Racing & Entertainment at Austin's Purpose-Built Motorsports Complex

Just 15 miles southeast of Downtown Austin, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is one of the world’s premier racing and entertainment destinations. Known for hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, this state-of-the-art complex offers so much more than motorsports. From NASCAR and MotoGP to live music, amusement rides, and upcoming attractions, COTA is a year-round hub for excitement in the Texas Hill Country.

Photo of a car speeding down the track at Circuit of The Americas.NASCAR at COTA. Credit to Harold Hinson Photography.

Racing at COTA

COTA is one of the only FIA-certified Grade 1 tracks in the United States, designed specifically for high-speed drama and fan thrills. Its 3.41-mile course features 20 challenging turns, including the iconic uphill climb into Turn 1. Major annual events include:

  • Formula E (February 6, 2027): The first-ever U.S. race of this close, street-style racing similar to Formula 1, but with all-electric vehicles.
  • MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas (March 2027): A must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts, complete with parade laps and fan zones.
  • NASCAR at COTA (March 5-7, 2027): A unique road course race that showcases NASCAR like you’ve never seen it, including three different race series and a full weekend of activities and music.
  • FIA World Endurance Championships (Lone Star Le Mans) (September 4-6, 2026): A fan-favorite endurance race that blends world-class racing with interactive displays and exotic car showcases. Watch top-performing cars compete head-to-head in a six-hour-long race at the only North American stop during the WEC season.
  • Formula 1 United States Grand Prix (October 23-25, 2026): Austin’s biggest international sporting event brings three days of racing, fan activations, and concerts.

COTA Karting at Circuit of The Americas in Austin Texas
Courtesy of Circuit of The Americas.

Live Music & Entertainment

Germania Insurance Amphitheater

COTA is more than just a racetrack. The Germania Insurance Amphitheater, located on the grounds, is Austin’s largest outdoor music venue with room for 14,000 fans. Top artists from every genre perform here, making it a go-to spot for summer concerts. Past performers at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater include The Rolling Stones, Alanis Morissette, Sam Hunt and more.

COTA's Speed City

Speed City at COTA has fun for the whole family to get involved in. Take a turn on the COTA Karting track where these serious go-karts reach top speeds of 55 mph. The littles aren't left out though, with their own dedicated Kiddie Karting track. Before you leave, check out the mini-golf circuit course with 18-holes of world-champion themed action. 

COTALAND Theme Park

COTA continues to evolve, offering new reasons to visit every year. Set to open in fall 2026, the 30-acre COTALAND will feature nearly 30 rides, including the Palindrome Infinity Coaster, the Sky Blazer pendulum swing, and the already-completed “Circuit Breaker” coaster, with a 90-degree vertical drop.

Ready to check out Circuit of The Americas for yourself? Plan your trip around one of the circuits popular annual racing events or stop by anytime for family fun at COTALAND and Speed City.