500 Festival Princess Program

05/29/2026

This May has been absolutely legendary! 🏁🔥

Our 2026 Princesses didn't just celebrate at every event that makes May in Indianapolis so special — they spent the whole month serving those around them with grace and heart! 👑💕

We are so incredibly proud, and we cannot wait to see these brilliant young women continue to grow into the strong, influential leaders who will shape the future of Indiana! 🌟

05/28/2026

Who spotted some of our 2026 500 Festival Princesses at the track on Sunday?! 🏁👑✨

They soaked up every single second of the 110th Indy 500 experience this past weekend!

Between all the celebrations, nonstop smiles, and that winning energy, even a little sprinkle of rain couldn't put a damper on the fun! 🌧️🙌

What an unforgettable way to round out the season with this incredible group of young leaders! 🎉

05/27/2026

Feeling like we’re on top of the world! 💃🏼🗺️

The 2026 500 Festival Princesses owned the streets at the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade this weekend.

Countless fans, one unforgettable vibe. ✨

05/20/2026

Spend the day with one of our 2026 500 Festival Princesses, Krisha Mattu! 👑🏁

As a Junior at Indiana University, Krisha is currently pursuing a major in Neuroscience alongside minors in Social Sciences in Medicine & Psychology. Her commitment to leadership and advocacy is evident through her recent roles as Vice President of the Sikh Student Association and Student Advisor for IU Bring Change to Mind.

Additionally, she is the founder and president of Hoosier Henna, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health, self-expression, and community through henna art and outreach events. 🖌️

For Krisha, the 500 Festival represents a full-circle moment. One of her earliest memories is meeting a 500 Festival Princess at her school when she was younger!

Fun Fact: Krisha has a twin brother. 👫

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

The 2026 500 Festival Princesses have truly gone above and beyond this year, leaving a lasting impact across Indianapolis. 👑🏁

Their journey has taken them from the starting line of the Indiana Kidney 5K Walk to an exciting Indy Eleven Indy 500 evening, and deep into the heart of service with the Riley Dance Marathon and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Whether they were sharing smiles during Healing Through Henna, reading to students during elementary school story times, or spending meaningful time with patients at Ascension St. Vincent, these ambassadors have shown what true leadership looks like.

We are so proud of the heart they bring to the Month of May! ✨🏎️

05/18/2026

Saturday marked the annual 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA Consulting, Inc. It was a morning dedicated to honoring Indiana’s hardworking Mayors and celebrating our 2026 500 Festival Princesses as they stepped into the spotlight to showcase themselves to the community. 🏁

The Pavilion was buzzing as we officially crowned our 2026 Queen Scholar, Hailey Ready! Even with the weather, Hailey didn’t miss a beat, as she headed over to the iconic Pagoda for some stunning photos. 👑🥰

We were also honored to hear from our 2025 500 Festival Queen Scholar, Chelsea Murdock, who took the stage to share her incredible experiences and insights alongside the Mayors and other leaders within the community.

Finally, a big thank you to former 500 Festival Princess, Katie Kiel, for keeping the energy high and leading the morning as our incredible emcee! 🎤

05/16/2026

👑 We're proud to announce Hailey Ready as the 2026 500 Festival Queen Scholar!

From Greenwood, Indiana, Hailey is currently pursuing a degree in Biology and English at Marian University Indianapolis. 🏫

She is actively involved in the Marian Knight Drama Club, has held multiple leadership roles at The Fioretti, Marian’s literary journal, and spends her free time volunteering at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo.

We’re thrilled to recognize her achievements and honor her as this year’s Queen Scholar, as well as the other 33 Princesses who are a part of the 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by National Bank of Indianapolis ✨

To read more visit 500Festival.com/News

05/15/2026

Spend the day with one of our 2026 500 Festival Princesses, Olivia Parker! 👑🏁

As a Junior at Trine University, Olivia is currently majoring in Exercise Science as she prepares to enter her Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her leadership extends across campus where she serves as the president of her sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, and leads as a captain of the High Voltage Dance Team.

In addition to these roles, she remains deeply involved in the Trine University pre-Physical Therapy club, the health science association, and Delight Ministries.

For Olivia, the 500 Festival has always been a cherished family affair, as she has attended the Parade in person with her family every single year. 🎈

Fun Fact: Outside of her academic and leadership pursuits, you might find Olivia driving around in her convertible Volkswagen Beetle! 🚗🐞

05/14/2026

This May is legendary! 🥰👑

Our 2026 500 Festival Princesses not only continue to celebrate all events that help make May in Indianapolis so special, but they serve those around them.

Whether its reading books to classrooms, supporting youth health initiatives, bringing the fun of May to others all over the state, these ladies are ON IT! ✨