F1 Is Coming Back to Austin for a Four-Day Weekend

One of Austin’s biggest weekends of the year is getting even bigger. The 2026 Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix returns to Circuit of the Americas October 22–25, bringing four days of racing, concerts, food, entertainment and plenty happening off the track. Whether someone knows every F1 driver by name or simply wants to experience the spectacle, this is one Austin weekend worth making plans around. Four Days at COTA For the first time, the F1 weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 22 with Grand PrixView, giving fans an extra day at the circuit before the traditional race weekend begins. Thursday includes F1 ACADEMY on-track action, access to the F1 ACADEMY Paddock, an F1 Pit Lane Walk, fan experiences and more. Then the racing continues Friday through Sunday, culminating in the United States Grand Prix on Sunday. Three Nights of Live Music The racing isn’t the only reason to stick around after the cars leave the track. Maroon 5 takes over Friday night, Post Malone performs Saturday night and Alesso closes out the weekend Sunday night. Basically, it is three nights of concerts wrapped into one of Austin’s biggest sporting events. Make a Day of It There is plenty to do around COTA between races, too. The campus will be filled with food and drinks, fan activations, entertainment and experiences throughout the weekend. And this year, fans can add a little roller-coaster time to the itinerary. COTALAND, Austin’s first and only theme park, will be open during race weekend, with Unlimited 3-Day Ride Wristbands available as an add-on. Race. Eat. Ride roller coasters. Watch a concert. Repeat. Pick the Way to Experience It Tickets range from reserved grandstand seating for fans who want a dedicated spot to premium hospitality options for those looking to make the weekend a little more luxe. The newest premium option, The Guest House at Turn 20, offers panoramic views of Turns 17–20, the Main Straight, Starting Grid and toward Turn 1. The climate-controlled space includes all-inclusive food and beverages, a shaded rooftop viewing terrace, enhanced concert access and an Unlimited 3-Day COTALAND Ride Wristband. Ready to Go? The 2026 Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix takes over Circuit of the Americas October 22–25. With four days of F1 experiences, three nights of major concerts, COTALAND, food, drinks and plenty to explore around the circuit, it is shaping up to be one very full Austin weekend. Tickets are on sale now. The post F1 Is Coming Back to Austin for a Four-Day Weekend appeared first on 365 Things Austin.