The Opening Act 5K Run & Walk

Ready to get your run and groove on? Join us for the Opening Act 5K run/walk positioned to kick off Carmel PorchFest. You will be "part of the show" by participating. Strategically timed with a 10:30 AM start on Sunday, you will have time to finish, socialize then walk through MidTown to the start of PorchFest, just three blocks away. MidTown is in the DORA district so if you partake in an adult beverage, you are free to walk around MidTown with the special cup we provide.  Enjoy post-race refreshments, music and more with specials from MidTown restaurants.

This timed 5K will include age group awards, medals and official event shirt. The course starts and finishes on the Monon Blvd at MidTown and takes runners north on the Monon, west towards Meadowlark Park then south to City Center Drive then back north to the finish.

THE BIG NEWS!  This is where you are a part of the show! A jazz band will arrive at 11:45 AM and march the group north on the Monon to the start of PorchFest!!  Think Mardi Gras fun coming to Carmel.

Proceeds benefit the Carmel PorchFest Grant Program, the program created to provide financial support to students interested in the musical arts to cover such items as new instruments, lessons, schooling, musical opportunities, etc. in exchange for volunteer hours.

Join us for this inaugural event to make it a tradition of running, music and fun!

Join fellow runners on September 20, 2026 for the The Opening Act 5K Run & Walk. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Carmel.