8 Exciting Events at Circuit of The Americas

8 Exciting Events at Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, is a motorsports and entertainment venue located about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. It was built in 2012 and has continued to expand with an amusement park, holiday events, car shows and other thrilling attractions. 

At COTA, visitors can bond over their shared passion for professional motorsports, watch top-tier musicians and enjoy a fun festival feel. There are many opportunities for families to enjoy this destination year-round. Here are eight Circuit of The Americas events to attend:

1. COTA Races

Built to test the world’s fastest professional drivers, the COTA track is 3.41 miles long and has a little bit of everything — hairpin and esses turns, straights and elevation changes. Every year, COTA , including: 

  • Formula 1
  • Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP)
  • Circuit of The Americas NASCAR
  • FIA World Endurance Championship
  • MotoAmerica Superbikes

Races happen throughout the year and are heavily attended, creating a happy and crowded festival feel. In addition to racing, you can enjoy amusement rides, live music performances, food trucks and much more on the racing grounds. 

So much goes on at a COTA race that the amount of fun can be overwhelming. Whether taking advantage of photo opportunities, watching the race, talking to new friends or exploring the sheer number of food trucks, themed areas and vendors, your family will have plenty to do. 

2. Circuit of The Americas Concerts

Another popular attraction at COTA is the massive outdoor amphitheater where you can enjoy live music. Seating over 14,000 people at once, this venue hosts top-tier musicians year-round. You can enjoy them in tandem with a race, as part of a music festival or on their own. 

Some of the musicians that have played at COTA’s Germania Insurance Amphitheater include: 

  • Maroon 5
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Willie Nelson
  • Blake Shelton

Types of music range from heavy metal and rap to pop and country. You can check the COTA website to discover when you visit Austin. If you enjoy outdoor venues and some of the biggest names in music, you will love attending the music events at COTA. 

3. COTA Amusement Park

In 2022, COTA announced plans to open a family-friendly amusement park in Austin on the racetrack grounds. While the park is still under construction, it promises to be an incredible destination once completed. Sneak peaks show exciting rides that include roller coasters and more.

News sources suggest that COTALand with between 24 and 30 different rides. Developers are putting this amusement park near turns 19 and 20 of the racetrack, so families enjoying the park can also enjoy views of the track. Once this amusement park opens, it will be a must-stop destination for families visiting COTA.

4. COTA Driving Experience

Fans who want to experience the racetrack for themselves can reserve a spot for COTA’s scheduled driving experiences. At these events, drivers 25 years and older can explore the 20-turn racetrack used for professional motorsports events. 

You will drive a high-end BMW with a trained instructor to ensure you feel confident throughout the track’s hairpin turns, esses and elevation changes. As part of the COTA driving experience, you will gain access to behind-the-scenes garages, food and beverages and a gift pack.

5. Circuit of The Americas Go-Karts

Do you prefer go-karting to driving a BMW? You can sign up for karting races that happen next to the COTA Formula 1 racetrack. The karting track includes 15 exciting turns, esses, straights and more. You can sign up with no karting experience or come prepared to smoke other racers. 

The World Championship team at COTA will help you get started if you need instruction. If you would like to host a karting party for a group of your friends, you can book the track for a private race. Children 13 years and older can participate after an accompanying adult signs a waiver for them. 

6. COTA Bike Night

On select evenings, you can also sign up for a bike night experience on the COTA Formula 1 racetrack. Riding and continues until dark, allowing all cyclists to enjoy the sunset while they cruise through the course. 

After dark, there will be tailgate games and food available for purchase off the track. Bikes are not available to rent, so you will need to bring your own. Bike nights are an affordable way to enjoy this premier racing track and make memories with your family or friends. 

7. COTA Cars and Coffee

If you love car shows, COTA is the place to be on select Sundays. Once each month, this venue hosts a massive car show event in Austin. Attendance is free, although you may need to purchase a ticket for entry if other racetrack events are happening at the same time. 

Registering a car of your own for the show takes a small fee. This event is family-friendly and a fun way to on a free Sunday. You will be amazed at the variety of cars included in this show — they range from classics to racecars, off-roaders and more. 

8. Peppermint Parkway

Every Christmas, COTA transforms its venue into a holiday wonderland for children and their families to explore. Take your family through a mile-long drive-thru experience with holiday displays, lights and other festivities. 

With an additional ticket, you can drive down the signature COTA track, meet holiday characters Pepper and Mint and experience even more fun. Because this is a holiday event, it is only available each year around Christmas. However, Peppermint Parkway is a must-see if you are visiting Austin during this time.

Explore COTA From Austin East KOA Holiday 

If you are looking for places to stay near Circuit of The Americas, look no further than Austin East KOA Holiday. Around 20 minutes from COTA, KOA is the perfect place for you to relax and unwind after a long day spectating at the races, attending a music festival or exploring a car show.

Austin East KOA Holiday offers multiple kinds of sites and is perfect for RV travelers, tent campers and visitors looking for cabin lodging. Amenities include:

  • A large dog park
  • Food
  • Wi-Fi
  • A pool and pavilion
  • A sandbox
  • Cable TV
  • A recreation room
  • A playground
  • Laundry facilities

Located near downtown Austin, Austin East KOA Holiday provides easy access to restaurants, shopping and other sightseeing opportunities. Contact Austin East KOA Holiday today and experience the excitement of Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas!

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