Indianapolis event weekends: what to do between sessions
Racing capital of the world, with a walkable downtown, canal walk and the biggest children's museum on earth.
Events we cover in Indianapolis
5 Nov 2026*Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Indianapolis, United StatesMarathon28 May 2027Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis, United StatesMotorsport
Indianapolis, United StatesMarathon28 May 2027Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis, United StatesMotorsport
Arriving
Indianapolis (IND) is 20 minutes from downtown.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Speedway and west side | Closest chains to the track. |
| Mid-range | Downtown | Walk to restaurants and the canal. |
| Splurge | JW Marriott and Conrad | Downtown towers. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Indianapolis Northwest
- Mid-range: Le Méridien Indianapolis
- Splurge: Conrad Indianapolis
Tours
Half day · Family · Indoor
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and track tour
Museum and a lap of the oval.
Where to eat
With kids
- Children's Museum.
- Indianapolis Zoo.
Rainy-day backups
- Eiteljorg Museum.
- Newfields art museum.
Free things to do
- Canal Walk.
- Indiana War Memorial.
- Monument Circle.
Getting around
- IndyGo buses and race-day shuttles to the Speedway.