Formula 1 returns to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, with the US Grand Prix taking place from October 22 to 25, 2026. There are plenty of on-track and off-track events lined up for the race weekend.
This guide covers Austin's top F1 experiences, including the fan zones and entertainment areas that have drawn motorsports fans to COTA since it first hosted the US Grand Prix in 2012.
On-Track
Here’s what you can expect to find at the circuit come race weekend.
Grand PrixView Thursday
Grand PrixView Thursday kicks off the weekend before the main racing begins. It’s a preliminary event held at the track that’s free for eligible 3-day USGP ticket holders and costs around $20 for everyone else. It will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
If you purchased a 3-day general admission, grandstand, or hospitality ticket directly through COTA’s official channels, you may claim your ticket for free. If not, you’ll have to pay for a standalone Grand PrixView Thursday ticket. Access to the event is through the Grand Plaza gates.
Here’s what the Grand PrixView Thursday has lined up for fans:
- Pit Lane Walk: Fans get to walk the pit lane, visit the garages, and watch mechanics prepare the cars for the race.
- F1 Fan Zone: You get early access to the F1 Fan Zone and can see what it’s like before it becomes crowded.
- F1 Academy Paddock: A chance to see how the female drivers prepare for their races.
- COTALAND: Those who pay to use the attractions can enjoy the experience before the full race weekend crowds arrive.
- Fan Villages: Popular fan villages and their entertainment areas, including La Cantina, The Ranch, and Lonestar Land, will be accessible.
- Merchandise Shops: Fans in attendance can shop for F1 merchandise before the weekend rush.
F1 Fan Zone
While there are food and entertainment options throughout the circuit's grounds, the main F1 Fan Zone is sandwiched between the Turn 15 and Turn 19 Grandstands. This area includes the staple fan activities and activations, as well as the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, where F1 drivers and team principals speak to the crowd.
Anyone with a valid race ticket for the day can access the Fan Zone.
What to expect, based on previous editions of the USGP:
- Driver and team appearances
- Racing simulators
- Motorsports-related games
- Displays and photo experiences
- Official team merchandise
We’ll update this guide when more details are announced. Don’t forget to check back!
United States GP Official Concerts: The American Soundtrack
Concerts are a major part of the Formula 1 experience in Austin, and COTA’s stages have hosted some of the biggest musical acts in the world, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Green Day.
In 2026, the official concert lineup is called The American Soundtrack, and it will showcase a mix of local and global superstars at various venues. The headline acts—Maroon 5, Post Malone, and Alesso—will be performing at different Germania Insurance stages, while other artists will perform at select fan villages: La Cantina, The Ranch, and Lonestar Land.
Here's the full schedule:
The headline concerts start following the on-track action, although their official start times have not yet been published. Also, the following DJs will perform, but their dates and times have not been confirmed by the organizers:
- DJ Raquiqui (at La Cantina)
- DJ Squibs (at Lonestar Land)
- Mixer Rogers (at Paddock)
We’ll update the schedule when more details are announced.
Your USGP race ticket includes access to the concerts taking place on the same day. You can also buy concert upgrades if you want to sit or stand in front of the stage during the headline concerts. However, you must already have a valid USGP ticket to get the upgrade as an add-on to your ticket.
Fan Villages
There are several themed entertainment areas spread around the circuit that blend music, food, drinks, games, and local activations. These are open to all USGP ticket holders. These are the main villages for the 2026 United States Grand Prix:
La Cantina
La Cantina is a Latin-themed entertainment space with a stage. You’ll find it near Turn 6 and next to Turn 4 Grandstand. Throughout the race weekend, fans in the area can expect live Latin music, food, and drinks in a casual setting.
COTA’s official lineup includes performances at La Cantina from acts such as Andrea Daniela, Carrie Rodriguez, and Gina Chavez.
The Ranch
The Ranch is a live-music stage near Turn 8. It will feature performances from artists in a variety of genres, including Americana, country, rock, indie, and blues. Nakia & The Never Not Now, Moving Panoramas, and BARTLY are some of the acts you can expect to see at The Ranch.
Lonestar Land
Lonestar Land is a Texas-themed fan area, built around Austin’s local culture. It’ll feature food, music, and fun activities.
What to expect:
- Texas BBQ and other local food
- Live music
- Photo opportunities
- Tourism booths
- Performance by DJ Squibs as part of its American Soundtrack entertainment lineup
COTALAND
COTALAND is a large amusement park located within the circuit. It offers more than 30 rides and attractions, including coasters, log flumes, expeditions, flyers, and kart racing. Ride access may require a separate wristband.
Some qualifying ticket packages also offer COTALAND rides. For example, the Guest House at Turn 20 package includes unlimited three-day rides.
Lot N Hangout Zone
Located a short walk away from Turn 3, the Lot N Hangout Zone is part of the main RV camping area at COTA. Fans with a valid Lot N camping pass can enjoy outdoor games and activities in the Hangout Zone throughout the race weekend.
Off-Track
Several F1-related events and fan activations will also take place across Austin. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Austin Fan Hub
From October 22-25, 2026, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team will bring its immersive fan hub to downtown Austin. The venue is 400 Congress Avenue, where entry will be completely free but subject to capacity.
What to expect:
- Pit-stop challenge with real F1 cars
- Racing simulators
- Mercedes car display
- Fan activations, including a pit-wall experience
- Team memorabilia
- Giveaways
- Merchandise
- Texas-style food experience
Williams F1 Team Fan Zone
For the fifth consecutive year, the Williams F1 Team Fan Zone will be taking place in downtown Austin. Fans can expect show cars, team appearances, merchandise, race simulators, and fun activations.
Event Details:
- Location: 800 Congress Avenue, Austin
- Dates: October 19 - 24, 2026
- Entry: Free (Download the Williams app and register)
- Doors open: 11 AM (Monday to Wednesday) and 10 AM (Thursday to Saturday)
- Doors close: 7 PM
There’ll be appearances from F1 driver Alex Albon, team principal James Vowles, and other team representatives. We’ll provide the full appearance details when they’re announced.
Enchanté x Ford Racing Austin Pop-Up
Enchanté and Ford Racing are hosting a USGP race-week pop-up at Distribution Hall in Austin from October 22-25, 2026. The event will feature a new collaboration collection of tees, hats, and hoodies, which will also launch online on October 22.
Road to the Race
COTA and The Exotics Network have organized an official USGP prelude on Wednesday, October 21, at The Long Center for the Performing Arts. It will run from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (CDT).
The main event is a live charity auction to raise funds for The Long Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center. Road to the Race will also feature 100+ hypercars and supercars, F1 display cars, racing simulators, food and drink options, live entertainment, F1 ticket giveaways, and a military flyover. Entry is by ticket only, with general admission from $10 and VIP from $200.
Red Bull Austin Race Nights
From October 22 to 25, Red Bull Racing is offering a four-day bar experience at Riviere Austin for fans of all ages. Admission is free. All guests can attend from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day, while only those guests aged 18 and over can stay until 10:00 PM.
What to expect:
- Driver appearances
- Food and drinks
- Pit stop challenge
- Racing simulators
- Merchandise
- Photo opportunities
Grand Prixview LIVE with Guenther Steiner and The Red Flags Podcast
Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner joins The Red Flags Podcast at Austin City Limits Live for a USGP preview. Fans can expect predictions and hilarious F1 commentary. The event will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 9 PM. Ticket prices start from $53.
Jack Daniels/McLaren F1 Replica Photo Opp & Tasting
The global whiskey brand and official partner of the McLaren F1 Team will host a fan-focused event for a day. Enjoy a free Jack Daniel’s tasting at Twin Liquors Hancock Center, with whiskey samples, cocktails, and a full-scale McLaren MCL40 replica photo opportunity. You must be 21+ to take part.
- Address: 1000 E 41st St, Ste 810, Austin, TX 78751
- Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Looking for More Race Guides?
Find more United States Grand Prix guides on FanAmp, including ticket options, the bag policy, and the race weekend schedule.
Thinking of attending another race? Check out our other race weekend guides. We cover F1, WEC, IndyCar, and more.
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