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    Fast Event Finds

    All the best events and free pop-ups during F1 race week in Texas

    Amber Heckler
    Oct 19, 2026 | 2:00 pm
    f1, fernando alonso

    It's almost race week.

    Photo by Daniel Cavazos

    It's nearly time for the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), which can only mean one thing: F1 teams and partners are flocking to Austin for exhilarating race-themed events, pop-ups, and more.

    CultureMap has rounded up nearly a dozen of these events to help locals and visitors find their way around town, and to explore the best of what F1 brings to the city. We'll add more as we hear more.

    Pop-ups and fan hubs

    Atlassian Williams F1 Team Austin Fan Zone
    October 19-24, various times, 800 Congress Ave.
    The Atlassian Williams F1 Team is taking over a downtown Austin event venue for its free Fan Zone pop-up featuring driver experiences, a show car, special edition merchandise, racing simulators, and more. Visitors also have a chance to catch live Q&As with driver Alex Albon and team principal James Vowles, purchase the newly released Austin edition of the Williams x Marvel comic, and test objects in a wind tunnel. The Fan Zone will be open from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Wednesday, and from 10 am to 7 pm Thursday through Saturday.

    Lando's Original Service Dept. in downtown Austin
    October 21-25, various times, 1500 San Jacinto Blvd.
    A vintage gas station in downtown Austin is getting a major 70's-style makeover for race week. Starting Wednesday, Lando Norris fans can shop for exclusive apparel and accessories at Lando's Original Service Dept. and explore custom postcard and patch-making stations in partnership with Google Gemini. The pop-up will be open from noon to 7 pm Wednesday, and from 9 am to 7 pm Thursday through Sunday.

    Lando's Original Service Dept. pop-up in downtown Austin Lando's Original Service Dept. is inspired by 70's-style American shop garages.Photo courtesy of the Lando Norris Store

    Mercedes F1 Team Fan Hub
    October 22-25, various times, 400 Congress Ave.
    F1 fans can test their speed as a pit stop mechanic, race in cutting-edge F1 simulators, and participate in F1-themed tailgates at the Mercedes F1 Team's free fan hub. The fan hub also promises daily giveaways, official team merchandise, local music performances, and Texas food vendors. The hub will be open from noon to 8:30 pm Thursday through Friday, from 1:30-9 pm Saturday, and from 10:30 am to 7 pm Sunday.

    Enchanté x Ford Racing at Distribution Hall
    October 22-25, various times, 1500 E. 4th St.
    Australian former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and his clothing brand Enchanté are racing into East Austin with an all American-themed pop-up at Distribution Hall in collaboration with Ford Racing. Details are sparse, but the website hints at a new collection and "a few surprises along the way." The pop-up will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday.

    Events

    Road to the Race: Austin’s Official Prelude to the USGP
    October 21 from 5-9:30 pm, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
    In collaboration with Circuit of the Americas and the Exotics Network, the fourth annual Road to the Race supercar showcase returns to the Long Center for an evening of live entertainment, immersive experiences, and much more. Motorsport fans can expect to see over 100 hypercars and supercars spread across the Long Center grounds, plus racing simulators, food and drink vendors, and a C-130J military flyover. A live charity auction benefiting the Long Center and Dell Children's Medical Center will close out the evening. VIP admission is waitlisted, but general admission tickets are still available for $10 per person online.

    Pink Paddock Club x Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team at The Bungalow
    October 21, VIP hour from 6-7 pm, general admission entry from 7-11 pm, 83 Rainey St.
    Sorry boys, this event is for the girls. Formula 1 podcast Pink Paddock Club is hosting a free girls night at The Bungalow with a live podcast recording with a special guest during a VIP hour from 6-7 pm. Attendees can get a swag bag and participate in a charm bar with local organization Craft and Yap to customize a race-themed keepsake. Visitors who sign up to attend the meetup will be entered into a VIP raffle to gain early entry to the event, but general entry will start at 7 pm.

    Esses Bazaar ATX at Inn Cahoots
    Thursday, October 22 starting at 3 pm, 1221 E. 6th St.
    Motorsport and culture publication Esses Magazine is returning to Austin for its second annual Esses Bazaar event highlighting local vendors, Tejano music from DJ Helios, and a performance from Selena Quintanilla tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda. Other activities include flash tattoos, glam stations, local food vendors, western wear shops, and cocktails. Attendees can also snap a photo with a Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) showcar. A lineup of country music performances will start at 7 pm, including the musical debut of VCARB driver Liam Lawson. RSVPs are limited, but interested attendees can join the waitlist for an RSVP drop on October 19.

    Black & White Kickoff Party at Central Machine Works
    October 22 from 6-10 pm, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St.
    Austin car show organizer Manual Focus is partnering with Audi to start the race weekend celebrations early with a free art and car showcase and live music from DJ Vegan Leather and Jonathan Terrell. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best black-and-white attire — it can be vintage streetwear, cocktail attire, or a simple black t-shirt. Specially commissioned works from Karl Ruckgaber, Jules Doty, Eric Mack, Laurie Carswell, and Mario Christou will be on display and available for purchase, and Audi will have "a handpicked mix of classic European icons and the next generation of Audi performance." RSVP via Eventbrite.

    Courts Club x Padel39: The Padel Grand Prix
    October 23-24, 4716 E. 5th St.
    Padel39 East, an upscale sports club, is transforming into a dedicated F1 venue with a two-day, pre-race celebration party featuring competitive padel matches, live F1 streams in the viewing lounge, brand activations, cocktails, DJ sets, and more. Guests may spot Ferrari on-site as well as Giesen alcohol-removed New Zealand wines. RSVP via therumor.com.

    Sports Illustrated Circuit Series afterparty
    October 24, doors open at 8:30 pm, 304 E. 3rd St.
    Canadian DJ Blond:ish will headline Sports Illustrated's iconic Circuit Series afterparty at 304 E. 3rd St. on Saturday night, with supporting performances from DJ UnKommon and Markos. Early entry general admission (before 10 pm) is $43 per person, and general admission is $78.01 per person. Tickets can be purchased via dice.fm.

    Packages and deals

    Atlassian Williams F1 Team Grandstand Package
    A limited number of seats are still available for the Atlassian Williams F1 Team's exclusive package that guarantees premium grandstand views at Turn 4 over all three days of the race weekend. Additional perks include complimentary team merch (a New Era cap and official team flag), a 25 percent discount at the team Fan Zone in downtown Austin, and an entry into a prize draw for a driver meet and greet at the Fan Zone. Ticket prices for the Williams F1 Team Package are $747 per person and can be ordered via Ticketmaster.

    f1formula 1formula 1 weekend austincircuit of the americascotaaustinraces
    news/travel

    a family friendly destination

    New Hill Country distillery pours its first whiskey flights this month

    Amber Heckler
    Oct 16, 2026 | 9:15 am
    Briggs Distilling Co. interior
    Photo by Hayden Walker
    The distillery aims to make all visitors feel welcome.

    A new family-owned distillery is joining the vast landscape of breweries, wineries, and other spirit-makers in the Texas Hill Country. Briggs Distilling Co. will start serving cocktails, mocktails, and more at its spacious facility at 121 Brownson Ln. in Driftwood on Saturday, October 17.

    The 9,000-square-foot distillery is owned and operated by the Briggs family. It was founded by R.S. Briggs with longtime family friend Davis Tucker serving as its president. Master distiller Colton Weinstein is in charge of production and distilling operations.

    The distillery has developed three expressions for whiskey drinkers to try neat or in a cocktail. Each is made with Texas rainwater and bottled on-site. From a press release, look out for the following flavor profiles:

    • Straight Rye Whiskey: spice and bright herbs with lingering sherry notes to finish
    • Heritage Reserve Bourbon: caramel, candy, and leather notes with hints of spice and cherry and a medium finish
    • Wheated Bourbon: described as "sweet and fruity, with tobacco notes that coat the mouth and a medium-short finish"

    Briggs Distilling Co. whiskey and bourbon products Patrons can buy a bottle of Briggs whiskey or bourbon on-site to take home. The Wheated Bourbon is $44.99, the Straight Rye is $49.99, and the Heritage Reserve is $55.99. Photo by Hayden Walker

    The spirits will be available to try in individual tastings ($10 each) and flights ($15), as well as draft, frozen, and house cocktails priced from $10-$14 each.

    Briggs Distilling will also serve mocktails, a frozen Texas Two-Step (lime, orange, and house cane syrup with a choice of strawberry, mango, coconut, or passion fruit), and other non-alcoholic options like soda, ginger beer, and coffee from neighboring Driftwood café Sonder Coffee Lounge.

    Beyond the whiskey-making operations and the tasting room, the property will feature a treehouse-inspired children's area, family- and dog-friendly amenities, and an on-site food truck. Live music from local musicians will also be a regular occurrence on Fridays and Saturdays.

    Above all, the Hill Country distillery is envisioned as a "community gathering place" that aims to make all visitors feel at home.

    "For generations, this part of Texas has brought people together around good food and conversation under wide-open skies," R.S. Briggs said in the release. "We wanted Briggs Distilling to carry that spirit forward while adding one crucial component: good whiskey."

    Briggs Distilling Co. interior The distillery was designed by Texas-based M. Elliott Studio with contemporary furniture that visitors can rearrange as they see fit for their gatherings.Photo by Hayden Walker

    Briggs Distilling will host community events throughout the year, engage in sustainability initiatives such as recycling bottles through local businesses, and pursue additional giveback opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to the Hill Country area.

    Bailey Briggs, R.S.'s daughter and vice president of marketing, said the land the distillery stands on has been in their family for generations, and their "family-first philosophy" is the heart of their business.

    "Briggs Distilling was born from family and built for families," Bailey said in a release. "For more than twenty years, our family has called the Texas Hill Country home, spending holidays, birthdays, and long summer days on the river together. Those memories shaped our lives and inspired us to create a place where other families could make their own."

    Following the grand opening on October 17, Briggs Distilling Co. will be open from 4-10 pm Wednesdays through Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays. Happy hour will run from 3-6 pm Wednesdays through Fridays. Kid-friendly specials will also be offered on Sundays.

    Briggs Distilling Co. interior

    Photo by Hayden Walker

    The distillery aims to make all visitors feel welcome.

    distillerywhiskeydriftwoodhill countrytravelcocktails
    news/travel

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