How to enjoy Formula 1 race week in Austin without a ticket

Can you hear the engines revving, Austin?

Race week is here, bringing celebrities like Post Malone and Adam Levine and drivers like Lewis Hamilton (cough, cough – can we get a Kim Kardashian cameo?) to town for Formula 1 at Circuit of the Americas.

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But even if you don’t have a ticket to the action at the track, you can still get a taste of the luxurious, international vibe that comes with F1. Several teams are hosting free events around town and local bars are dressing up for the occasion. Here are a few ways to get in on the F1 fun.

Oct. 19-24: Atlassian Williams F1 Team Austin fan zone

The Atlassian Williams F1 Team will host a six-day fan zone presented by Kraken on Congress Avenue featuring driver appearances, live question-and-answer sessions and interactive activities. Visitors can see a full-size F1 show car, try racing simulators and take part in a pit stop challenge. The event will include team merchandise and an Austin-themed Williams and Marvel comic. The event is free to attend with registration through the Williams app.

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Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

800 Congress Ave. williamsf1.com/fan-zone.

Oct. 22-25: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team fan hub

Visitors can try changing tires on a real F1 car, drive racing simulators and explore a replica of the team’s pit wall through a Meta AI activation. The hub will also have a 2026 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS show car and the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. Local music acts, Texas food vendors, giveaways and an on-site merchandise store round out the experience. The event is free to attend.

The hub is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Entry subject to venue capacity.

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400 Congress Ave. mercedesamgf1.com.

Oct. 22-25: Red Bull Austin Race Nights

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls will host a four-day fan event featuring racing simulators, a pit stop challenge and a replica Formula One team garage. The event may also include appearances by drivers and surprise guests. Food, drinks, Red Bull cocktails and mocktails, photo opportunities and merchandise will be available.

Guests of all ages can attend from 4 to 8 p.m. From 8 p.m. onward, admission is limited to people 18 and older.

1501 E. Seventh St. redbull.com.

Oct. 22: Esses Bazaar ATX at Inn Cahoots

This event hosted by Esses Magazine combines Austin’s local creative scene with Formula One culture. The afternoon lineup includes live music, tattoos, western wear, glam stations, local food and cocktails, and a photo opportunity featuring a Visa Cash App Racing Bulls show car.

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Doors open at 3 p.m. Beginning at 7 p.m., the team’s VCARB Garage Sessions will feature country music performances, with artists to be announced. Cash App Card holders are eligible for event discounts and other benefits. RSVPs are open on a rolling basis here.

1221 E. Sixth St. Esses.com/events/esses-bazaar-atx

Oct. 22: Black & White Kickoff Party presented by Audi

Central Machine Works will host a kickoff party featuring classic European and collector cars and Audi displays. Attendees can see the new 2027 Audi SQ7 and SQ9, as well as an Audi RS5 hot-lap car. DJ Vegan Leather and Jonathan Terrell are scheduled to perform, while food, cocktails and craft beer will be available from the brewery. Black-and-white attire is encouraged, and artwork will be available for purchase. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free; spot reservations are available on Eventbrite.

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4824 E. Cesar Chavez St. Eventbrite.com.

Oct. 23-24: The Paddock Bar at Sagebrush

The F1 Paddock Club will take over Sagebrush for race weekend.

Friday’s program will feature music from House 44, a Paddock Club concept developed with Soho House and Lewis Hamilton, along with live performances by special guests. Saturday’s event, An Evening with Jack Whitehall, will combine comedy and live music. Whitehall is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., followed by Matt Tedder at 10 p.m. and The Point at 11 p.m. Entry is first come, first served.

5500 S. Congress Ave. Instagram.com/f1paddockclub.

Oct. 24: Sports Illustrated Circuit Series

Sports Illustrated will bring its Circuit Series nightlife event back to Austin for race weekend. Saturday night’s lineup features DJ and producer BLOND:ISH as the headliner, with DJ unKommon providing support. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $43.

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304 E. Third St. Sicircuitseries.com.

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This article originally published at How to enjoy Formula 1 race week in Austin without a ticket.