INDIANAPOLIS – The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade is now accepting Specialty Unit applications for the 2027 parade, inviting organizations and groups to join one of the nation’s premier parade experiences. Applications are available online at 500festival.com/parade.
The parade’s specialty units are a longtime fan favorite, showcasing a diverse mix of community groups, cultural organizations, drill teams, performance groups, clubs, and other unique attractions. The 500 Festival welcomes organizations of all backgrounds to apply and share what makes them special for parade spectators. Past specialty units include NXG Youth Motorsports, Inc., Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos, Indianapolis Public Library Bookmobile, Sullivan Express, La-Or-Ma Shrine Club, and the Lucas Stabilizer Monster Truck.
“Every specialty unit brings its own energy, personality, and story to the streets of Indianapolis,” said Sara Adams, senior vice president, programs of the 500 Festival. “Together, those stories create an unforgettable experience for spectators and help celebrate the tradition, diversity, and community spirit that makes the month of May so special.”
Selected specialty units will join thousands of participants and volunteers in the 2027 Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, scheduled for May 29, 2027. The parade steps off at noon ET. Spectators seated in the TV Zone can enjoy a special pre-parade show beginning at 11:45 a.m. ET.
Organizations and groups interested in participating can learn more and apply at 500festival.com/parade.
Held annually in downtown Indianapolis, the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade attracts more than 200,000 spectators and features extravagant floats, giant balloons, marching bands, VIPs, and all 33 INDYCAR drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500. Since 1957, the parade has been a beloved Indianapolis tradition, bringing Hoosier spirit to the streets and sharing the excitement with audiences near and far.
The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade is presented by Lucas Oil and made possible through support from AES Indiana, American Dairy Association of Indiana, Central Indiana Chevy Dealers, Discovering Broadway, Eli Lilly and Company, Franciscan Health, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Public Library, IU Simon End Lung Cancer Now, KSM CPAs & Advisors, Meijer, OneAmerica Financial, Regions Bank, Republic Airways, Shell Starship, Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Susan G. Komen, and WTHR-13.
