A definitive guide to Indianapolis 500 concerts: Carb Day, Legends Day and Snake Pit

Claire Rafford, Indianapolis Star
·3 min read

The Indy 500 isn't just about the race. It's a monthlong event, one that starts on May 1 (hence the "Month of May" designations) and that really kicks off Friday — Carb Day.

What's not to love about concerts, drinks, food and overall celebration? Nothing, especially after cancellations and modifications due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

So pack your coolers (for the Snake Pit), cowboy boots (for Legends Day) and sunscreen (for the whole weekend), and let's get into it.

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Here's IndyStar's definitive guide to the Indy 500 entertainment, everything but the actual race, that is:

Carb Day

Rick Springfield performs at the Indiana State Fair on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018.
Rick Springfield performs at the Indiana State Fair on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018.

Start your engines: The Miller Lite Carb Day concert will commence at 3:30 p.m. on May 27, the Friday preceding Sunday's race.

Eighties heartthrob Rick Springfield and rock supergroup Kings of Chaos will headline the show, which, unlike previous years, will take place inside Turn 3 of the IMS oval.

General admission tickets are on sale now for $35, and kids 15 and under, when accompanied by an adult ticketholder, can get in free. Carb Day VIP tickets are on sale for $250 and concert-only pit tickets are available for $25. You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/3sGXCSY.

Unless you bought a concert-only ticket, the price also includes admission to the last practice — the "true" purpose of Carb Day.

Legends Day

Dierks Bentley performs at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in Noblesville on May 31, 2019.
Dierks Bentley performs at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in Noblesville on May 31, 2019.

The country vibes are in swing for the Firestone Legends Day concert on Saturday, May 28. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert will start at 7.

For the first time in its history, the concert has moved from IMS to TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park.

Country star Dierks Bentley will headline, with opening performances from Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael.

General admission lawn seats start at $59.50, though prices may increase closer to the concert day. Tickets are available on Live Nation: livemu.sc/3Pq6RAO.

Snake Pit

It's back after two years!

Dutch DJ Martin Garrix will headline the return of the famed race day event along with deadmau5, Galantis, Steve Aoki and Yellow Claw.

Snake Pit attendees must be 18 or older and must hold tickets both for the race and the Snake Pit.

Tickets for the race are $45 and Snake Pit tickets are $75 for general admission.

The general admission package including both access to the race and the pit is $120. The VIP package is $245. Prices will increase on race day, according to IMS. You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/3PxPgqM.

After a previous ban, IMS reversed the guidance to say that coolers will be allowed in the Snake Pit.

More: IMS reverses previous ban, announces coolers allowed in Snake Pit for 2022 event

Coolers and bags must measure no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches in size, but can be hard- or soft-sided. All coolers and bags will be checked for size upon entry. Glass bottles are prohibited at IMS.

Contact IndyStar trending reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on Twitter @clairerafford.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500: A definitive guide to Carb Day Legends Day and the Snake Pit