Every summer, Indianapolis Motor Speedway becomes the center of the racing world once again as thousands of fans gather for Brickyard Weekend. While many people know the iconic Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG, the weekend offers much more than one race. From the excitement of the NASCAR Hauler Parade to multiple racing series, family-friendly activities, fan experiences, and one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, Brickyard Weekend is a celebration of motorsports unlike anything else in Indiana.
Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’re a returning fan, here’s everything you need to know before heading to IMS this weekend.
What Is Brickyard Weekend?
Brickyard Weekend is one of the premier motorsports weekends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, bringing together several NASCAR-sanctioned events across four days of action.
The weekend celebrates the tradition of stock car racing at one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Since the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994, winning at IMS has become one of the highest achievements in NASCAR, joining the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 as one of the sport’s crown jewel events.
Today, Brickyard Weekend is much more than race day. It’s an opportunity to experience Indianapolis Motor Speedway from a different perspective, meet fellow racing fans, explore the Fan Midway, shop official merchandise, and enjoy the atmosphere that makes the Racing Capital of the World so special.
Thursday: The Weekend Begins with the NASCAR Hauler Parade
The celebration officially kicks off Thursday evening with one of the most unique traditions of the weekend: the NASCAR Hauler Parade.
The massive race transporters travel through Speedway and arrive along Main Street, giving fans a chance to see the teams before they enter Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The event has become a local tradition and features much more than the haulers themselves. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local businesses, food vendors, interactive displays, and a festive atmosphere that brings the racing community together before the competition even begins.
Best of all, this community event is free to attend and is perfect for families looking to start the weekend early.
Friday: Practice, Qualifying and Behind-the-Scenes Action
Friday offers one of the best opportunities to experience IMS without the large Sunday crowds.
Throughout the day, fans can watch practice sessions and qualifying as teams fine-tune their cars ahead of race weekend. It’s also an excellent day to explore the Speedway at a slower pace, visit the merchandise tents, discover the Fan Midway, and take in the sights and sounds that make NASCAR weekends so memorable.
If you’re someone who enjoys photography, Friday is one of our favorite days to capture cars on track while also spending time exploring the venue.
Saturday: A Full Day of Racing
Saturday keeps the excitement going with a packed schedule that includes the Pennzoil 250 along with additional NASCAR competition throughout the day.
Many fans consider Saturday one of the most enjoyable days of the weekend because there’s racing nearly all day while still offering plenty of time to walk around Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Beyond the on-track action, visitors can enjoy sponsor activations, merchandise shopping, interactive exhibits, food vendors, and activities designed for racing fans of all ages.
If you’re visiting with family, Saturday offers an excellent balance between competition and entertainment.
Sunday: The Brickyard 400 Takes Center Stage
Everything builds toward Sunday’s main event: the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG.
The day begins long before the green flag with pre-race ceremonies, fan activities, driver introductions, and the famous atmosphere that only Indianapolis Motor Speedway can create.
Watching NASCAR’s best drivers compete on the historic 2.5-mile oval is an experience every racing fan should have at least once.
The roar of the engines, the speed down the front straightaway, and the tradition surrounding the Yard of Bricks make this one of the most iconic sporting events in Indiana each year.
Don’t Miss the Fan Midway
One of our favorite parts of Brickyard Weekend is spending time in the Fan Midway.
Located outside the grandstands, this area brings together interactive exhibits, sponsor displays, games, giveaways, official NASCAR merchandise, manufacturer showcases, and opportunities to connect with partners from across the motorsports industry.
Even if you arrive several hours before your race begins, there’s plenty to see and do.
Visit the IMS Museum
If time allows, we highly recommend adding a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to your weekend.
Recently renovated, the museum offers an incredible look at the history of motorsports through legendary race cars, immersive exhibits, championship trophies, and stories that have shaped racing for more than a century.
It’s the perfect complement to a weekend at the Speedway, whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or simply curious about Indianapolis’ rich motorsports heritage.
Food, Shopping and the Race Day Atmosphere
Part of what makes Brickyard Weekend so enjoyable is everything happening beyond the track.
Throughout the venue you’ll find a wide variety of food and beverage options, official merchandise stands, souvenir shops, and plenty of opportunities to pick up memorabilia from your favorite drivers and teams.
The energy around the Speedway is contagious. Fans travel from across the United States to experience this event, creating an atmosphere that feels like a true celebration of motorsports.
Tips Before You Go
If you’re planning to attend Brickyard Weekend, here are a few recommendations from our experience covering events at IMS:
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy the Fan Midway.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—there’s a lot to explore.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the afternoon.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Check the official event schedule before leaving home, as times may change.
- If you’re attending multiple days, take time to experience different grandstand views and areas around the Speedway.
Why We Love Brickyard Weekend
Every visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway reminds us why this venue is one of Indiana’s greatest landmarks.
Brickyard Weekend isn’t just for hardcore NASCAR fans. It’s a celebration of racing history, Indianapolis culture, and the passion that makes this city the Racing Capital of the World.
Whether you’re coming for the Hauler Parade, the Pennzoil 250, the Brickyard 400, or simply to experience the atmosphere at IMS, this is one of those weekends that belongs on every Indiana bucket list.
We’ll be covering Brickyard Weekend throughout the weekend, so be sure to follow We Like Indy for behind-the-scenes content, race-day photos, videos, and our favorite moments from one of the biggest sporting weekends of the summer.
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