This browser does not support the Video element.
Austin F1 race: Things to check out around town
Lots happening in Austin as Formula One takes over the city for another year. FOX 7 Austin's Julieanna Jackson has a look at a few things you can check out.
AUSTIN, Texas - Formula 1 is back in Austin this weekend, but the excitement isn't limited to Circuit of the Americas. Across the city, businesses and racing teams are bringing the Grand Prix atmosphere to fans through free pop-ups, interactive experiences and exclusive merchandise.
With the United States Grand Prix running October 23–25, fans who aren't heading to the racetrack still have plenty of opportunities to join the festivities.
Local perspective:
While thousands of racing fans are expected at COTA, the celebrations throughout Austin offer another way for residents and visitors to experience one of the city's biggest weekends.
From beauty products and photo opportunities to racing simulators and driver-inspired merchandise, there's something for longtime Formula 1 supporters and newcomers alike.
Many of the experiences are free to enter, although merchandise and certain activities may cost extra. Some locations also require registration or have limited capacity.
This browser does not support the Video element.
F1 in Austin: Activations and pop-ups
FOX 7 Austin's Julieanna Jackson has a look at one of the pop-ups you can go check out as Formula One once again takes over Austin.
POV Beauty brings a beauty arcade to South Congress
One of those experiences is taking over South Congress, where beauty brand POV Beauty is putting a glamorous spin on race weekend.
Located at 1224 S. Congress Avenue, the POV Beauty pop-up features a Korean-inspired arcade celebrating the launch of the brand's new Trace It Sculpting Lip Marker.
Visitors can test out beauty products, play interactive arcade games and have opportunities to win products and merchandise.
Beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira was also scheduled to make a special appearance Thursday for the pop-up's opening day.
The experience runs October 22–24, from noon to 6 p.m. daily.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Formula 1 is back in Austin
The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is racing back to Austin this weekend. And while the action on the track draws thousands of fans to the Circuit of the Americas, the excitement is spilling into the city.
Driver-inspired pop-ups give fans a closer look at F1
For fans hoping to celebrate their favorite drivers, several racing-inspired pop-ups are also making stops around Austin.
McLaren driver Lando Norris has his own themed experience, Lando's Original Service Dept., at 1500 San Jacinto Boulevard.
The vintage service-station-inspired pop-up features exclusive LN4 merchandise, along with opportunities to create customized patches and postcards.
The experience runs through Sunday, October 25.
Other racing personalities are getting involved in the festivities, including former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, whose Enchanté clothing brand has partnered with Ford Racing for a pop-up at Distribution Hall in East Austin.
This browser does not support the Video element.
F1 in Austin: Valtteri Bottas at SoCo Tecovas
Cadillac F1 driver and Global Tecovas Ambassador Valterri Bottas talks about being in Austin for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas and more.
Free F1 fan zones open downtown
Fans looking for something closer to the racing action can also visit two free Formula 1 team experiences along Congress Avenue.
The Williams Racing Fan Zone, located at 800 Congress Avenue, features a full-scale F1 show car, racing simulators, interactive challenges and exclusive team merchandise.
The experience runs through Saturday, October 24. Admission is free, but visitors must register for a Williams ID through the team's app.
Just a few blocks away, Mercedes is hosting its own free Fan Hub at 400 Congress Avenue.
Visitors can test their skills in a pit stop challenge, try racing simulators, see a 2026 Mercedes F1 show car and participate in daily giveaways.
The Mercedes Fan Hub runs through Sunday, October 25.
What's next:
This browser does not support the Video element.
F1 in Austin: Formula One takes over COTA
Circuit of the Americas is once again host to the best drivers in the world and there's always more than just racing at the track. Tierra Neubaum has the details.
Austin F1 race schedule 2026
The US Grand Prix at COTA starts Thursday, Oct. 22 with practice sessions, the pit lane walk and qualifying sessions.
Friday, Oct. 23, will see more qualifying and practice sessions as well as a performance from Maroon 5.
Racing continues on Saturday, Oct, 24 and there will be a performance from Post Malone.
Sunday, Oct. 25, will be the finale as the Grand Prix is set to begin at around 3 PM (CT) followed by a performance from Alesso.
Full schedule and details can be found here.
The Source: Information from reporting by Julieanna Jackson.