500 Festival Event & Program Operations Internship - Spring 2026 (January 13 – May 28, 2026)
Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is seeking our next class of interns to help produce one of the nation's greatest series of community events! As a 500 Festival intern, you won't just observe - you'll play a hands-on role in planning and executing events that bring joy to more than half a million people each year and celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.
This listing covers five separate internship tracks within our Operations team (see Internship Areas of Focus section below). Candidates interested in any or all the outlined positions should apply via this listing.
Internship Details
- Dates: January 13 - May 28, 2026
- Hours: Full time, approx. 40 hours/week (8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday). Extended hours, evenings, weekends and all weekends in May are required.
- Compensation: $400/week stipend, paid monthly (no relocation or housing assistance provided)
About the 500 Festival
Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces life-enriching events and programs celebrating the spirit of the Indianapolis 500. From the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to the 500 Festival Parade, our events unite the community, elevate civic pride, and showcase Indianapolis on a national stage. Each year, more than 500,000 people engage with the 500 Festival through our events and programs.
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Internship Areas of Focus
Below are the five Operations Internship tracks available for Spring 2026. Each intern will work directly with the listed supervisor, focusing on the events and programs in their portfolio while also supporting other 500 Festival events throughout the season.
Track 1 - Sara Adams, VP of Operations
- 500 Festival Post Race Party, presented by PNC Bank
- Mini-Marathon Course Entertainment Program
- 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.
Track 2 - Glenn Amos, VP of Operations
- IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
- The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
Track 3 - Laura Bliss, VP of Operations
- 500 Festival Parade
- 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis
- 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
Track 4 - Michael Spagnolli, Program & Event Senior Coordinator
- 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo
- Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day
Track 5 - Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
- 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group
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Position Overview
Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and logistical execution of assigned 500 Festival events and programs
- Support the development and implementation of event timelines, checklists, and production schedules
- Coordinate with internal departments (marketing, registration, strategic partnerships, etc.) to ensure event needs are met
- Communicate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to confirm event logistics and deliverables
- Help manage event inventory, supplies, and equipment, including preparation, transportation, and on-site setup
- Assist with recruitment, training, scheduling, and management of event volunteers and committee members
- Participate in on-site event production for all events, including setup, operations, troubleshooting, and teardown
- Assist with drafting event materials, such as operations manuals, maps, and run-of-show documents
- Conduct post-event evaluations and support reporting, debriefs, and analysis
- Provide general administrative support to the Operations team and supervisors as needed
- Serve as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, providing excellent customer service and promoting a positive experience for participants and guests
Requirements
- Enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university.
- Training or experience in event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
- Proactive with various details of assigned events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized, proactive and collaborative.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours in May.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed for event setup/teardown.
Application Process
- Apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.
- Interviews will be conducted virtually or in-person, depending on applicant availability and location.
- Applicants may be considered for other internship tracks based on interests and skills.
Benefits
- Hands-on, professional experience in large-scale event production.
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Networking opportunities with civic leaders, sponsors, and event professionals.
- 500 Festival branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
