Want to get up close and personal with your favorite F1-related personalities, or perhaps hang out with other car nerds? We've got your back, plus Halloween in Austin is always a party. Here are the other events in Austin related to this week's United States Grand Prix.
We've focused on the ones that relate to the F1 race in some way here, but if you want to look into live music and other, less racecar-focused community events, and the both put together fairly exhaustive calendars. We've also pared down the list to the most accessible events, leaving out a few that are already full by now or are rather pricey. (Sadly, the Fans' Forum featuring several drivers is one of those full events.) The calendar at is a great resource if you're looking to go somewhere a bit more exclusive this weekend.
Austin - Do512 is What to do in Austin.
All events listed in chronological order in local time (Central). Most of these are free, but covers and/or suggested donations are listed when applicable.
Red Bull usually has some fun running their show car on public streets this time of year, but this time, Infiniti is bringing the awesome Q50 Eau Rouge prototype sedan, too. Drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel will be on hand to leave delicious smoky doughnuts all over downtown Austin. I don't always get excited for Infinitis, but when I do...it's because someone shoved a GT-R engine in a big honkin' sedan. Full details are .
When: Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 p.m.
Where: On Congress Avenue between 7th and 11th streets in downtown Austin.
This is the first of two public events at the Austin Speed Shop this weekend, and it's a lecture with Red Bull Racing's Chief Information Officer, Matt Cadieux. Get your nerd on in regards to the technical side of F1 and enjoy the awesome scenery of one of Austin's most famous classic car shops. Full details are .
When: Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. (lecture will also be livestreamed on redbull.com)
Where: Austin Speed Shop, 3507 Chapman Lane, Austin, Texas 78744.
NBC F1 pitlane reporter and motorsports journalist Will Buxton hosts a party every year with the guys from The Austin Grand Prix, a local racing fan site. This year, they're showing the premiere of "The Road to Mercedes" as well, which documents the history of the German marque that's crushed it at this whole "new turbo F1 engine" thing. Brazos Hall is a huge venue made out of a historic building downtown, so this should be fun. Full details plus a trailer for the film are .
When: Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.; film starts at 7:30 p.m.)
Where: Brazos Hall, 204 East Forth Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
Suggested donation: $5 (all proceeds from the event benefit go to Meals on Wheels and More of Austin)
COTA hosts its own huge party all through downtown Austin during the race weekend with concerts, activities and exhibits. They've got everything from human-sized hamster balls and Evel Knievel's Indy car to yoga classes and mechanical bulls on the schedule. Plus, there's a ghost tour to coincide with the whole Halloween bit. Full schedule and details and be found .
When: Friday, October 31 through Sunday, October 2. Concerts start at noon on Friday and Saturday, and at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Where: Between Third and Fifth streets downtown, from Congress Avenue to San Antonio Street.
We've already mentioned this one, but the full details are . Costumes are encouraged. I recommend the grilled cheese. You should go.
This weekend, the greatest show in all of motorsports is making its way back to America's most…
When: Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hi Hat Public House, 2121 East Sixth Street, Austin, Texas 78702.
This is the only time I can, in good faith, as an older-than-woo!-no-parents-age human being, recommend checking out the main stretch of Sixth Street. It's Halloween. It's not F1 related, but dang it, it's a sight worth experiencing at least once. The people-watching is worth it. The last time I went down there, I got in random fake-swordfights with other strangers with costume props. It was awesome. I'm sure the F1 crowd will make this even more amusing.
When: Friday, October 31, throughout the evening.
Where: Downtown Austin, particularly on the stretch of Sixth Street roughly between I-35 and the Driskill Hotel.
Need a change in pace from the ultra-modern, high-tech cars running all weekend? Come to Austin Speed Shop's car and bike show and appreciate some more classic metal. Full details are .
When: Saturday, November 1 at 3:00 p.m. (live bands start at 4:oo p.m.)
Where: Austin Speed Shop, 3507 Chapman Lane, Austin, Texas 78744.
Houston artist Kevin Paige specializes in motorsports themed art. Whether you just want to browse or are looking for a unique gift for the most impossible racing fan ever, check out this night of art and music. Full details and the link to RSVP are .
When: Saturday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Palm Door, 401-A Sabine Street, Austin, Texas 78701.