Ontario Honda Indy Toronto: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Did you know that Toronto hosts one of the most exciting motorsport races in the world, and you can go for free? Every July, Toronto hosts the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (formerly known as Honda Indy Toronto) at Exhibition Place.

The weekend starts off with one of Toronto’s greatest free summer events, Honda Indy Fan Friday.

Honda Indy Toronto is an annual three-day motorsports festival in downtown Toronto that takes place on the streets of Toronto surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario.

This race weekend has been taking place for 35 years every July and was first known as the Molson Indy. The Ontario Honda Indy is IndyCar’s second-oldest street race.

➤ Honda Indy runs July 19–21, 2024
➤ Your Ontario Honda Dealers Presents Fan Friday is July 19, 2024
➤ General public ticket sales begin on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Fan Friday provides free general admission on the opening day with a voluntary charitable donation. This free event is one of my favourite summer traditions in Toronto. It’s perfect for first-time attendees and families looking to enjoy an exciting day of motor racing.

Fan Friday is also a great time to check out the whole Indy experience, get a taste of car racing, and spend a summer day at this very family-friendly event. There are lots of activities for children, and I would highly recommend a day at the races with the kids!

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A Travel Guide to Ontario Honda Indy Fan Friday

In 2023, I attended the Honda Indy in Toronto for the first time and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, despite previously thinking that an interest in Indy car racing was necessary. How mistaken I was!

Spectators sitting in the grandstands watching car racing at the Honda Indy during Fan Friday. — Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place

The weekend was packed with excitement, offering far more than just car races! For me, attending the free Honda Indy Fan Friday was an ideal way to attend this event for the first time.

Keep reading to learn what to expect for first-time Honda Indy visitors!

What You Need to Know: Fan Friday

This is a three-day car racing event culminating with the main event, the NTT Indy Car Race on Sunday!

Race cars entering the race track at the Honda Indy with their crews on Fan Friday. — Cars line up in gasoline alley ahead of each race.

However, there are lots of other interesting races and events throughout the whole weekend. These include the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, USF Pro 2000 & USF2000, the Sports Car Championship, and, of course, the main event, the NTT Indy Car race on Sunday.

Even with my limited understanding of the race specifics, it was so much fun! There was so much to see and do, and it was easy to get caught up in the excitement of the car racing.

After spending three days at the Honda Indy, I realized I have been missing out on one of Toronto’s best summer events, and I most certainly will be returning year after year!

Where is the Honda Indy Located?

Address: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

The Honda Indy is held at Exhibition Place (what we locals call the CNE). Exhibition Place is across the street from Ontario Place and on the shores of Lake Ontario.

This street track winds its way throughout Exhibition Place, past the Princess Gates, down Lakeshore Ave., and back through the Exhibition grounds.

When is the Honda Indy and Fan Friday?

The Honda Indy will take place July 19–21, 2024, for the 38th time, in Toronto. In 2024 Fan Friday will be on Friday, July 19. This will be the final NTT IndyCar race before the 2024 Summer Olympics break.

What is Honda Indy Fan Friday?

For over 10 years, Honda has been opening its doors to the Friday practice sessions for free in exchange for a voluntary donation to the Make-A-Wish® Canada foundation.

It originally started because attendance was quite low on the Friday of the event, but it has now become a Toronto summer event tradition and an excellent way for visitors, especially families, to enjoy this fantastic attraction in Toronto.

And the best part? Honda Indy Fan Friday is FREE! Access to all the events on this day are free for everyone. Yes! FREE.

Spectators attending the Honda Indy on Fan Friday and enjoying the cars racing by on a summer day in Toronto. — Cars race through the CNE with views of the CN Tower

6 Things to Do on Fan Friday at the Honda Indy in Toronto

1. Watch the Races

Over the three-day event, you’ll have the chance to see a diverse range of races, including the pinnacle NTT IndyCar race on Sunday afternoon.

On Fan Friday, there are practice races, qualifying races, and final races. I have to admit, I didn’t really know what I was watching or what exactly was happening, but it didn’t matter! There was so much to see and do, and it was an exciting day of car racing, even for a first-time visitor.

Female standing in front of an orange and blue race car in the paddock at the Honda Indy. — Checking out the cars in the paddock before the races.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the specifics of racing, the sheer energy and excitement of the crowd make it a captivating event. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of motorsports and enjoy another thrilling sports event in Toronto.

2. Explore and Sit in Various Grandstand Seats

Fan Friday offers a unique perk: the ability to sit in any grandstand seat. There are no reserved seats on Fan Friday. For the other two event days, the grandstands are reserved seats only and require a purchased ticket.

This freedom allows you to watch the action from multiple perspectives, giving you a taste of what each viewing point has to offer. You can wander from one grandstand to another and discover your favourite spot to sit and watch the racing.

And as an added bonus, the grandstands are not nearly as crowded on Friday as they are during the rest of the weekend.

Fans watching the Ontario Honda Indy from Grandstand 3. — Watching the race from Grandstand 3

3. Visit the Paddock

The Paddock is a behind-the-scenes section where each team’s headquarters is located, complete with mechanical trailers and crews. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s the perfect place to get an up-close look at the IndyCars and possibly meet some of the drivers.

Access to the Paddock requires an additional ticket, but if you bring your PRESTO card on Fan Friday, you can enter for free!

Various cars and trailers inside at the Honda Indy paddock. — Views of cars in the paddock

4. Hang Out at Gasoline Alley

Position yourself along Gasoline Alley to catch a glimpse of the action as cars and drivers pass through on their way to the track.

It’s a thrilling spot to view the vehicles, the drivers, and their crew as they prepare for their races, offering a unique perspective of the event.

5. Get Some Driver Autographs

Throughout the Honda Indy, there are autograph sessions where fans can meet drivers, take photos, and get lots of autographs.

While there might be a wait, the lines move quickly, and it’s an excellent opportunity for fans to interact with their racing heroes. They particularly love signing autographs for kids!

Lines of visitors waiting for autographs from the race car drivers during Fan Friday at the Honda Indy.

6. Visit Thunder Alley and Honda World

In addition to all the racing, there are lots of opportunities to play games, enter contests, browse merchandise, and more in Thunder Alley and Honda World.

It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, participate in activities, or simply take in the festive atmosphere of the Indy.

Visitors lined up at the Food trucks, merchandise, and dining options at the Honda Indy.

Top Tips for Attending the Honda Indy

Wear Ear Protection

The engines are loud! So protect your hearing with earplugs or headphones.

Pro Tip: If you are a CAA member, show your card at the CAA lounge, and you can get a free pair of ear plugs!

Dress for the Weather

Most of the Honda Indy is outside. That means you are watching the races in the hot Toronto sun or in the pouring rain!

Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
Bring a poncho or a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Umbrellas can also be used as long as they don’t obstruct the view of others.

Racing fans sitting in the grandstands watching the Honda Indy in the rain with umbrellas and rain coats. — Watching the Honda Indy in the rain.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if it’s hot. While you cannot bring drinks into the event, you can bring in empty water bottles.

There are refillable water stations located throughout the grounds.

Open Containers are not allowed on the Bridge

For the safety of the drivers, only closed food and beverage containers can be carried across the bridge that crosses the track. Security will not let you cross with open containers, so don’t buy a drink if you need to cross the bridge to your seats!

I saw many people having to finish their beer or lemonade before being allowed to cross over from one side to the other.

Race Day is Busy

Expect large crowds on race day, so plan your arrival and departure times accordingly. As you get closer to the main race on Sunday, the crowds get bigger and the lines get longer!

Fan Friday for Families

If you are not a racing fan and just want to experience a free Toronto attraction, the best day to attend is the Friday! It’s an excellent opportunity to bring the kids, as the atmosphere is festive and less crowded.

Young children admiring one of the race car wheels during Fan Friday at the Honda Indy.

Take the TTC

It is difficult to find parking around the CNE, and the traffic is challenging on the best of days. Public transport is a much more convenient way to get there and it avoids the hassle of parking and traffic.

Bring a Seat Cushion

The grandstand seats are metal benches. Your butt can get sore on those stands all day long! If you have a seat cushion, I highly recommend brining it with you. Of course, you can always buy one there if you forget to bring your own!

Streetcars wait at the Exhibition Loop at the CNE.

Food at the Honda Indy

During Fan Friday at the Honda Indy, attendees have lots of dining options, including food trucks, food stands, ice cream trucks, and beer gardens scattered throughout the venue.

It’s important to note that outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the event. As with many events, the prices for food and beverages will be at a premium, so be prepared to spend more than you would outside the venue.

Getting to the Honda Indy

Travel By Streetcar

The TTC operates streetcar services that can drop you off right at the CNE. You can take the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcars from Union Station and get off at the Exhibition Loop, which is beside the grounds.

Travel By Go Train

The Exhibition GO Station is the closest stop to the CNE. Once you arrive at the station, it’s a short walk to the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), where the Honda Indy takes place.

People waiting to catch the Go Train in Toronto at the CNE.

Travel By Taxi/Uber/Lyft

For a direct route, a taxi or a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft can drop you off near the event. The suggested taxi drop-off point is at the intersection of Strachan Avenue and Fleet Street, east of the Exhibition grounds and north of Gate 1.

Attending the Race Weekend Festivities

Of course, after spending a fun-filled day at the Indy during Fan Friday, you may want to attend the rest of the event.

There are a variety of admission options and ticket prices, including general admission and reserved seating. Information can be found on the official website.

View of the Honda Indy track through the fence in front of the Princess Gates at the CNE.

You can also buy add-ons, including access to the Paddock, the Pit Lane, and the Grid Walk. Children under the age of 12 receive free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. To sit in the grandstands, children will require a reserved ticket.

The main event is the NTT IndyCar Series final race on Sunday afternoon. Sunday is by far the most crowded day of the Honda Indy, but it also has the true excitement of a final IndyCar race!

Where to Stay Near the CNE

There are many hotel options in the city of Toronto. Here are a few of the hotels I recommend for your visit to the Honda Indy.

Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection

Hotel X Toronto is located within the Exhibition Place grounds, offering convenience for Honda Indy attendees. You can watch the race from the hotel, in particular the rooftop pool!

The Hotel X in Toronto during the Toronto Honda Indy. People sitting at tables and chairs beside the cars racing by at the Indy. — Hotel X is on the CNE grounds. Watch the race from the hotel.

In addition, this luxury hotel includes a sports and entertainment complex, a cinema, and the most stunning views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario.

☞ Book Now: Hotel X by Library Hotel Collection

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is my top pick of hotels in Toronto. It’s in an excellent location close to the iconic Toronto sign, beside the Toronto Eaton Centre for shopping, and close to hundreds of bars and restaurants.

This hotel recently underwent a significant renovation and has the best indoor/outdoor heated pool in the city!

☞ Book Now: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Westin Harbour Castle

The Westin Harbour Castle, situated directly on the waterfront and adjacent to the ferry terminal, provides convenient access for a visit to the Toronto Islands. The CNE is also just a quick streetcar ride or a short walk away.

In addition, the Westin features incredible lakefront views, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and on-site dining options. Visitors will enjoy walking along the waterfront, or maybe enjoying a harbour cruise, before stopping at one of the many excellent patio restaurants in the area.

☞ Book Now: Westin Harbour Castle

Honda Indy FAQs

Do you need a ticket to attend Fan Friday at the Honda Indy?

No. You can just arrive at the CNE, and you will be granted access once you have gone through security.

Can I bring my own food into the Honda Indy?

No, outside food is not allowed inside the Honda Indy.

Can I bring a water bottle into the Honda Indy?

Yes, you can bring an empty water bottle into the Honda Indy.

Can strollers be brought into the Honda Indy?

Yes, strollers are permitted at the Honda Indy.

Can I bring my child to the Honda Indy?

Yes, children are welcome at the Honda Indy.

Can I bring a backpack into the Honda Indy?

Yes, backpacks are allowed into the Honda Indy.

Fan Friday: Free and Fun!

In my opinion, attending the Honda Indy weekend is an underrated sporting event in Toronto, especially when you consider Fan Friday is free!

Attending a day of motorsport racing for free in a major city is the best bargain going. Attendees have the chance to explore the grandstands freely, witness the action up close, and even meet the drivers!

Not to mention, it’s an excellent fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish® Canada foundation.

Overall, Fan Friday at the Honda Indy is an exceptional choice for individuals, sporting fans, and families looking for an exciting, free event during the summer in Toronto.

Before You Go: Learn More About Visiting Toronto

Now that you’ve read this guide to the Honda Indy, you may be interested in reading my guide for visiting the Toronto Islands, my list of the best beaches in Toronto, and the best things to do at Woodbine Beach.

Finally, if you are looking for more places to stay in Toronto, check out my list of the best hotels in Toronto with a pool and my honest review of the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel.