Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank kicked off month of May social festivities surrounding the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil earlier this month. If you missed your chance to hob-nob with Verizon IndyCar Series drivers and other special guests that night, or even if you didn’t, fear not. There are plenty more parties to celebrate the historic race, many also raising funds for worthy causes.
SAM SCHMIDT RACING TO RECOVERY GALA
When: Wednesday May 18, 6-10 p.m. ET
Where: The Crane Bay, 555 W. Merrill St., Indianapolis 46225
How much: $250 per ticket
Attire: Cocktail
More info: http://www.conquerparalysisnow.org/DetailsPage/tabid/147/ArticleID/96/17th-Annual-%E2%80%9CRacing-to-Recovery%E2%80%9D-Fundraising-Gala.aspx
The Sam Schmidt Racing to Recovery Gala serves as a fundraiser for Schmidt’s charity, Conquer Paralysis Now (CPN). Take in live and silent auctions, and be sure to stick around for the highlight of the evening: the arrival of former Verizon IndyCar Series driver and current team co-owner Sam Schmidt – who sustained a spinal-cord injury in an on-track accident, leaving him a quadriplegic – driving a specially designed Corvette C7 Stingray.
A NIGHT WITH THE DAN WHELDON FOUNDATION
When: Thursday May 26, 6-10 p.m. ET
Where: Prime 47, 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032
How much: $100 per ticket
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-with-the-dan-wheldon-foundation-tickets-24822233970
Celebrate the life of two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, tragically killed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2011. The gathering, hosted by Dan’s widow, Susie, and presented by Fuzzy’s Vodka, raises money for the Dan Wheldon Foundation, devoted to keeping Dan’s legacy alive by supporting charities that were near to Dan’s heart. General admission includes dinner and drinks.
THE YELLOW PARTY
When: Thursday May 26, 7-11 p.m. ET (gates open at 6:30)
Where: Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Pkwy. West Dr., Indianapolis 46221
How much: $100-$250 per ticket
Attire: Roaring Twenties or Cocktail
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-yellow-party-tickets-21426166240
Help put the brakes on cancer by attending Racing For Cancer’s fifth annual Yellow Party, hosted in partnership with AutoNation by Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay and his wife, Beccy. Guests of this soirée, which features a Retro Roaring Twenties theme, will enjoy live music by The Doo Band, hors d’oeuvres from Jonathan Byrd’s and cocktails, as well as live and silent auctions – and, of course, a generous helping of INDYCAR stars.
LAST ROW PARTY
When: Thursday May 26, 7-10 p.m. ET
Where: Pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis 46222 (enter through Gate 2)
How much: $50 per ticket
Attire: Casual
More info: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/last-row-party-2016-tickets-21463542032
Now in its 44th year, the event is less a “party” and more a “roast” of the three drivers who comprise the 11th (and last) row of the Indianapolis 500 starting field by Indianapolis Star sports writer Curt Cavin and FOX 59 sports reporter Chris Hagan. In addition to enjoying the public humiliation of these three drivers (all in good fun, of course), guests can take in the famed IMS Pagoda, which towers over the track’s start/finish line, while partaking in the free food and cash bar. This event benefits the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, which provides journalism scholarships for students at Indiana colleges and universities.
MAXIM INDY 500 PARTY
When: Friday May 27, 8-10 p.m. ET
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis 46225
How much: $500 (enter access code Maxim500 to purchase tickets)
Attire: Cocktail
More info: http://www.themaximevents.com/maximindy500
Celebrate the largest motorsports event in the world with 2,000-plus beautiful people, including A-list celebrities, drivers and other VIPs. In addition to all the food and drinks you can squeeze into your tightly clothed body, you’ll enjoy strolling performers, living art model vignettes and theatrical lighting, with a stunning soundtrack provided by top-drawer Dutch DJ Tiesto.
STEAK 'N SHAKE CARB NIGHT BURGER BASH
When: Friday May 27, 5-10 p.m. ET
Where: Pan Am Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis 46225
How much: Free
Attire: Casual
More info: https://www.facebook.com/CurtCavinsCarbNightBurgerBash/
If the Maxim party is, to put it delicately, “above your price point,” you can be Maxim-adjacent at the Carb Night Burger Bash, outside on the Pan Am Plaza. This rain-or-shine event is free, with food and drink provided by Steak ’n Shake available for purchase. Bash attendees can rub elbows with several top Verizon IndyCar Series drivers. Graham Rahal, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Ed Carpenter are expected to appear. Take in a live broadcast of “Trackside” on The Fan (1070 AM/93.5 FM) by event co-hosts Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee. You’ll also enjoy live music by the Flying Toasters and the chance to bid on auction items, including an autographed Rahal firesuit. Auction proceeds go to Basic Needs, Simple Solutions, a non-profit devoted to applying simple and sustainable solutions to help impoverished communities meet their basic needs.
KEY BANK 500 FESTIVAL SNAKEPIT BALL
When: Saturday May 28, 6-9 p.m. ET
Where: Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis 46204
How much: $300 per ticket (sold out)
Attire: Cocktail
More info: http://www.500festival.com/porchparty
This event is so popular, it’s already sold out. If you’re among the lucky few who scored tickets, prepare yourself for jaw-dropping, circus-themed entertainment, live music by Walk Off the Earth, an inspired selection of tasty morsels and signature cocktails created by celebrity mixologists. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for such luminaries as Oscar Robertson, Adam Carolla, John Green, Andrew Luck, Nastia Liukin, Pat McAfee, Robert Mathis, Dwayne Allen, Gary Brackett and Alan Henderson.
PORCH PARTY PROGRAM
More info: http://www.500festival.com/node/686
Maybe you’re more of a party-thrower than a party-goer. In that case, consider hosting your own Indy 500 Porch Party in the days leading up to the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. What better way to celebrate this milestone than by hanging with your family, friends and neighbors on your front porch? (Pro tip: If you don’t have a porch, no sweat. It’s a free country! You can also host your porch party on a deck, your front lawn, in your backyard, or even inside your home.)
And if you register your porch party beforehand (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100th-runningtm-indianapolis-500-porch-party-registration-tickets-23311071041), you could be eligible for special surprises, including appearances from driver or local personalities; a chance to ride in an INDYCAR Experience two-seater or pace car; and tickets for various IMS events. You’ll also be able to purchase special hundredth-running party decorations, including flags and banners. (Proceeds benefit Snowball Express, which serves the children of our fallen military heroes.)