Austin, Texas – The Circuit of the Americas returns to Formula 1 this weekend for the first American Grand Prix in a decade.
From October 21-23, the event features thrilling auto races, inspiring musical performances, COTA cooking experiences, off-track entertainment and more.
F1 weekend at COTA: Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing
The Circuit of the Americas welcomes Formula 1 with this weekend’s US Grand Prix. The sport has gained prominence over the years due to the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Fans of the show will recognize Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. He previewed this weekend’s festival with Tierra Neubaum of Good Day Austin.
With endless entertainment options including 30 live bands, a fan zone and several villages to visit, guests are encouraged to arrive early and stay late to get the most out of F1. increase. For more information and to purchase his 1-day tickets for Friday and Saturday, click here.
COTA is expected to have a fierce battle for the Constructors’ Championship right up to the final lap of the race.
live entertainment
Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy live performances by Grammy-winning artists and local Austin musicians.
Five-time Grammy-winning punk rock band Green Day on Friday, October 21, four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, and chart-topping bands on Saturday, October 22. It will feature both Interpol and NBA stars. Shaquille O’Neal performing as DJ DIESEL on Sunday, October 23rd
The event will also feature The American Soundtrack, showcasing local Austin talent on multiple stages at the COTA grounds.
Click here for the full music line-up and set times for the weekend.
In addition to the live music line-up, COTA will also host a drone show dance sequence on Friday, October 21st around 9pm. City of Austin, COTA says.
COTA cooking experience
COTA Culinary Experience is back in the races this year, featuring unique food villages, each offering an incredible mix of the best food you’ll find in Austin.
According to COTA, race fans can take a food tour of Texas, where each restaurant offers guests two to three different menus.
Some highlights include the Guess Family BBQ. Whitfield’s BBQ was created by ex-Texas Longhorn turned pitmaster Casey Studdard. Commerce Cafe serving the highest quality meats and locally grown produce.
Jason Daddy, owner and executive chef of a restaurant group from Texas, is hosting an exciting pop-up for his concept, Nacho Daddy. Fans can also experience local favorites such as Amy’s Ice Cream and Central Machine Works.
off-track experience
There are also plenty of off-track experiences for guests to enjoy.
Meet El Pulpo Mecanico, a mechanical octopus on wheels that shoots flames from its eight tentacles. The Burning Man favorite was made in Arcata, California by two friends, mostly from recycled used junk found at a local scrapyard.
According to the designer, the sculpture will use 200 gallons of propane per night at Burning Man to illuminate the area.
Fans can also check out ONEderland, an area full of off-track entertainment just below the Grand Plaza. There, he can enjoy a complimentary birthday cake to celebrate his 10th anniversary of his F1 racing at COTA. The Ice Cream Museum will also showcase his 50-foot sprinkle pool with complimentary ice cream.
Monkey Shoulder Scotch also serves delicious cocktails, but not in a typical way.COTA says the drink is served from a cement mixing truck that’s been converted into a gigantic, functional cocktail mixer.
transportation
With hundreds of thousands expected over the race weekend, COTA encourages fans to plan their transportation to and from the event.
COTA is urging attendees to take the shuttle bus if they do not already have a parking ticket, as all on-site parking is sold out.
Bus tickets start at $45 and are available online or onsite at each Austin shuttle pickup location.
There will be no shuttles between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and COTA this year, according to the airport. COTA shuttles are located at the Travis County Expo Center and Barton Creek Square Mall.
Click here for shuttle details.
