Formula 1 Returns to Austin October 23–25 With Grand Prix Racing, Maroon 5 and Post Malone
For some Central Texas residents, the draw will be watching Formula 1 cars charge toward the first turn. For others, it will be hearing Maroon 5 or Post Malone after a day at the track. This year’s United States Grand Prix gives both groups a reason to head to Circuit of The Americas.
The Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix returns October 23–25, 2026, with additional programming Thursday, October 22. Racing, concerts and performances by regional musicians will fill the weekend at the Southeast Austin venue. 2026 Schedule
A Weekend of Racing, With Sunday’s Grand Prix at 3 p.m.
The main Formula 1 schedule begins Friday, October 23, with practice sessions at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday brings another practice at 12:30 p.m., followed by qualifying at 4 p.m., when drivers compete to determine their starting positions.
On Sunday, October 25, the drivers’ parade is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the 56-lap United States Grand Prix beginning at 3 p.m.
The supporting schedule includes F1 ACADEMY, Porsche Carrera Cup North America and Masters Historic competition. Thursday’s programming includes F1 ACADEMY practice and qualifying, along with a scheduled pit lane walk. Visitors should check their ticket’s access before making Thursday plans. All times are local and subject to change.
COTA has hosted motorsports and entertainment since 2012. Its 3.41-mile circuit combines fast stretches, technical corners and substantial elevation changes, giving spectators different perspectives depending on where they watch. The venue occupies approximately 1,500 acres, so choosing a viewing area also means planning for some walking.
Maroon 5, Post Malone and Alesso Headline the Music
Maroon 5 performs Friday, October 23, followed by Post Malone on Saturday, October 24, at the Germania Insurance Super Stage. Both shows are scheduled approximately 90 minutes after track activity ends.
Alesso closes the weekend Sunday, with a performance scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Germania Insurance Amphitheater.
Concert access is included with the corresponding day’s race admission. Fans purchasing tickets primarily for the music should review the included viewing area and any optional concert upgrades.
The American Soundtrack lineup also makes room for artists with local and regional ties, including Gina Chavez, Carrie Rodriguez and Nakia & the Never Not Now. Their sets give visitors opportunities to hear Austin musicians between racing sessions.
Getting to COTA
Circuit of The Americas is located at 9201 Circuit of The Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX 78617.
For residents who would rather leave the driving near the track to someone else, COTA offers paid round-trip shuttles from Waterloo Park downtown and the Travis County Expo Center in Northeast Austin. The service uses a dedicated bus lane and drops passengers near the Grand Plaza entrance.
Shuttles begin approximately one hour before gates open. COTA advises purchasing shuttle passes in advance because standby availability is not guaranteed. Rideshare vehicles use a separate drop-off area accessed from McAngus Road and are not permitted on COTA Boulevard during race weekend.
Tickets, parking options and the latest schedule are available through the official United States Grand Prix website. For neighbors attending together, deciding on a race day, concert and transportation plan ahead of time will leave more of the weekend for enjoying what brought them there.
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