Top Events to Catch During Austin’s Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend

The highly anticipated Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix returns to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas from Friday to Sunday,  Oct. 22-25. 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:

Maroon 5

Oct. 23

One of the most anticipated performances at COTA this weekend comes from Maroon 5 on Friday at the Germania Insurance Super Stage. Led by Adam Levine, the three-time Grammy-winning band has been a pop radio staple for more than two decades. This concert is included with your Friday F1 admission.

Post Malone

Oct. 24

Saturday’s headliner needs no introduction. Singer and rapper Post Malone has found success across hip-hop, pop and, more recently, country, earning a following that stretches well beyond any one genre. This concert is included with your Saturday F1 admission.

Alesso

Oct. 25

Closing out the weekend, Swedish DJ and producer Alesso will headline Sunday’s post-race concert. A regular on major festival lineups around the world, the Grammy-nominated artist brings electronic dance music to COTA after Sunday’s racing. This concert is included with your Sunday F1 admission.

Austin Bands for Austin Fans

Oct. 23–25

The American Soundtrack lineup at the U.S. Grand Prix will spotlight local talent all weekend long. Catch Austin favorites including Gina Chavez, Carrie Rodriguez, Nakia and Next of Kin. Other highlights include a set from singer-songwriter Midnight Navy and music group Jennifer Foster & the Audacity. All shows are included with F1 admission. For the full schedule, visit the COTA website.

Wynn Nightlife at Mayfair Austin

Oct. 22–25

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 Benny Benassi on Thursday, Bryce Alakai on Friday, Ian Asher on Saturday and Joe Kay on Sunday.

Sports Illustrated Circuit Series

Oct. 24

Sports Illustrated is back in Austin for Formula One weekend. Off the track, the SI Circuit Series takes over downtown Austin on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 304 E. 3rd St., with a late-night show headlined by BLOND:ISH. The event will also feature DJ unKommon and an Eddie Bauer Adventure Club axe-throwing activation with chances to win prizes. Tickets start at $43 and can be purchased here.

Esses Bazaar ATX

Oct. 22

Esses Bazaar ATX returns to Inn Cahoots with an evening of country music during F1 weekend. VCARB Garage Sessions begins at 7 p.m., with a lineup that includes Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson. Come early for local food, cocktails, tattoos and western wear, plus a chance to snap a photo with the team’s showcar. The event starts at 3 p.m. Join the waitlist to RSVP here.

Food Happenings:

Garrison Big Race Dinner Series

Oct. 22–24

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. 23–25

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.

Aiello’s Uptown at Birdie’s

Oct. 20-21

Birdie’s owners Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel are bringing back Aiello’s, their Italian-American pop-up honoring Malechek-Ezekiel’s grandfather, Phil Aiello. The two dinners ahead of F1 weekend will feature mozzarella sticks, chicken parm with caviar, and Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Offered through OpenTable’s Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables collection, the dinners cost $200 per person, including the menu, tax and service.

F1 Weekend at 1 Hotel Austin

Oct. 22-24

1 Hotel Austin is teaming up with Audi and SingleThread Farms for three nights of dinners overlooking the Austin skyline. Led by Chef Kyle Connaughton and head farmer Katina Connaughton, the experience features a five-course tasting menu on the hotel’s 14th-floor event terrace. Guests will arrive through the 00 entrance for a welcome drink before heading upstairs for dinner. The events run from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with reservations to be available through OpenTable.

F1 Race Fan Entertainment:

Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone

Oct. 19–24

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.

Black & White Kickoff Party

Oct. 22

Manual Focus is teaming up with Audi to kick off Grand Prix weekend at Central Machine Works. The free event will feature cars, original art, photography and fashion, bringing Austin’s creative and automotive communities together to celebrate performance and design.

Red Bull Austin Race Nights

Oct. 22–25

Red Bull is taking over Riviere, for four days of free events during F1 weekend, featuring appearances by Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls drivers. Fans can test their tire-changing skills in the Pit Stop Challenge, try racing simulators and step inside a replica F1 team garage. Food, cocktails, mocktails and exclusive Ford Racing merchandise will also be available. The event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. daily and is open to all ages until 8 p.m., when it becomes 18 and older.

Pen to Pit Lane

Oct. 22

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Indeed are bringing Pen to Pit Lane to the AT&T Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom for a look behind the scenes of Formula 1. Hosted by Calum Nicholas, the event features a panel with speakers including Yuki Tsunoda and F1 Academy driver Alisha Palmowski, followed by a live Q&A. Fans can learn about careers in motorsport and stop by Indeed’s complimentary resume reviews and professional headshot stations. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Off-Track at the Track: Entertainment at the USGP

Oct. 23–25

There’s plenty to explore between races at Circuit of the Americas, with five villages offering live music, food and activities throughout the weekend. The Saloon at Turn 2 features dueling pianos, while Texas Tailgate at Turn 3 has college football screenings and games. At La Cantina near Turn 6, fans can enjoy live music, folklórico dancing and lucha libre wrestling. Lonestar Land near Turn 2 offers barbecue, tattoos and a photo opportunity with the World’s Largest Cowboy Hat. In the infield, The Ranch features live music, art cars, F1-themed manicures, custom COTA cowboy hats and calf roping.

F1 Hub on South Congress

Oct. 17-25

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 1504 South Congress Ave., the store will be open Oct. 17 from noon to 9 p.m. and Oct. 18–25 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Paddock Bar at Sagebrush

Oct. 22–24

F1 Paddock Club is taking over Sagebrush for race weekend, turning the South Austin honky-tonk into The Paddock Bar. Thursday features two-step lessons and ’90s country covers from All Hat No Cadillac. On Friday, House 44, the Paddock Club concept created with Soho House and Lewis Hamilton, hosts an evening of live performances by special guests. Saturday brings comedian Jack Whitehall at 9 p.m., followed by Matt Tedder’s album release show at 10 p.m. and psych-rock band The Point at 11 p.m. All three nights are free and open to ages 21 and older, with ticket waitlists available through DICE. 

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Fan Hub

Oct. 22–25

Try your hand at a pit stop on a real F1 car at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS’ free fan hub at 400 Congress Ave. The four-day event also features racing simulators, photo opportunities with the team’s 2026 show car, historic memorabilia and daily giveaways. Fans can shop team merchandise and grab food from local vendors between activities. Hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Entry is subject to capacity.

Road to the Race

Oct. 21

Get an early start on F1 weekend at Road to the Race, returning to the Long Center with more than 100 hypercars and supercars, F1 display cars, live entertainment and racing simulators. Hosted by Circuit of the Americas and The Exotics Network, the event runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and includes local food and drink vendors, a military flyover and a live charity auction benefiting the Long Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center. Tickets are required, and each paid general admission ticket includes an entry to win two three-day GA passes to this year’s U.S. Grand Prix.

Enchanté x Ford Racing Pop-Up

Oct. 22–25

Enchanté and Ford Racing are setting up shop at Distribution Hall during F1 weekend with a new collection, flash tattoos, racing simulators and food trucks. Stop by Saturday for a Longhorns watch party. The pop-up is at 1500 E. Fourth St. and runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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