NCI Member Parade with Indy 500
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, 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

All NCI participants must be part of a NCI Club or Individual Membership. Please check in with
​Board Member, Addie Yoder upon arrival to our marshalling station. Another reminder: Participants are to wear cultural attire only. Wearing jeans or t-shirts will result in not being allowed to walk in parade. The Indy 500 Festival Parade waiver must be filled out prior to event day. 

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Important Note: 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.

    Club Representatives- Please complete reservation form for link to online waiver.
    Reminders:
    • All participants must be in cultural attire. Jeans and t-shirts are NOT permitted to walk in the parade. Please remind your members.
    • Member dues must be paid in advance to participate and are due annually by March 31st.
    • Please remember to tag us in your social media posts with @NCIfestivals or #NCIfestivals.
    • Participants will need to check in with our Board Vice-President upon arrival to parade meeting area. Let us know if there are any changes to your reservation as soon as possible.
    • This reservation will also ensure we have your flag represented. No outside banners will be permitted.
    • Registration is due by May 1st.
    • Once approved, we will send you a link for online waiver.


​Visit our Facebook page for more photos from over the years!
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)
​​Nationalities Council of Indiana
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 261
Indianapolis, IN 46206
[email protected]
Facebook: @NCIfestivals
​Queen Facebook: @NCIqueens