Top Events to Catch During Austin’s Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend
Concerts, food and more to explore in the days surrounding the races at COTA
The highly anticipated Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix returns to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 17-19. In addition to the thrilling race, fans can enjoy a wide range of experiences throughout the weekend.
With over 400,000 attendees expected, this year’s event will continue to build on the sport’s growing popularity. From a diverse selection of chart-topping musical acts to upscale chef tastings and other exhilarating activities, here are our picks for different thrills to catch at COTA and all over town this weekend.
F1 Live Music & Parties:
Kygo
Oct. 17
One of the most anticipated performances at COTA this weekend comes from Norwegian DJ, producer and songwriter Kygo. With more than 23 billion streams worldwide, he’s one of the most successful electronic artists of all time. Known for his euphoric, feel-good sound, Kygo has headlined sold-out arenas and major festivals across the globe. His set will kick off the USGP weekend in high-energy fashion. This concert is included with your Friday F1 admission.
Garth Brooks
Oct. 18
Saturday’s headliner needs no introduction. Country music icon Garth Brooks — a seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame — will take the stage for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night at COTA. Brooks remains the only artist in history with nine diamond-certified albums. This concert is included with your Saturday F1 admission.
Turnpike Troubadours
Oct. 19
Closing out the weekend, the Turnpike Troubadours will headline Sunday’s post-race concert. The platinum-selling band has earned a loyal following with its blend of country, folk and rock, and a reputation for raw, poetic storytelling that’s made them a cornerstone of Americana and Red Dirt music. This concert is included with your Sunday F1 admission.
Austin Bands for Austin Fans
Oct. 17–19
The American Soundtrack lineup at the U.S. Grand Prix will spotlight local talent all weekend long. Catch Austin favorites including sister trio The Tiarras, ska band Los Kurados and nine-piece Latin revival orchestra Brownout. Other highlights include a set from honky tonk group Libby and the Loveless and a performance by rising country duo The Band Loula. All shows are included with F1 admission. For the full schedule, visit the COTA website.
Wynn Nightlife at Mayfair Austin
Oct. 16–19
Wynn Nightlife is bringing Vegas energy to Austin with four nights of performances at Mayfair Austin (501 W. 6th St.) during race weekend. The lineup features King Louie on Thursday, DJ Pauly D on Friday, Zhu on Saturday, and Cloonee on Sunday. Doors open at 10 p.m. each night.
Sports Illustrated Circuit Series
Oct. 18
Sports Illustrated is back in Austin for Formula One weekend. Off the track, the SI Circuit Series takes over downtown Austin on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 304 E. 3rd St., with a late-night show headlined by Grammy-nominated duo Sofi Tukker. The event will also feature DJ unKommon and activations from partners including PATRÓN Tequila, Grey Goose, and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Tickets are $145 and can be purchased here.
Rolling Stone x IQOS Party
Oct. 18
Rolling Stone and PMI U.S. will host a free event at Inn Cahoots on Saturday, Oct. 18, featuring live performances by Disko Cowboy, Calder Allen, Brent Cobb, and Croy and The Boys. The celebration coincides with Austin’s F1 weekend and marks the launch of PMI’s IQOS Gear Edition, a limited-edition colorway of its FDA-authorized smoke-free device. Doors open at 7 p.m. and attendees must be 21 or older to enter.
Food Happenings:
Garrison Big Race Dinner Series
Oct. 16–19
Partake in a gourmet feast at the Fairmont Austin’s fine-dining concept, Garrison. The hotel restaurant will offer guests a seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu over the weekend, led by Garrison’s Executive Chef John Satterfield. This elevated meal is priced at $195 for the tasting menu, plus an additional $150 for wine pairing. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling 512-600-2000.
COTA Culinary Experience
Oct. 17–19
Epicures are in for a treat with this weekend-long experience of the best food you can find in Austin, all brought to one place — out at Circuit of the Americas. More than 30 different restaurants and chefs will bring bites for the crowds, offering fans a taste of Texas. Try a selection of Texas BBQ, tacos, ice cream, French fries and whatever else your heart may desire.
Cold Cuts & Cannonballs
Oct. 17
Hotel Van Zandt is teaming up with Turkey & The Wolf, the New Orleans sandwich shop named America’s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit, for a one-day-only poolside takeover on Friday, Oct. 17. The Cold Cuts & Cannonballs event will feature stacked sandwiches, F1-themed cocktails, DJ sets, and all-day access to the hotel’s rooftop pool. Doors open at 11 a.m., with food served from 12–4 p.m. and a raffle at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, and the event is 21+.
F1 Weekend at Westin Austin Downtown
Oct. 17
The Westin Austin Downtown is revving up for race weekend with a full lineup of events, from oysters to rooftop beats. Guests can enjoy a custom hat pop-up by Rancher Hat Bar and permanent jewelry from Fineweld Gems in the hotel lobby from 2–6 p.m., followed by live music from Andrea Young from 5–8 p.m. At their new restaurant Skipjack Oyster, the festivities include a 16-oyster omakase tasting from 3–6 p.m. and Bubbles & Bumps from 5–11 p.m., featuring caviar bumps and sparkling wine pairings.
F1 Afterparty at Kalimotxo
Oct. 18
Downtown Austin’s Kalimotxo, from the team behind Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, will transform into an F1 Paddock Club–style afterparty for one night only. Guests can enjoy $6 beers, $8 Spanish classics and zero-proof options, $10 cocktails, half-off wine bottles, and discounted bites. Guests can enjoy music by DJ Adrian Hardy and surprise guest sets. Entry is free with RSVP via Posh.
Uptown Sports Club Hosts F1 Watch Party
Oct. 19
Aaron Franklin’s Louisiana-style brasserie, Uptown Sports Club, will host a special F1 watch party on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2–4 p.m. Guests can enjoy brunch and drink specials from Jack Daniel’s while catching the race on their big screens. Make reservations here.
F1 Race Fan Entertainment:
Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone
Oct. 13–18
The Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone returns all week in the heart of Downtown Austin at 800 Congress for a star-studded line-up of appearances, car shows, prize giveaways, and more. F1 fans can expect a fun-filled week at the Fan Zone and to stay up to date on announcements, download the official Williams Racing app.
AT&T Garage
Oct. 15–19
AT&T is celebrating F1 weekend with the AT&T Garage at Distribution Hall (1500 E. 4th St.), a free fan space open Oct. 17–19 featuring DJ sets by Cheat Codes and Erok, a live taping of P1 with Matt and Tommy, racing simulators, custom phone cases and fast-charging stations. See the full schedule here.
Plus44 by Lewis Hamilton Launches “RODEO” Collection in Austin
Oct. 16–19
Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton is debuting a new limited-edition RODEO collection through his lifestyle label, Plus44. Inspired by Texan cowboy culture, the capsule features Western-influenced streetwear pieces, including embroidered moto jackets, rhinestone tanks, vintage-style tees and hoodies, and limited accessories like cowboy hats and silver belt buckles. The collection will be available online at Plus44.world and in person at The Flower Shop Austin. The event will feature daily contests, exclusive in-store items and a cocktail hour hosted by ALMAVE from 4:44 to 5:44 p.m.
ExxonMobil Pop-Up
Oct. 17–18
ExxonMobil is hosting a VCARB™ and ORBR™ x Mobil™ “Spin to Win” pop-up experience at 1403 S. Lamar Blvd. Fans can visit the Mobil station Friday, Oct. 17, from 4–8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. to enjoy giveaways, custom art, and immersive activities. The pop-up will feature a hand-drawn racetrack installation, custom graffiti-tagged swag by Austin artists Ira Coyne and Bill Tavis, and the Spin to Win merch truck, where guests can score prizes including $20 gas cards, Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls hats, LEGO® race cars, and more. One winner each day will take home the ultimate prize: free gas for a year.
Off-Track at the Track: Entertainment at the USGP
Oct. 18–20
During the U.S. Grand Prix weekend, explore four interactive villages at Circuit of the Americas, offering live music, food, and unique experiences. At Biergarten (Turn 2), enjoy German heritage with polka tunes from Der Klein Steins, folk dancing, and classic Bavarian brews and bratwurst. La Cantina (Turn 6) celebrates Mexican-American culture with live performances, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Lucha Libre wrestling. At Lonestar Land (near Turn 2), fans can enjoy BBQ from local pitmasters, line dancing, and tattoos at the Lonestar Tattoo Saloon. For a Wild West twist, The Ranch (Infield) features Texas tourism booths, F1-themed manicures, and custom COTA cowboy hats.
F1 Hub on South Congress
Oct. 10-20
The F1 Hub has opened in the South Congress shopping district, offering fans a one-stop destination for exclusive merchandise and collaborations. The pop-up features official team gear, limited-edition collections and fashion-forward pieces celebrating the Austin Grand Prix. Located at 1712 South Congress Ave, the store will be open Oct. 10-20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
McLaren Racing Live: Zone Studio
Oct. 16–18
McLaren Racing opens Zone Studio at LZR (612 W. 4th St.) for a free, three-day event blending art and racing culture. Fans can view the 2025 F1 car, test simulators and explore artworks inspired by the spirit of speed and innovation.
F1 Kickoff Party at Powder Room
Oct. 17
Start race weekend in style at the F1 Kickoff Party at Powder Room (301 W. 5th St.) featuring Sinclair behind the booth and surprise guest appearances. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with tickets priced at $100 per person.
Jack’s Garage
Oct. 18
Jack Daniel’s is celebrating Austin’s race weekend with Jack’s Garage, an evening of whiskey, bites and live music at The Sunset Room (310 E. 3rd St.) on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 7–10 p.m. The lineup features Chase Rice with special guests Josh Ross and Hannah McFarland. Guests must be 21+ to attend.
Paddock After Dark at Pershing Hall
Oct. 18
Glenfiddich and the Aston Martin Formula One Team are teaming up for Paddock After Dark at Pershing Hall (2415 E. 5th St.). The event features live music, cocktails, culinary offerings and displays of the Aston Martin Valhalla and a replica AMF1 car. The experience runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. for guests 21+. Registration is required, and tickets are limited.
American Express Fan Experience
Oct. 17-19
American Express is enhancing the fan experience at the U.S. Grand Prix with interactive activities and exclusive perks for Card Members. At the two-story American Express Fan Experience near the main track entrance, fans can design custom F1 car liveries, film driver intro videos, and receive a limited-edition USGP bandana. Card Members can personalize theirs with signature blue patches and access a refresh station with sunscreen, hydration packets, and local ATX Jerky samples.
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