Course Entertainment

Perform for a Crowd of 20,000!

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is one of the nation’s largest half-marathons. Known as The Greatest Spectacle in Running, the Indy Mini features 100 of the best entertainment groups and spirit squads lining the half marathon course. Selected entertainment acts will perform for 20,000 participants, volunteers, and spectators on the day of the Indy Mini.

Indy Mini participants cite course entertainment as one of the top reasons they return to the race year after year. From musicians to magicians, rock bands to dance groups, fitness squads to cloggers, and performances of all sorts, the fanfare that course entertainers bring to our participants is unlike anything else.

Apply to be a Course Entertainer!

Course Entertainment Benefits

An unforgettable experience to inspire tens of thousands
Group name and booking information listed on indymini.com
Group signage displayed at the performance location
Commemorative shirt*
Tickets to an Indianapolis 500 Practice Day
Certificate of participation
Social Media Contest – The winning group will be featured in a Facebook post on both the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 500 Festival page, as well as a blog post on IndyMini.com
Opportunity to impact and inspire thousands

*Entertainment groups must register by March 15 to be guaranteed to receive a commemorative shirt

Selection

Confirmation notices will be emailed to all selected groups on a rolling basis once we receive your application and sample of your work (link to online video or audio, etc.).

Orientation

All groups will be required to attend a Course Entertainment orientation (date TBD) in downtown Indianapolis. Critical performance details will be distributed at this meeting, including your group's assigned location, details regarding power, and your group's shirts.

Equipment

All groups will be responsible for supplying their own equipment. Generators or business power sources will be provided. Please be specific when completing the application as to your power needs so we can best follow up with your group.

Other Requirements & Details

Applications for the 2023 Course Entertainment are due by April 1, 2023. (must be registered by March 15 to be guaranteed a shirt)
Groups must be at their assigned location by 6:30 a.m. on race morning (May 6). All groups will finish performing by noon.
The number of entertainment groups selected will be capped at 100.

School Spirit Competition

Is your cheer squad ready to perform for more than 20,000 people? Be a part of the School Spirit Competition at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 6! This exciting opportunity is a chance to showcase how spirited, creative, and vocal your team can be as they cheer Indy Mini participants to the finish line!

The competition is pen to any high school cheerleading team and there is no registration fee to participate. This is not a skills-based competition. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five teams as voted by the competition judges. The competition is limited to 15 squads and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

School Spirit Application

Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2023.
Contact Simmi Kaur at 317-614-6163 or skaur@500festival.com for more information.

“Bands and entertainment along the course really made a difference for me and encouraged me throughout the race!"

- Alice R., OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon participant

2022 Course Entertainment Winner!

Nearly 50 groups performed for participants of the 2022 Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 7. While they all motivated participants, one was voted the fan favorite:
The Indiana Robot Show (Zeus the Robot)!

2022 Course Entertainment Groups

Contact Us

If you have questions about Course Entertainment for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, please email entertainment@500festival.com.