Austin entertainment
Two Formula 1 festivals join forces for one explosive party in Austin
Map of street closures and stages planned for Austin Fan Fest.
Circuit of the Americas' Austin Fan Fest and Paul Carroza's Experience Austin have combined their formidable party-planning skills. They decided that one plus one equals far more than two. November 16-18, monster Formula 1 celebration Austin Fan Fest, sponsored by CultureMap, will dominate the downtown footprint from Colorado Street to Brazos, from Second Street to Fifth Street.
Back in August, CultureMap first reported on the two festivals. But the problem with holding two competing events became clear fairly quickly. Strategies and themes were different, but people were confused about which bash was which. Add to that the challenge of finding sponsors and programming, and it's no wonder that a couple of quick conversations ensued.
Strategies and themes were different, but people were confused about which bash was which. "This just makes sense," says planner Paul Carroza.
We now have a single downtown bash with five stages presenting a collection of local performers, local vendors, international acts and incredible cars — all in one place.
"This just makes sense," says Carroza. "We want to introduce all of our visitors, local and international, to the great community we love so much and to the amazing talent we enjoy here. What better way than to combine forces with one of the greatest venues in the world?"
"We believe that bringing the two festivals together into one footprint in the Warehouse District, with one name and one message, will help the more than 100,000 fans coming to town for F1 to enjoy it all in one place," adds Paul Thornton, president of TAG Presents, which is programming the event with Circuit of the Americas.
Musical artists include a who's who of Austin's great musicians, including an amazing lineup from BazaarVoice at Cedar Street. And the Austin Cultural Arts Division is planning a stage filled with free cultural performances of dance, music and spoken word. Circuit of the Americas will also bring a slew of F1 and other racing cars with their race simulators.
Internationally renowned bands will also perform at ticketed concerts at the Frank Erwin Center, with Aerosmith and Cheap Trick; the Circuit of the Americas' Club at the Austin Convention Center, with Flo Rida, Cobra Starship, Enrique Iglesias and Nelly; ACL Live, with Juanes, Lupe Fiasco and The Wallflowers; and the Circuit of the Americas after party at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, with Ghostland Observatory and The Wailers.
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Tickets for the ticketed events are available at the Austin Fan Fest website; attending the downtown festival is free. Fan Fest will be open from 6 pm-2 am Friday, November 16, and from 10 am-2 am Saturday and Sunday.
