Or, if you don’t have tickets to the race and you’re just wanting to be a part of all the electric vibes of race season in Indy, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are some of the best things to do in Indy near Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Below, you’ll find activities, restaurants, coffee shops, and more, so if you’re in town for the Indy 500, consider this your go-to guide for what to do while you’re in town for the race.
BONUS: If you’re wanting to venture out across Indianapolis while you’re in the city, feel free to check out these additional guides below:
☀️ Patio Dining Spots in Indy and Central Indiana
🌹 Date Night Ideas in Indy (That Aren’t Dinner)
🍕 Best Pizza in Indianapolis + Central Indiana
☕ Central Indiana Coffee Shops
🍔 Best Burgers in Indianapolis + Central Indiana
Without further ado, grab your checkered flags, and let’s get into the things to do in and around Speedway, Indiana
NOTE: Within each category, the businesses are in order of proximity to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Activities near the Indy 500 🏁🏎️
Obviously, the main events this month in Speedway, Indiana are the Indy 500, Carb Day, Snake Pit, etc. But if you are just wanting to get in on the action and into the Indy 500 spirit aside from actually attending race day, check out these things to do near the Indy 500:
IMS Museum 📍 4750 W 16th St, Indianapolis, Indiana (Tickets are $25. Reserve these early!!)
Speedway Indoor Karting 📍 1067 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana
Speedway Artist Collective 📍 1614 N Lynhurst Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana (Gift shop across the street from Borage)
Flying Squirrel Axe Throwing 📍 5748 Crawfordsville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana
8 Seconds Saloon 📍 111 N Lynhurst Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana (Line dancing, mechanical bull, live music nights, TONS of fun! 21+)
Riverside Park 📍 2420 E Riverside Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sports courts, playground, picnic areas)
Restaurants Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway 🍔🍕
Looking for where to eat near IMS? One of my favorite things to do near Indianapolis Motor Speedway is walk along Main Street and explore the local shops and restaurants. The street right outside the track is packed full of amazing restaurants for those attending the race. The energy around Speedway, Indiana in May is electric and these local restaurants are perfect if you’re in town for the Indy 500:
Tacos & Tequila 📍 1502 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana
Dawson’s On Main 📍 1464 Main Street, Speedway, Indiana
Barbecue and Bourbon 📍 1414 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana
Daredevil Brewing 📍 1151 N Main St, Indianapolis, Indiana (I recommend their soft pretzel)
Charlie Brown’s Pancake & Steak House 📍 1038 N Main St, Indianapolis, Indiana
Brozinni Pizzeria at Speedway 📍 1067 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana
Big Woods Speedway 📍 1002 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana (I recommend the nachos and the Strawberry Blonde)
California Burger 📍 3502 W 16th St, Indianapolis, Indiana (Locally known as a Midwest version of In-N-Out. It is really good, but not exactly like In-N-Out!)
Borage 📍 1609 N Lynhurst Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana (Cafe and market. Check their hours before you go!)
Che Chori 📍 3124 W 16th St, Indianapolis, Indiana
Mug-n-Bun 📍 5211 W 10th St, Speedway, Indiana
The AMP at 16 Tech 📍 1220 Waterway Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana (Food hall with several restaurants. Like The Garage on Mass Ave, but this one is closer to IMS)
Guggman Haus 📍 1701 Gent Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana (My FAVORITE IPA in Indy – don’t tell the others 😉)
Coffee Shops & Drinks near the Indy 500 ☕🍷
It’s a loooong day at the track. Whether you’re needing a pick-me-up, wind-down wine, or sweet treat check out these places near the Indy 500 for a beverage/treat of choice:
Founders Grounds Coffee Company 📍 1552 N Main St Suite 104, Speedway, Indiana
Foyt Wine Vault 📍 1182 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana
Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets 📍 1515 N Main St, Speedway, Indiana (Not a “drink” spot, but who doesn’t love a little sweet treat after a long day at IMS?)
Long’s Bakery 📍 1453 N Tremont St, Indianapolis, Indiana (locally known as the “best donut in Indy”)
Mansion Society 📍 202 Steeples Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Coffee Haus at Guggman 📍 1701 Gent Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana (A coffee in the morning. An IPA at night… This place has it all!)
Welcome to Indy, Race Fans! I hope you enjoy your time in our great city. For my Indy locals, I hope you can also get in on the fun through the Indy restaurants and activities featured on this guide.
Now feels like a good time to mention that these businesses are open all year long. So, my local friends, please come back to this Indy 500 guide after May to support these Speedway, Indiana restaurants and activities! Especially if you love to reignite the Indy 500 vibes throughout the year.
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