aes 500
Festival Parade
Presented by
Nationalities Council of IndiANA
May 23, 2025
The AES 500 Festival Parade, one of the original 500 Festival events, ranks among the nation’s most prominent parades, receiving national recognition amongst the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Over 200,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness the extravagant floats, enormous helium balloons, renowned figures, esteemed guests, top-notch bands, and all Indy 500 drivers in action. Mark your calendars for the 2026 AES 500 Festival Parade, set to take place on Saturday, May 23, in downtown Indianapolis. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon. -updated from Indy 500 Parade 2025.
2024 Recap
“The NCI parade group of 125 participants is organized by the Nationalities Council of Indiana (NCI). The photos introduce us to a riot of vibrant color, exotic and iconic national festive fashions, and the joyful spirit of participants from many cultures and over 40 nationalities. The participants in their spectacular outfits and enthusiastic, radiant spirit add to the Iconic Moments in Indy, the theme of this year’s (2024) parade. We are thrilled to see the NCI unit as an annual feature of the nationally renowned festival parade for the last 14 years.” -KP Singh, Artist & Illustrator (May 2024)
IMPORTANT
All participants MUST be in cultural attire. Jeans and t-shirts are NOT permitted. Anyone not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to walk in the parade.
Participants must be part of a club membership or individual membership whose dues have been paid for 2025.
Max of 10 participants per club.
Member dues are due by March 31st annually.
