Are you heading to the Circuit of the Americas for the United States Grand Prix? Make sure you don't miss out on the fan zones, events and activities happening all weekend long!
We are heading back to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the United States Grand Prix! Austin is known as one of the most fun races on the Formula 1 calendar for the atmosphere on and off the track. It is a favorite amongst the fans, teams and drivers and this year there are numerous activities and events planned to keep the fun going all weekend long!
This year, the Grand Prix will run from Friday October 18th to Sunday October 20th.
Austin is one of the most popular race destinations on the calendar as there is tons to do on and off the track throughout the entire race weekend. Austin is nicknamed the City of Live Music as it is host to many local talents, singers, performers, events, and live music venues. During the race weekend, there are countless events taking place all around the city!
For more information, download FanAmp to make sure you stay up to date with all the latest news surrounding the race weekends!
Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza is the main Fan Zone located at the Circuit of the Americas. This is where fans can engage in the off track action to ensure they make the most of the Grand Prix weekend. The Grand Plaza will be host to all the best merchandise stands, food and beverage options, as well as many F1 fan activations.
The Grand Plaza is located very close in proximity to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater stage which is where different performances will take place all weekend long. Look out for the Sunday headliners: Two Friends!
What fans can expect:
- Merchandise
- Food and Beverage options
- F1 Activations
- F1 Simulators
- Live Performances
Download FanAmp to ensure you don't miss out on anything Formula 1 related!
Williams Racing Fan Zone
The Williams Fan Zone has become one of the most popular events to attend during a race weekend. Williams have done pop ups in 7 different locations so far: Australia, Japan, Miami, Canada, Spain, Great Britain and Singapore.
Next up on the list is Austin and then Las Vegas!
Fans can expect simulators, prizes, driver and team personnel appearances, and exclusive access to special merchandise.
What fans can expect
- Racing Simulators
- Driver and team personnel appearances
- Exclusive merchandise
- Prize giveaways
Attendees should make sure that they download the Williams Racing app to unlock your 'driver card'. By doing so, you will gain access to exclusive prize giveaways and be the first to hear of news from the team!
Stay tuned for the official schedule and location.
Entertainment & Concerts
Austin is known for being a very musically centred city, so it is no surprise that the headliners for the race weekend are some of the most exciting performers!
Sting, Eminem and the DJ duo Two Friends have been announced as the weekend headliners. There are sure to be numerous other performances throughout the weekend so make sure to check out the fan zones around the track.
The Germania Insurance Superstage is where the headliner concerts will take place. It is located on the infield of the circuit near Turns 9-11. On Sunday after the Grand Prix, Two Friends will take to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater stage which is located in the Fan Zone near the Grand Plaza (close to Turns 17-19).
Friday
- Sting
Saturday
- Eminem
Sunday
- Two Friends
All Formula 1 ticket holders are subject to free entry into the concerts. There are also upgrades available if you are looking to purchase a more exclusive concert ticket.
Keep in mind that you are only allowed to attend the concerts that are happening on the days you have race tickets for (e.g if you have a Friday race ticket, you can only attend the Friday concert).
Enchanté Pop-Up
Daniel Ricciardo's merchandise brand, Enchanté, will be hosting a pop up in Downtown Austin. It will be to promote their latest collection and they are calling it the 'Garage Pop-Up'.
The best part is that customers will receive 25% off their purchase when they check out with Cash App Pay!
Where: Antone's, 305 E 5th Street, Austin Texas
When:
October 18th
- 11AM - 7PM
October 19th
- 10AM - 4 PM
The I / AM Experience
The I / AM Experience will be one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the team experience at the Circuit of the Americas. This once in a lifetime experience will allow fans to enjoy live music, food and beverages, team and driver personnel appearances and an F1 watch party all at a gorgeous rooftop location in downtown Austin.
This is in partnership with Aston Martin launching their membership program which will allow fans to get an insider look into the behind-the-scenes of the Aston Martin F1 team.
What fans can expect
- Live Music
- Food and beverages
- F1 Action
- Rooftop location
- Watch Party
- Team Merchandise
- Driver and team personnel appearances
- Evening Afterparty
Where: SKYBOX on 6th, 501 W 6th St, Austin, Texas
When: Saturday, October 19th
Cost: FREE (must register)
Don't forget to enter the competition for a chance to be placed on the guest list for the event!
For more information, check the official website here.
Observation Tower
The Observation Tower is one of the most exciting things to do at the Circuit of the Americas. At the top, ticket holders get a glimpse of the gorgeous panoramic views of the track. If you are planning on checking out the observation tower, make sure that you purchase your tickets ahead of time!
Road To The Race
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and The Exotic Network (TEN) will be hosting their second annual Road to the Race event in Downtown Austin! This exciting event is available to anyone interested! Ticket holders can expect over 100+ Hypercars, Supercars and Race cars on display. There will be an exclusive red carpet "Grand Prix" gala in honor of marking the one year anniversary of the festival.
Not only will there be gorgeous cars on display, but there will also be a 'Legends panel' featuring former drivers, official broadcasters and maybe even other exclusive surprises!
Where: 110 E Riverside Dr, Downtown Austin
When: Wednesday, October 16th 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Be sure to RSVP here.
General Admission lets you attend the race festival as well as see the exotic car showcase.
If you're a Hypercar or Supercar owner, you will be invited to the event and receive a +1, reserved parking and access to the indoor Grand Prix Gala, an exclusive view of the legends panel and lastly, welcome drinks!
Looking for more on the United States Grand Prix?
Join the lively Grand Prix Travel community on FanAmp and Reddit to interact with fellow motorsports enthusiasts, ask questions, and gather valuable insights. There are even meetups at races around the world so you can spend time with new and old friends over food and drink.
Looking for tickets to the United States Grand Prix? We’ve partnered with P1 Travel to make your dream a reality. Head over to their site and get yours before they sell out!
Be sure to check out our other articles on the United States Grand Prix for off-the-track events and to hear about previous fan race experiences!