Circuit of the Americas’ second season in F1 is less than a week away, and after putting together full year of events, races and concerts since the last GP, Austin and her newest venue look to be gearing up for an even better weekend than last year’s with attractions ranging from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to the Austin Fan Fest.
While you probably know about all the happenings on track, there are a few things happening worth noting since covering the race last year. Here’s a short list of experiences that stand out as worth the visit and the trip:
On Thursday (11/14) evening, two events to check out – one is a special evening with Formula 1’s official artist Mark Dickens, who will be appearing from 6-8pm at Lisa Russell’s gallery downtown. Mark’s been around the world with Formula 1, and his commissioned work from Bernie represents life and racing wherever the circus goes. RSVP for a space today.
Also on Thursday beginning at 7pm, NBC Sports pitlane reporter Will Buxton will be hosting a party along with Kerry and Kevin from the Austin Grand Prix to kickoff this year’s weekend of racing, visit their page for more info, a donation is asked benefitting local charity.
On Friday evening through Sunday evening, the My Yacht Group will be putting together another series of fantastic parties downtown at Ballet Austin, which they transform into a comfortable lounge for invited guests, fans, drivers and celebrities – it’s an amazing group of people that have to be seen to be believed. Nicholas and Annabelle definitely have a special touch with their events and last year’s list included Alex Rossi, Ken Block, Matt LeBlanc, and many others – worth noting on your calendar, please mention F1 in America when you go – a wonderful time.
If you’re after a headliner and some live music on Saturday night, Austin City Limits will be host to Sting, who as it turns out isn’t a stranger to racing – read Peter Windsor’s article on the day Sting met Senna . . .
When it’s food you’re after, Austin takes great pride in their BBQ, and if you haven’t heard, Franklin BBQ is the spot you need to be. From their modest dining space staggers many a satisfied customer, but get there early and bring an appetite – lines do form out the door. That good.
On Sunday night, COTA is putting together an official after party this year with Infiniti Red Bull Racing for fans at Austin City Limits, so mark your calendar for a night with AWOLNATION, and just maybe a guest appearance by a world champion? Tickets are still available.
Finally, if for some reason you’re around a little longer than most this trip to Austin and looking for some country music, bring your boots to Floore’s Country Store and get some dance moves down at a nightly show. About an hour and a half from Austin in Helotes, Floore’s is a historic music venue, and it looks like it hasn’t changed too much since the doors opened in 1942. Floore’s feels like part museum, part honkytonk, and it’s up there with a visit to the Fillmore in San Francisco for character.
Floore’s is a bit out of town, but it’s also where Willie Nelson grew his beard and got his start playing for rent money. Elvis played at Floore’s in the day, and on 11/22 Dwight Yoakam will be performing – no doubt a fantastic show if you’re exploring the area after the race.
If you’ve got an event you’d like to share not listed, feel free to follow and tweet details @F1US to spread the word.
