Austin F1 Weekend 2026: Things to Do, Stay & Get to COTA

Formula 1 returns to Austin on October 23-25, 2026, and the whole city shifts gears. Whether you are flying in for the race or you live here and just want to enjoy the buzz without buying a grandstand seat, this guide covers lodging, getting to the track, the concerts, and cheaper ways in. We also flag what we could not confirm so you can check it before you go.

Quick Answer: The 2026 US Grand Prix is October 23-25 at Circuit of the Americas, with the race on Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 pm local time. Book lodging early, skip driving by using COTA's shuttles or rideshare to McAngus Road, and buy tickets only from official channels. Cheaper options include the $20 Grand PrixView Thursday on October 22 and Austin's free live-music scene.

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When is the 2026 F1 race in Austin?

The race is on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the lights going out at 3:00 pm local time, and the weekend runs October 23-25 at Circuit of the Americas. Per Formula 1's official schedule, Friday has two practice sessions (12:30-1:30 pm and 4:00-5:00 pm local), and Saturday has a final practice (12:30-1:30 pm) and qualifying (4:00-5:00 pm). The race is 56 laps or a maximum of two hours.

COTA has also added Grand PrixView Thursday on October 22 as a fourth, lower-cost day. Timetables can change, so confirm on formula1.com before you plan around a session.

Where to stay for the F1 Austin race?

Book now. Austin's tourism board advises that rooms near downtown and COTA sell out months ahead and rates climb fast as October approaches, and that downtown is roughly 30 minutes from the circuit. Downtown puts you near the restaurants, bars and the shuttle pickup at Waterloo Park; staying in the northeast puts you near the Travis County Expo Center shuttle stop.

We are not quoting nightly rates because prices swing hard on race weekend. Check current prices, compare a few areas, and look at flexible-cancellation rates you can rebook if prices drop. If rooms are out of reach, consider staying outside the center and riding a shuttle in, or look at longer-stay rentals.

How do you get to COTA for F1?

The easiest car-free option is COTA's official shuttle. Passes run round-trip from two Austin locations, a dedicated bus lane and a front-gate drop-off. Rideshare works too, but Uber and Lyft use a drop-off on McAngus Road because COTA Boulevard is restricted to permitted vehicles and buses.

Shuttles depart 60 minutes before gates open, and children 3 and under ride free (maximum 8 passes per transaction), according to COTA. Traffic around the track fills early, so leave extra time on Sunday, which draws the biggest crowd.

Tip: Screenshot your shuttle pass and your hotel confirmation before you leave. Phone signal around big crowds can be patchy.

Who is performing at COTA during F1 weekend?

Maroon 5 plays Friday, October 23 on the Germania Insurance Super Stage, and Post Malone headlines Saturday, October 24. Alesso is reported to perform after the race on Sunday, October 25 at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. All US Grand Prix ticket holders get complimentary concert access, with upgrades for closer views.

Maroon 5 and Post Malone were announced in March 2026 and the Alesso date was reported in June 2026. Set times were not confirmed when we checked, so look at COTA's official site closer to the weekend.

What is there to do in Austin during F1 weekend besides the race?

Austin's everyday attractions are the answer. Live music is the headline: venues along 6th Street and the Red River district, plus South Congress spots such as the Continental Club, put on bands at nearly any hour. Add breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex, barbecue and food trucks, and you have a full weekend without a ticket.

• Live music downtown: 6th Street, Red River and South Congress.
• Outdoors: Zilker Park and the Barton Springs natural spring, with hiking, kayaking and canoeing nearby.
• South Congress: boutiques, boots and food trucks.
• University of Texas campus: walkable from downtown, with cafes and views from the UT Tower.

We could not verify any official downtown fan festival or watch-party schedule for 2026, so check local event listings and venue pages. Going farther in Texas? See our Dallas travel guide from the 2026 World Cup and Houston travel guide.

What is the cheapest way to experience F1 in Austin?

The most affordable official option is Grand PrixView Thursday on October 22, priced at $20. It includes track access to watch F1 Academy, a pit lane walk to see teams preparing, fan zone access and merchandise shopping. COTA's chairman describes it as an open house for the Central Texas community. Three-day and hospitality ticket holders get free admission.

For free alternatives, spend the race weekend on Austin's music scene and outdoor spots, and watch the race at a venue showing it. Check current prices for everything, since only the $20 Thursday figure is confirmed here.

How do you avoid F1 ticket scams in Austin?

Buy from official F1 and COTA channels where possible. Major events attract fake listings, and the standard advice from consumer-protection officials is to deal with the venue or an authorized seller, verify contact details, and avoid sending money to anonymous sellers.

• Use the venue or organizer's authorized channels first.
• For resale, use platforms tied to the venue or organizer.
• Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card for better dispute protection.
• Ask individual sellers for proof of ownership, and walk away from sellers with no address or phone number.
• Be suspicious of "guaranteed" tickets and suspiciously low prices.

Staying connected

International visitors should plan data before landing, since you will use maps, shuttle passes and ticket apps all weekend. An Airalo USA eSIM lets you activate data before you arrive and avoid roaming fees. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. For entry and airport prep, read our guide to preparing for US airports and entry, and check your own country's current US entry requirements.

Your next step

Lock in lodging and your official shuttle or ticket purchase first, then fill the gaps with live music and tacos. Check COTA's official pages again in the final week for schedule, concert and transport updates.