When the roar of Formula 1 engines hits Austin, so does an equally thrilling culinary race across the city. From rooftop oyster tastings to espresso martinis and pasta giveaways, F1 weekend turns Austin’s dining scene into a fast-moving feast. Whether you are chasing a fine dining tasting menu, a poolside sandwich party, or a free plate of pasta from a scooter, these are the food events worth slowing down for during race weekend, October 16 through 19.

Aba’s Fast Lane Cocktail

Where: Aba, 1011 S Congress Ave Bldg 2 Suite 180
When: October 16 to 19

South Congress hotspot Aba is stepping on the gas with a new race-themed cocktail called Fast Lane. This colorful creation mixes Tromba Blanco, Campari, passion fruit, pineapple, and lime for a refreshing hit of citrus and tropical sweetness. It is the perfect drink for a pre-race brunch or a post-shopping cool down. Pair it with Aba’s mezze platters or their signature shawarma-spiced dishes and you have a winner’s podium in a glass.

Uptown Sports Club’s F1 Watch Party

Where: Uptown Sports Club, 1200 E 6th St
When: October 19, 2 to 4 p.m.

Aaron Franklin’s East Austin brasserie will be the unofficial F1 clubhouse on race day. Uptown Sports Club will host a full-on F1 Watch Party complete with brunch specials and Jack Daniel’s cocktails. Order the shrimp and grits or fried chicken sandwich, grab a drink, and settle in for the big screens and the biggest race of the year. This one is for the fans who like their engines loud and their biscuits buttery.

The Garrison Big Race Dinner Series

Where: Garrison at Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St
When: October 16 to 19

For those who want to dine like a champion, Garrison’s Big Race Dinner Series is the city’s most elegant pit stop. Executive Chef John Satterfield is presenting a seven-course tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients, each course paired with world-class wines for an extra $150. Expect a polished, theatrical dinner that feels more like a culinary podium ceremony. Reservations are required, and this one sells out every year.

Cold Cuts & Cannonballs at Hotel Van Zandt

Where: 605 Davis St
When: October 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This one-day-only poolside event teams up Hotel Van Zandt with New Orleans cult favorite Turkey & The Wolf for a cheeky afternoon of sandwiches and sunshine. Expect towering cold-cut stacks, F1-inspired cocktails, and DJ sets that turn the rooftop into a mid-day block party. A raffle wraps up the afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include pool access.

COTA Culinary Experience

Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
When: October 17 to 19

You cannot talk about food and F1 without mentioning the COTA Culinary Experience. More than thirty Austin restaurants and chefs will set up trackside, serving a showcase of Texas flavors that range from smoked brisket to street tacos. The best part is you can wander the food stalls between races and discover local favorites without leaving the speed zone.

Skipjack Oyster and Westin Austin Downtown Events

Where: The Westin Austin Downtown, 310 E 5th St
When: October 17

The Westin is turning into a food and fashion playground. In the lobby, you’ll find a custom hat pop-up by Rancher Hat Bar and permanent jewelry from Fineweld Gems between 2 and 6 p.m. Upstairs at Skipjack Oyster, enjoy a sixteen-oyster omakase tasting from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by Bubbles & Bumps from 5 to 11 p.m., featuring caviar bumps and sparkling wine. It is the kind of party that makes you forget there is even a race happening.

F1 Afterparty at Kalimotxo

Where: Kalimotxo, 607 W 3rd St
When: October 18, 6 p.m. to late

East Austin favorite Kalimotxo is going full paddock club mode for its F1 Afterparty. Enjoy $6 beers, $8 Spanish tapas, $10 cocktails, and half-price bottles of wine. DJ Adrian Hardy will spin, surprise guests will pop in, and the Basque bites will keep you on track. Admission is free with RSVP on Posh, but arrive early if you want a seat near the action.

Barilla’s Domenica Italiana in Austin

Where: Various Locations
When: October 16 to 19

Barilla, the Official Pasta Partner of Formula 1, is bringing the Italian spirit of Domenica Italiana to Austin all weekend. Their scooter squad will be rolling around downtown delivering more than five thousand pasta meal kits for free, one for every meter of the COTA track. Fans can also pick up kits at the Barilla scooter station at Fareground Austin, located at 111 Congress Ave.

If you prefer to dine out, Barilla’s premium Al Bronzo Pasta line will appear on the menu at twenty Austin restaurants, including The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen and Dovetail Pizza. And for those near Pflugerville, head to HEB for Barilla’s lasagna pop-up tastings and buy-one-get-one pasta deals.