Select City

It’s better in the app

Download. Join. Explore.

Download. Sign in. Explore.

Get the app
Get the app

An Ultimate Guide to Circuit of The Americas in Austin: COTA

  • March 20, 2023
  • | 07:00 AM

VIPs Only 💁‍♀️

Just kidding! (sorta)

Curate your favorite guides, events, deals, and more with our new Collections feature, available exclusively on the UNATION mobile app.

Take This Austin Attraction for a Test Drive

Since 2012, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has made a home here in Austin. Spread over 1500 acres and initially known for its Formula 1 draw, this vast and versatile space has now broadened its appeal and hosts some of our largest events that go well beyond racing, such as concerts, festivals, and seasonal activities. What’s more, judging by the look of some of the things they have planned for us on the horizon, the best is yet to come. Take a look below for just a handful of happenings and reasons to schedule some time at COTA

📷COTA

NASCAR

Taking place in March, NASCAR weekend at COTA has an enormous amount of activities for everyone. Between the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and even the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, there is no shortage of racing to watch, but there is plenty of other fun to be had as well. Sample some stellar BBQ at the cookoff, watch the Lucha Libre wrestlers and the Aquatic Acrobats, and of course, check out the Ricky Bobby impersonator because, obviously, “if you’re not first, you’re last”

April 14-16, 2023

 

Website
📷 Cota

Bike Night 🚲

Join fellow cyclists of all levels, and cruise the F1 track at sunset. After the evening ride, grab a drink and refreshments, as you chat with other riders. There are both healthy and unhealthy food options (pizza after a bike ride is completely fine, and even sometimes necessary), merch, and tailgate games like Cornhole and Connect Four. You can also take in the view from the 251 foot observation deck as you wind down. Check the website for dates, registration info, rider rules.

Returning March 2023. See website for list of dates and times

Website
📷 cota

MotoGP 🏍

Since 2013, spring at COTA has been synonymous with MotoGP. Known as the Formula 1 of motorcycle racing, this annual April weekend is a guaranteed thrill ride, even for spectators.
It’s absolutely impossible not to get caught up in watching the bikes tear around the straights and hairpins, and when the race is over, there are plenty of off-track entertainment. Got a Ducati of your own? Park it alongside Ducati Island on the front straight, and watch from the grandstand seat while sampling the Italian antipasti served by Ducati Senior Managers. Take a look at the website for all ticket info and options to find the one that’s right for you

April 14-16, 2023

Website
📷 COTA

Cars & Coffee ☕️🏎

Calling all early bird sports car fans: Cars & Coffee Austin is an opportunity for some free family fun. On select Sundays, COTA comes alive with the sounds of “Classics, racecars, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars, tuners, off-roaders, JDM, alternative energy—you name it, they’re here.” This is a terrific event for spectators to buy and sell cars, where some dates will even feature F1 watch parties

Select Sundays year round. Check website for registration and details

Website
📷 COTA

COTA Karting

The adrenaline junkies among us who are not content to merely observe, but can’t participate in the actual race, the option to kart around a miniature replica of the F1 might be appealing. Don’t let the cute name fool you: the karts are surprisingly fast, and the layout features all kinds of turns to test anyone’s skills, so even those with experience will be challenged. Be sure to check the FAQ’s for detailed information on what to wear, when to arrive, required waivers, and other instructions.

Year Round. See Website for Detailed Hours

Website
📷COTA

Concerts at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater 🎙

This 14,000 seat venue in the circuit’s infield has hosted “some of the biggest names in music including Foo Fighters, Kendrick Lamar, Jimmy Buffett, Imagine Dragons, Willie Nelson, Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews Band, KISS, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, ODESZA, Mumford & Sons, Van Halen, Florence + The Machine, Maroon 5, Blake Shelton, and more.” Keep an eye on the events calendar to see if your favorite artist has an upcoming show, and be sure to enquire about their comprehensive packages and premium seats for both individual shows and season tickets

Year Round. Check website for schedule, times, and tickets

Website
📷 COTA

COTA Camping 🚐

Available for year-round events, this is definitely a one-of-a-kind camping situation. Amenities include full energy hookups, restrooms, laundry, wifi, cable TV, gated pool, children’s playground, trackside access, a general store for essentials, picnic tables, and manicured grounds. Next time you want to get more mileage out of your event ticket, consider adding on a some memorable camping time to enhance the experience

Year Round. Check website for details

Website
📷 COTA

Formula 1

The “pinnacle of motorsports” is coming back to Austin in October. Look forward to a weekend of racing, rides, music, and culinary delights. There are different ticket options, as well as hospitality packages to accommodate every need. There are also travel options, and even RV and Camping plans, if you want to make a weekend of it. Several packages have already sold out, so we definitely suggest keeping an eye on ticket releases to avoid being disappointed

October 20-22, 2023

Website
📷 COTA

Peppermint Parkway

Joining the Zilker Trail of Lights on Austin’s list of seasonal must-do’s, this immersive holiday experience is a fun, family friendly alternative for those who prefer vehicular festivities, The drive along the Parkway itself features millions of lights, dancing elves, and favorite familiar characters, and there is also a carnival, complete with amusement park rides, attractions, festive beverages (for the adults, too), and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe treats. More information will be available as this annual event approaches, but they seem to expand every year, so this one is sure to be the best yet

November-December 2023

Website

Coming Soon to COTA 🎡 🎢

With a commitment to constant improvement. the Circuit of the Americas is always adding new features. This year alone, the new T11 Car Condos (vehicle storage featuring “a clubhouse and amenity space accessible to all car condo members, including a pool, outdoor lounge, grills, club room, conference rooms, showers, outdoor plaza, and on-site management office)” will be revealed. As well, plans for an amusement park with roller coasters and attractions have been announced, so even more thrills are coming our way! 📷 COTA

Get Featured on UNATION

Looking for ways to promote an event or feature your business? Fill out the form to learn how to get featured on City Guides and other UNATION platforms.

Choose a package that works for you, and our team will get to work to maximize exposure to your event or business.
Connect with Our Team

Curated by

Yana Maryanovsky

Yana Maryanovsky | Visit Profile >

Share

Share

Share