#PRINCESSPROGRAM

500 Festival Princess Program

500 Festival Princess Program

Presented By The National Bank of Indianapolis

Cultivating Indiana’s Next Great Leaders!

The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, is a tribute to Indiana’s most community-oriented and academically accomplished young women. Every year, 33 college-aged women are selected as 500 Festival Princesses, entrusted with the role of being ambassadors for the 500 Festival, their hometowns, and their respective colleges and universities.

Being a 500 Festival Princess opens the door to unparalleled experiences and an abundance of leadership and professional growth prospects. Since its inception in 1959, over 2,000 outstanding Indiana women have had the honor of being selected as 500 Festival Princesses, leaving a lasting impact on their college campuses and communities. Click below to start your journey!

Benefits Of The 500 Festival Princess Program

Each 500 Festival Princess will receive the following:

  • Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, city of Indianapolis, and the state of Indiana

  • $1,500 scholarship to assist with educational expenses, made possible by Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies, and the 500 Festival Foundation

  • Leadership development opportunities and unique access to professional development and networking events

  • Opportunities to create lifelong connections with business and community leaders

  • 500 Festival apparel

To be considered for the 2026 500 Festival Princess Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Additional support of the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by: The National Bank of Indianapolis, 500 Festival Foundation, Khamis Fine Jewelers, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

🎓 Academic & Enrollment Requirements

  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time student at a fully accredited college or university in Indiana, and remain enrolled through Spring 2026:
    • Undergraduate: Minimum of 12 academic credit hours
    • Graduate: Minimum of 9 academic credit hours
  • Be in good academic standing (not on scholastic probation)
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Note: A high semester GPA cannot override a cumulative GPA below 3.0

🧍‍♀️ Personal Eligibility

  • Be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026, and no older than 23 by May 31, 2026
  • Identify as female
  • Claim legal Indiana residency, with proof via a valid Indiana driver’s license or state-issued ID

🌟 Character & Involvement

  • Be actively involved in at least one extracurricular or community service activity

📅 Required Participation

  • Be available to fully participate in 500 Festival events during Spring 2026
  • Attend the following mandatory events:
    • First-round in-person interview: January 24, 2026 (Indianapolis)
    • Second-round virtual interview: February 7, 2026 (Zoom)
    • Princess Program Orientation: February 14, 2026 (Indianapolis)

Failure to attend interviews or orientation will result in disqualification

🚗 Logistics

  • Be able to provide your own transportation and parking for all events and activities

📝 Application Deadline

  • Submit a complete online application by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, January 4, 2026

A 500 Festival Princess
  • Represents the 500 Festival by actively supporting its mission, values, and goals.
  • Participates in 500 Festival outreach initiatives throughout Indiana. This includes conducting programming in their hometown and other communities around Indiana on behalf of the organization and the Princess Program.
  • Engages with activities surrounding the 500 Festival and Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout Spring 2026.
  • Learns by taking advantage of opportunities for personal development, volunteerism, and community involvement.
  • Has fun and makes new friends through volunteerism—one of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of participation in the 500 Festival Princess Program.
Mandatory Events
  • Saturday, February 14: 500 Festival Princess Program Orientation
  • Saturday, April 25: 500 Festival Princess Program Reception
  • Saturday, May 2: IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
  • Saturday, May 9: JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & 500 Festival Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
  • Saturday, May 16: 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA & 500 Festival Volunteer Appreciation Day
  • Friday, May 22: The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
  • Saturday, May 23: Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade
  • Sunday, May 24: 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500

NOTE: All dates/times are subject to change. Exceptions for major life events (college graduation, weddings for immediate family members, etc.) will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Community Outreach Program

As ambassadors for the 500 Festival, the 500 Festival Princesses play a critical role in the organization’s statewide outreach initiative. Each 500 Festival Princess will be responsible for securing community outreaches within her hometown, college town, or Indianapolis. They will work closely with the 500 Festival staff to develop messaging, talking points, and presentations. These outreaches will take place from February through May of 2025.

Encouraged Events 

In addition to the mandatory activities, the 500 Festival Princesses are encouraged to participate in other community and 500 Festival activities, including: 

  • Saturday, March 6: 500 Festival 6-Miler, presented by OrthoIndy
  • Saturday, April 11: 500 Festival 10-Miler, presented by OrthoIndy
  • Wednesday, April 29: 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
  • March: Mobile study trips for the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Riley Children’s Health
  • April: Study trips for the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health
  • February-May: Visits with fellow 500 Festival Princesses to Statewide Outreach efforts at community centers, hometown schools, community organizations/associations and hospitals around the state
  • Thursday, April 30 – Friday, May 1: Indy Mini Expo  

NOTE: All dates/times are subject to change

Additional 500 Festival Princess Program Policies
  • Selection as a 500 Festival Princess prohibits eligibility in any future 500 Festival Princess selections.
  • 500 Festival Princesses are expected to act professionally at all times. Inappropriate behavior and/or attire at the 500 Festival, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (heretofore referred to as “IMS”), IndyCar, or related events can result in immediate dismissal. Immediate dismissal will occur after any of the following instances but is not limited to conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, illegal use of alcohol and/or drugs, public indecency, public nuisance, and/or any behavior deemed by the 500 Festival and/or the IMS as detrimental to the interest of the 500 Festival and/or the IMS, its representatives, sponsors, or licensees. In cases of dismissal, the Princess shall forfeit all rights, titles, or claims to any title designations, scholarships, prizes, or awards.
  • Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages are not allowed at 500 Festival/IndyCar/IMS events. Any Princess smoking and/or drinking at aforementioned events and/or while wearing Princess attire will be immediately dismissed.
  • 500 Festival Princesses may take part in contests, leadership development, or other scholarship programs throughout their time in the 500 Festival Princess Program. However, if a scheduling conflict should arise, the Princess agrees to make the 500 Festival events and activities her top priority throughout the months of April and May.
  • The Princesses acknowledge it is in the interest and benefit of the 500 Festival and IMS to make appearances on behalf of the 500 Festival and IMS, including but not limited to, radio, television, other broadcast media, charitable service appearances, endorsement, or advertising appearances, without compensation.
  • Fraternization between IndyCar staff, drivers, crew members, and guests of the IMS and/or the 500 Festival by Princesses during their term is forbidden by the 500 Festival. Such conduct may result in immediate dismissal and is at the sole discretion of the 500 Festival. The 500 Festival will act as the final decision maker on all issues of conduct as outlined in this agreement.
  • Candidates who have an immediate family member currently employed by the 500 Festival, currently serving on the 500 Festival Board of Directors, or currently employed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are not subject to preferential treatment in the 500 Festival Princess Program selection process.
  • Concerning all social media outlets: Inappropriate content posted on the internet, as determined by the 500 Festival, may lead to dismissal and/or other appropriate action by the 500 Festival. This rule also applies to sites and/or web pages with “private” settings.
  • Dismissal requires the relinquishing of all gifts you have received as a 500 Festival Princess.
  • No Princess will participate in any outreach, media appearance, social media endeavor, or event as a 500 Festival Princess without express consent from the 500 Festival’s Princess Program Director. Additionally, all outreach endeavors must be approved by the 500 Festival.
  • Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness can result in your dismissal as a 500 Festival Princess.
  • One 500 Festival Princess will be selected to serve as the 500 Festival Queen Scholar. The 500 Festival Queen Scholar will have the opportunity to participate in 500 Festival and Indianapolis Motor Speedway events throughout May. In addition, she will be asked to make media and public appearances on behalf of the 500 Festival. She will work closely with the 500 Festival staff to develop messaging, talking points, and presentations.

As ambassadors of the 500 Festival, Princesses play a critical role in the execution of the 500 Festival’s mission to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. The 33 Princesses participate in the 500 Festival’s Statewide Outreach Program, which educates Hoosiers about the history and legacy of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 as well as our various events and programs. Each year, 500 Festival Princesses conduct more than 1,500 community outreaches impacting more than 50,000 people, expanding the celebration and impact of the Indianapolis 500 in a meaningful way.

500 Festival Princesses conduct many outreach opportunities, including visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, community celebrations, and various youth programs.

Please complete the request form below if you would like the 500 Festival Princesses to visit your event.

Completion of the request form does not guarantee an appearance. If you have questions or need additional information, please get in touch with 500 Festival Princess Program Director, Laura Bliss, at lbliss@500Festival.com.

⇒ Click here for the Princess Outreach Request Form

In 2015, the 500 Festival added a $1,000 scholarship for each of the 33 500 Festival Princesses selected to the program, made possible by the 500 Festival Foundation and Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of the Sexton Companies. Before 2015, only the woman selected as the 500 Festival Queen Scholar received a scholarship.

In 2019, Marlyne Sexton made a transformational commitment to the 500 Festival Foundation, establishing a fund to ensure that scholarships for all 33 500 Festival Princesses are covered in perpetuity. Her generosity increased each scholarship to $1,500 and added an additional $1,500 scholarship for the Queen Scholar. The Queen Scholar is selected at the end of May and serves as a representative of her princess class.

The 500 Festival Princess Program was launched in 1959 and since then, nearly 2,100 of Indiana’s brightest young women have participated in this program. If you’re a Princess Program alumna, we want to hear from you!

Please fill out → this form so we can keep in touch and send updates regarding the Princess Program, Alumnae events, 500 Festival volunteer opportunities, and more!

We remember and celebrate the life of Marlyne Sexton, a beloved member of the 500 Festival family whose impact will be felt for generations.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Marlyne Sexton, a cherished member of the 500 Festival family. As a longtime board director and passionate supporter of our Princess Program, Marlyne believed in the power of community, education, and tradition. Her commitment helped shape the Festival into the vibrant celebration it is today.

Her passion, leadership, and heart helped shape the spirit of the 500 Festival and empowered so many along the way. More than anything, she inspired, mentored, and empowered countless young women to become strong, compassionate leaders.

We celebrate Marlyne’s remarkable life and the lasting impact she has made on the Festival and our community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS