Heywood Hotel’s Guide to Formula 1 Austin 2026
August 24, 2026
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One of the most thrilling sports events of the year is just around the corner. Formula 1 Austin is back October 23–25, 2026. Each year, F1 brings thousands of racing enthusiasts to our city, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase all that Austin offers this time of year.
As you prepare for your trip to the capital city, we have insider tips on where to stay and what to do while you’re here for F1 Austin 2026.
In this post:
What to Know: F1 Austin Schedule, Tickets, and Location
F1, officially called Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix, is a three-day event packed with thrilling races and showstopping concerts. Here’s what you need to know about the event:
Maroon 5 and Post Malone are this year’s Formula 1 headliners.
F1 Austin lineup and schedule
- Friday, October 23: Practice round and Maroon 5 concert
- Saturday, October 24: Final practice, qualifying, and the Post Malone concert
- Sunday, October 25: The Grand Prix, followed by Alesso’s post-race concert
F1 Austin tickets
To witness the action up close, it’s best to get a ticket with reserved seating. COTA offers elevated bleacher seating close to the track at all the best turns, including Turns 9, 12, 15, and 19. There’s also a covered space at Turn 4 that offers a Premium Grandstand. You can purchase reserved seating tickets for the weekend here.
You can purchase a general admission grounds pass if you plan to spend the entire weekend at COTA. These passes give you access to the grounds and general admission viewing areas. Three-day general admission passes are $450. GA sold out ahead of the race in past years, so it’s worth grabbing early if you want one. You can purchase them here. Single-day tickets are also available for any of the three days. A day ticket includes access to that day’s race and the concert later that night. You can buy your single-day ticket here.
F1 Austin location
The festivities all take place at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The races take over the entire premises. Friday and Saturday’s concerts happen at the Germania Insurance Super Stage, located on the grounds, and Sunday’s post-race show moves to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater.
As far as getting there goes, you have a few options. You can drive there yourself (which requires getting a parking pass), hop on the shuttle that departs from downtown, or take a rideshare.
Where to Stay: The Heywood Hotel
At 1609 E. Cesar Chavez in East Austin, the Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN Key boutique property, seven rooms about 15 miles from COTA. F1 weekend is one of our favorite times of year, and our team has been hosting race guests long enough to know what it takes to pull off a great trip.
Boutique luxury with Austin charm
The Heywood offers a handcrafted boutique experience unlike any other hotel in Austin. We’ve designed our spaces with a personal touch to provide a unique blend of comfort and local flavor.
Think of us as your home away from home. We offer free parking, good coffee, and ridiculously comfortable beds. After a day filled with the roar of engines and the excitement of the race, our beautifully designed rooms are the perfect place to retreat and recharge. Plus, all Formula 1 weekend guests receive a VIP welcome basket full of local Austin treats and libations.
Convenient location (with free parking)
Located in East Austin just blocks from downtown, the Heywood Hotel sits in a central spot for race weekend. Whether you plan to drive to COTA yourself or catch the shuttle (which departs from Waterloo Park, about a mile and a half away from the Heywood), getting to F1 is a breeze.
Hyper-local focus on Austin
Traveling to a new city is one of the best parts about attending F1 races. Even if you’ve attended F1 Austin in previous years, there’s still so much to explore (and probably even a few new spots that have opened up in the past year!). We’re within walking distance to more than a dozen Michelin-recommended restaurants.
To see Austin the way locals do and make sure you don’t miss our team’s favorites, turn to the Heywood’s concierge team. From recommending hidden gems on the Eastside for a post-race celebration to helping you navigate race day, our insider knowledge is at your disposal.
Book Your Stay for F1 Austin 2026At 1609 E. Cesar Chavez in East Austin, the Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN Key boutique property with free parking, a VIP welcome basket for every F1 guest, and a concierge team that knows this city cold. |
Getting to COTA from the Heywood Hotel
The last thing you want during race weekend is to run into navigation delays. That’s why we’ve outlined the best way to get from the Heywood Hotel to Circuit of the Americas to ensure your race day starts smoothly.
Distance and drive time from the Heywood Hotel
The distance from the Heywood Hotel to COTA is approximately 15 miles, with an average drive time of around 20–30 minutes (depending on traffic).
Looking to beat traffic? Stop by the front desk before you head out, and our concierge team will share insider tips!
Recommended route
- Start by heading south on I-35 from the Heywood Hotel.
- Take Exit 230 to merge onto TX-71 East towards Bastrop.
- Continue on TX-71 East, then follow the signs for FM 812.
- Turn right onto FM 812 and continue straight until you reach the Circuit of the Americas entrance.
COTA offers a variety of parking passes for F1. It is highly recommended that you secure your parking pass ahead of time.
Where to Play: The Best Austin Spots for F1 Fans
Ready to dive into the heart of Austin with the same gusto you bring to the track? We’ve handpicked our favorite spots that promise to rev up your F1 weekend with local flavors, sights, and sounds.
Where to fuel up before the races
Here are a few nearby restaurants to grab a hearty breakfast before race day:
- Juan in a Million: A must-visit for authentic Austin breakfast tacos to kickstart your race day.
- Joe’s Bakery: A Michelin-recommended casual Mexican eatery near the Heywood Hotel.
- Snooze: Frittatas, pancakes, egg benedicts and more at this breakfast diner six blocks from the Heywood.
- Sawyer & Co.: Dive into classic American diner fare with a Southern twist.
- Flat Track Coffee: Half a block from the Heywood Hotel and serving some of the best espresso in the city.
- Cosmic Cafe Saltillo: Industrial architecture meets expansive garden patio at this award-winning coffee shop serving breakfast tacos.
Check out our favorite breakfast and brunch spots in East Austin for more suggestions.
Need to caffeinate on your way to the track? There are plenty of East Austin coffee shops worth visiting.
Where to cool your engines after the races
As you wind down for the night, there’s no better time to live like the locals. Here are a few of our favorite places to grab a drink or an unforgettable meal:
- Suerte: This Michelin-recommended restaurant serves sophisticated takes on Interior Mexican dishes in a buzzy, lively room.
- Central Machine Works: This brewery and beer garden is a favorite among locals, offering a spacious place to relax after a day at the races.
- Bufalina: Renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, Bufalina Pizza is a must-visit for anyone craving artisanal pizza in Austin.
- Hestia: This Michelin one-star restaurant focuses on live-fire cooking in a comfortable and refined downtown dining space.
- Uchiko: The sister restaurant to the acclaimed Uchi offers a distinguished dining experience in Austin, focusing on Japanese cuisine with a creative twist.
Our concierge team has been hosting F1 guests for years and we know what race weekend needs. Stop by the front desk before you head out each morning for updated traffic timing and our current picks for after the race. We’d love to have you at the Heywood Hotel.
Book Your Stay for an F1 Austin Weekend to RememberLocated on E. Cesar Chavez in East Austin, the Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN Key boutique property about 15 miles from COTA. Free parking, VIP welcome baskets for F1 guests, and a team ready to help you get the most out of race weekend. |