F1 Weekend in Austin 2026: Things to Do Without a Ticket

The United States Grand Prix runs Oct 23 to 25 at Circuit of The Americas, but you don't need a race ticket to get in on race week. Two F1 teams are setting up free fan zones on Congress Ave, Mayfair is throwing four nights of after-parties, and the city fills up all week. Here's everything confirmed so far. We'll keep adding to this page as more is announced.

Last updated Oct 12. Most brand parties and pop-ups announce one to two weeks before the race, so check back, or get updates in the Sunday Dispatch.

Race Weekend at a Glance

Grand PrixView Thursday on Oct 22 is a new preview day at COTA with a pit lane walk, F1 Academy on track and the fan villages. Friday Oct 23 has Practice 1 at 12:30pm and Practice 2 at 4pm, with Maroon 5 that night. Saturday Oct 24 has Practice 3 at 12:30pm and Qualifying at 4pm, with Post Malone after. The race is Sunday Oct 25 at 3pm, and Alesso closes the weekend.

The concerts are at COTA and need a race ticket. Everything else on this page is free or ticketed on its own.

Williams F1 Fan Zone

Williams is back at 800 Congress for a fifth year. Alex Albon and team principal James Vowles headline the week, with reserve driver Luke Browning also scheduled. There's the full-size FW48 show car, simulators set on the COTA track, a Zoox autonomous ride experience, and an Austin edition of the Williams x Marvel comic. Austin artist Cat Barrera designed a limited-edition poster for the week.

Mercedes F1 Fan Hub

Mercedes is bringing its fan hub to 400 Congress for race weekend. You can work a pit stop on a real F1 car, race the simulators and take a photo with the 2026 show car. There's an on-site team store, daily giveaways, local music and Texas food vendors out front.

Two F1 teams, four blocks apart on Congress, and neither one costs a thing.

F1 After-Parties at Mayfair

Mayfair and LIV nightclub are running four nights of F1 parties at Mayfair on W 6th St. Thursday is the late show and the rest are sunset parties on the terrace.

• Thu Oct 22: Benny Benassi — Doors 10pm, Benassi on at 11:45pm. Free RSVP, or $35 for guaranteed entry.
• Fri Oct 23: Bryce Alakai — Sunset party from 7pm. Tickets from $42.
• Sat Oct 24: Ian Asher — Sunset party, Asher on at 6pm, right after qualifying.
• Sun Oct 25: Joe Kay — Sunset party after the race. Free RSVP.

Mayfair is 21+ with a smart-casual dress code, so no athletic wear or tank tops. A free RSVP doesn't guarantee entry once the club is full, so show up early on the big nights.

Where to Watch the Race on Sunday

Lights out is 3pm on Sunday Oct 25. We're rounding up race-day watch parties around town and publishing the full list on Friday Oct 16.

If You Live Here: Saturday Is Also Game Day

Texas hosts Ole Miss at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday Oct 24, kickoff time still to be announced. F1 crowds downtown plus a home game on campus makes it the busiest Saturday of the fall. Book rides early, give yourself extra time around Congress and 6th, and check the kickoff before you make dinner plans.

Heading out to the track? COTA runs race-weekend shuttles with several pickup points, and parking at the circuit needs a pass bought ahead of time.

Still to Be Announced

Last year race week also brought the F1 Hub merch store on South Congress, a supercar show at the Long Center and brand parties at Pershing Hall and Powder Room. None have announced 2026 dates yet. We'll add them here as they're confirmed.

Cover photo: Justin Wallace / Unsplash.