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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

Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend

The long-awaited Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix will be held at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas this Friday through Sunday, Oct. 20-22. Beyond the race itself, there will be an array of experiences for audiences to enjoy throughout the weekend.

More than 360,00 race fans will gather to watch the exciting international sport, which experienced a rapid rise in popularity in recent years thanks to Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

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.

Photo courtesy of COTA

Live Music & Parties:

Sports Illustrated’s Rev Country Austin

Oct. 19

Sports Illustrated Rev Country Austin party returns for another year of Grand Prix celebration at Superstition on Thursday. Carmen Jorda, the supra-accomplished driver, will host the event and world-renowned country music duo Locash will perform. Guests can also expect celebrity appearances, red carpet and VIP experiences. Choose from individual tickets or VIP tables.

The Killers

Oct. 20

One of the most anticipated acts scheduled to perform at COTA this weekend is the world-famous rock band, The Killers. The seven-time Grammy-nominated rock band is considered one of the greatest rock bands of the 21st century and will headline the Germania Insurance Super Stage on Friday. This concert is included with your Friday F1 admission.

Austin Bands for Austin Fans

Oct. 20-22

American Soundtrack returns to COTA with well-rounded musical acts from Austin, California, and Louisiana. Indie music fans can enjoy performances by The Stayres, Sir Woman, Trumpeter Swan, Madam Radar, and Mobley all weekend at the Fan Stage. Austin’s Tejana Singer Stephanie Bergara and her Austin Music Award Winning Selena Quintanilla tribute band, Bidi Bidi Banda, will round out the lineup at La Cantina. There are many more exciting concerts to look forward to at Austin Bands for Austin Fans, included with your admission to F1. To view the full schedule, visit the website here.

Wynn Nightlife & Mayfair’s Weekend of Entertainment for F1

Oct. 20-22

Taking place at the Victorian-inspired lounge and nightclub Mayfair, visitors can relish in vibrant shows from Zack Bia, DJ Ruckus, and The Chainsmokers. Austinites are invited to join in on the fun as some of the most influential names in electronic music come together in celebration of Formula 1. This event is 21+. Check out Mayfair’s website for tickets and table reservations.

Queen + Adam Lambert

Oct. 21

COTA headliner Queen, one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, and Adam Lambert will perform at the Germania Insurance Super Stage on Saturday. Queen’s “Rhapsody Tour” will have original members Brian May and Roger Taylor with Adam Lambert. Prepare to sing all night to iconic hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” from the track. This concert is included with your Saturday F1 admission.

Diplo

Oct. 21

Prepare for this weekend’s most anticipated event, MAXIM Austin Race Weekend at Superstition, with a DJ performance by Diplo, celebrity guests and more than 200 models and influencer appearances. Cap off the day of races in downtown Austin’s hottest club this Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Fans can find more information and ticket options on the website.

Tiësto

Oct. 22

Close out the F1 weekend at the Post-Race Celebration at COTA’s Germania Insurance Amphitheater with a thrilling performance by Grammy winner-superstar DJ Tiësto. Fans can expect to hear new music and classic hits, free for race ticket holders beginning at 4:30 p.m. 

F1 USGP Culinary Experience (photo courtesy of COTA)

Food Happenings:

Garrison Big Race Dinner Series

Oct. 19–22

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 Jakub Czyszczon. This elevated meal is priced at $225 for the tasting menu, plus an additional $170 for wine pairing. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling 512-600-2000. 

Aba Offers Special Cocktail During F1 Weekend

Oct. 19–22

Aba on South Congress, the Mediterranean restaurant tucked away on Music Lane, will be offering an exclusive cocktail, the Turn 15, beginning on Oct. 19. Turn 15 features a blend of fine Aguasol Blanco, Select Aperitivo, and fresh passionfruit and lime and garnished with a pineapple slice and festive chequered flag. This limited-time cocktail is a refreshing libation sure to quench the thirst of F1 fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

COTA Culinary Experience

Oct. 19–22

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 20 different restaurants and chefs will bring bites for the crowds, offering fans a taste of Texas. Try a selection of Texas BBQ, Mediterranean food, Thai cuisine, nachos, ice cream, french fries and whatever else your heart may desire.

Photo courtesy of COTA

Race Fan Entertainment:

Williams Racing Austin Fan Zone

Oct. 16-22

The 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.

Global Poker’s Austin Pit Stop

Oct. 19

The first-ever Global Poker Austin Pit Shop will be held in East Austin’s Fair Market, where guests can participate in a range of racing-related attractions such as Ferrari race simulators and a Ferrari F1 car show. Live music and local food trucks will also be available, as well as a live poker tournament and appearances by Michael Phelps and other celebrity guests. Entry is permitted on a first-come first-serve basis so be sure to RSVP here.

ByGeorge x Ferrari Collection Release

Oct. 20

ByGeorge Lamar celebrates the Ferrari Fall/Winter 2023-24 Collection release with a cocktail party on October 20th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The collection, designed by Creative Director Rocco Iannone, uses cutting-edge materials that focus on maximum performance for every occasion and will be on display and available for purchase at ByGeorge’s two Austin locations on Lamar and South Congress. A special in-store and window installation designed by Ferrari will also be at ByGeorge’s Lamar location from Oct. 20 to Oct. 27.

Off-Track at the Track: Entertainment at the USGP

Oct. 21–22

Experience Texas pride at its finest during the Off-Track entertainment with exciting events such as Lucha Libre Wrestling and performances by mariachi and folklórico dancers at La Cantina. Head to Lone Star Land for permanent jewelry from Link x Lou or get inked with permanent tattoos at the Lonestar Tattoo Saloon. Also, don’t miss out on Tumbleweed Crossing’s comedic shoot-out show, X Pogo’s extreme pogo performance, and Nerveless Nocks’ 50-foot sway poles gravity-defying spectacle at ONEderland.

Haas Hangout

Oct. 21

Enjoy delicious food bites and beverages at this exclusive trackside barbeque held inside the Champions Club, joined by special guest appearances by MoneyGram Haas F1® Team drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg and team principal Guenther Steiner on Saturday, Oct. 21. Tickets for this event can be purchased here.