5 Must-Know May Dates In Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Spring took its sweet time arriving in many parts of the country, but now that it's here, it's probably safe to pack away the snow boots, stocking caps and gloves and get out of the house to enjoy some of the events packing the May calendar. In Indianapolis, May means it's officially race month, as the Indianapolis 500 takes place Sunday, May 27. Until then, Indianapolis Indians games, Workout Wednesdays and Food Truck Fridays will keep you outside.

Here are five other must-know dates for May:

Cinco de Mayo, May 5: A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has evolved as a mostly American holiday that celebrates Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Indianapolis will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Baila - Cinco De Mayo at The Vogue and the Cinco de Mayo Cornhole Tournament at Centerpoint Brewing. Officially, Cinco de Mayo marks the date of the Mexican Army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War — despite being outnumbered 2-to-1.

Kentucky Derby, May 5: The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby, known as "America's greatest race," kicks off the Triple Crown thoroughbred horse racing schedule. Few sporting events are as rich in tradition as the Derby, where attendees sip mint juleps, wear beautiful hats and join in singing "My Old Kentucky Home." In Indianapolis, you can watch the Kentucky Derby at Palomino, The Tinker Street Events and 12.05 Distillery.

Food Truck Fridays, Workout Wednesdays And More Return Downtown

Mother's Day, May 13: Mother's Day traces its roots to ancient Greece, though the first iteration of the modern holiday was in 1908, when Anna Jarvis honored her late mother three years after her death at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, and Jarvis spent some of the last years of her life rallying against commercialization of the holiday and wanted to see it removed from the calendar. Want to take Mom to brunch? See the Indianapolis Mother's Day 2018 Brunch Options, Events guide.

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• Kentucky Derby, Cinco De Mayo 2018 Events In Indianapolis
• Indianapolis Mother's Day 2018 Brunch Options, Events

Armed Forces Day, May 19: President Harry S. Truman led the effort to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard commemorations with a single day. Always celebrated on the third Saturday in May, the first such event was observed in 1950. In Indianapolis, why not RSVP to The real story behind Black Hawk Down event? That's taking place at 6 p.m. Friday, May 18 at 55 E. Michigan St. in Indianapolis.

Memorial Day, May 28: Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to honor men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military Day. In Indianapolis, Memorial Day will be celebrated during several events, where the city invites everyone to honor the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be filled with events and spectators all weekend as the Indianapolis 500 celebrates its 102nd year.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, and many Americans observe it by visiting cemeteries or memorials, at family gatherings and by participating in parades. It marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

Photo credit: Rebecca Bream