Here we go again. It’s race week. Year two of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix—which runs from November 21 to 23—and the city is once again set to stage a race and massive party that shuts down one the world’s busiest and most visited places in America. We’re ready if you are.
There are many ways to experience the race. You can view it in person and splurge on exclusive viewing parties and experiences to hobnob with celebrity chefs over caviar and champagne or sit in the grandstands and hear and feel the vibrations of the cars racing past. The good news is there are some affordable options for those who may not be race fans but want to dip their toes in and experience the excitement and action that is Formula 1 without the hoopla.
If you don’t want to brave the Strip and all those road closures you could impress your friends with posts of you flying over it on a Maverick helicopter tour. And if racing still isn’t your thing, just head downtown to the free Neon City Festival.
There is a lot going on. Just assume that every Strip restaurant and bar is holding some sort of dinner, promotion or activation, and things like, well, drinking out of a racing shoe at the Shoey Bar at Bellagio makes for good content on your Instagram feed.
We weeded through all the activations and came up with a short list of our favorites from the more than 50 or so announced events.
Grandstand Tickets and T-Mobile Zone
For those who want to get right into the action, a grandstand ticket is the way to go. There are several options at different locations at a number of price points ($99–$700) so go here and choose the option that works for you. Some come with complimentary food and drinks and others don’t.
Hell’s Kitchen Lunch with Gordon Ramsay
You don’t have to pay $35,000 at the F1 Garage to meet Gordon Ramsay this weekend. He’s making an appearance at his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesars Palace during a four-course meal ($250) that will include dishes such as pan-seared scallops and beef Wellington, plus wine or cocktail pairings. Lunch is Friday, November 22 at noon.
Red Bull Watch Party at Circa
Downtown Las Vegas will be home to the Neon City Festival but that doesn’t mean you have to totally miss the race. You can soak in the 82-degree water and party at Circa’s Stadium Swim as you watch on the massive television screens. Tickets start at $25.
Boulevard Watch Party at the Cosmopolitan
Stare down at the track from the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool where they are hosting three days of watch parties during the Boulevard Experience ($250 to $350), which includes a closed-circuit viewing of the race’s live feed.
Cocktail Circuit at the Cosmopolitan
It’s a race of sorts, but on your own terms. The “Cocktail Circuit” party at the Cosmopolitan will have fans visiting four destinations (Vesper Bar, Ghost Donkey, Chandelier Bar and LPM) to sample signature drinks created just for race week.
Diamond Darts at Flight Club
Book a Diamond Dart package at Flight Club and watch the action out the window at Turn 12. They have multiple options with free dart games and food and beverage included.
K1 Speed: E-Go Karts at Resorts World
Resorts World has a lot going on but it’s the K1 Speed: E-Go Karts that caught our attention. Apparently, they set up an all-ages, indoor go-kart racing track for those wannabe racers.