Kuper Sotheby's International Realty | Austin, Texas
An insider's guide to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Where to stay, where to dine, and the Austin that most visitors never see: the private market.
The Private Market
The majority of my transactions are off-market. Austin's most significant residences often change hands quietly, between owners who value privacy and buyers who value access. If you are here for the race and considering a Texas residence, the most compelling options may not be online.
Direct access to private offerings across Austin, the lakes, and the Texas Hill Country, available only through conversation.
Relationships with homeowners who are not listed but will consider a qualified buyer for the right home.
Sotheby's International Realty colleagues worldwide, for clients relocating, investing, or adding a Texas address. Agents: If your client is headed to Austin, send them to me.
Confidential tours, quiet negotiations, and introductions arranged around your race weekend schedule.
The Weekend
Circuit of the Americas sits southeast of downtown, near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Every Grand Prix ticket includes the weekend concert series.
Day | On Track | Evening Headliner |
|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct. 23 | Practice | Maroon 5, Germania Insurance Super Stage |
Sat, Oct. 24 | Qualifying | Post Malone, Germania Insurance Super Stage |
Sun, Oct. 25 | Grand Prix, 2:00 PM CT (confirm with F1 schedule) | Alesso, post-race at Germania Insurance Amphitheater |
Pit Lane Notes
A few things I tell every client flying in for race week.
The FAA requires ramp reservations at Austin-Bergstrom (KAUS), including drop-and-goes, October 22 through 26. FBOs include Signature, Atlantic, and Million Air. Secure your slot early.
Race-day traffic on the eastern approach is heavy. A dedicated driver with a planned arrival window, or a hospitality package with transfers, saves hours.
Many kitchens run prix fixe menus or private events during race week. Book now, and plan around concert end times.
Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and the Hill Country wine region toward Fredericksburg turn race week into a long weekend.
Where to Stay
Race weekend inventory moves quickly. For longer stays, a leased private residence is often the more comfortable choice; ask me about available options.
Downtown | Lady Bird Lake
Ranked No. 1 hotel in Austin by U.S. News & World Report for 2026, with a lakefront lawn close to the Second Street District.
Second Street District
Design-forward downtown hotel steps from Lady Bird Lake, home to Michelin-starred Kappo Kappo.
Second Street District
Downtown hotel connected to ACL Live at the Moody Theater, a lively base for race-week evenings.
North Central
A historic estate of the Auberge Resorts Collection, with Lutie's on property. A quieter base away from downtown crowds.
Downtown | Waterline
The brand's first Texas property, inside Waterline, the 74-story tower where Waller Creek meets Lady Bird Lake. Newly opened; confirm availability directly.
Downtown
Large-format downtown hotel with a full spa and a seventh-floor pool terrace, suited to groups and corporate hospitality.
South Congress
An intimate, private-feeling retreat just off South Congress Avenue.
Rainey Street
At the edge of the Rainey Street district, close to Emmer & Rye and the lakefront trail.
South Congress | Music Lane
Once the Terrace Motor Hotel of the 1950s and 60s, now home to Summer House and the Equipment Room vinyl bar.
South Congress
A 1930s motor court turned courtyard retreat with an outdoor pool, across the street from the Continental Club.
UT Campus | Rio Grande
An intimate boutique hotel at Rio Grande and MLK, near the southern edge of the UT campus.
Lake Austin
A waterfront spa retreat for guests who want the race by day and stillness by night.
Where to Dine
Austin holds seven MICHELIN Stars in the 2026 Texas Guide. Here is where I send clients, from tasting counters to Central Texas barbecue.
# | Restaurant | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|
Where Austinites Actually Eat
No tasting menu required. These are the tables Austin families have returned to for years, plus a few McGuire Moorman Lambert favorites beyond Jeffrey's, Clark's, Josephine House, and Perla's above.
South Lamar
Serving Austin since 1952 and on South Lamar since 1986. Order the Bob Armstrong dip, named for former Texas Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong, who asked the kitchen for something off the menu.
South Congress
A South Congress institution for tacos and hand-shaken margaritas with fresh lime, with Austin regulars and even a former president among its fans. Try the Longhorn, made with Austin's own 512 Tequila.
South Congress
Opened in 2005, bringing 18-inch New York-style pies to South Congress. Still the late-night slice locals line up for.
South Congress | McGuire Moorman Lambert
All-day cafe and wine bar for an easy lunch between South Congress stops.
Bouldin Creek | McGuire Moorman Lambert
Opened in 2011 by Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman: Vietnamese cafe and French bakery, serving three meals a day on a leafy patio.
Second Street District | McGuire Moorman Lambert
Fancier barbecue downtown, and it takes reservations.
Clarksville | McGuire Moorman Lambert
Neighborhood bakery and cafe for pastries and coffee before the drive to the circuit.
The Live Music Capital
From the arena to the honky-tonk. Listings reflect published calendars as of October 16, 2026; lineups change, so confirm on each venue's calendar before you go.
Around Town
Fan zones, chef's dinners and parties across Austin. Compiled from organizer announcements and TRIBEZA's race weekend guide as of October 20, 2026; details change, so confirm before you go.
When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
F1 Hub pop-up: official team gear and limited-edition collections, open daily | ||
Atlassian Williams Racing Fan Zone: appearances, car shows and giveaways | ||
Black & White Kickoff Party presented by Audi: cars, art, photography and fashion; free | ||
Garrison Big Race Dinner: seven-course chef's tasting, $195, wine pairing $150 | ||
Audi x SingleThread: five-course tasting on the 14th-floor terrace, 6:30 to 10:30 PM | ||
Thu to Sat, Oct. 22 to 24 | The Paddock Bar: two-step night Thursday, House 44 evening Friday, Jack Whitehall Saturday; free, 21 and up, waitlist on DICE | Sagebrush, South Austin |
Wynn Nightlife: Benny Benassi, Bryce Alakai, Ian Asher and Joe Kay, one per night | ||
Sports Illustrated Circuit Series: late-night show headlined by BLOND:ISH; tickets from $43 |
Make It a Week
Race week lands in the middle of Austin's best season. A few things on the calendar around the Grand Prix; dates reflect published listings as of October 16, 2026, so confirm before you book.
When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
Thu, Oct. 22 | Circuit activity opens; COTA lists race week as Oct. 22 to 25 | Circuit of the Americas |
Sat, Oct. 24 | Texas Longhorns vs. Ole Miss | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, UT Campus |
Sat, Oct. 24 | Viva la Vida Fest, Austin's DÃa de los Muertos celebration | Downtown |
Sun, Oct. 25 | The Smashing Pumpkins | Moody Center |
Wed, Oct. 28 to Thu, Nov. 5 | Austin Film Festival, opening party Oct. 28 | Downtown venues |
Sat, Oct. 31 | Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, UT Campus |
Any day | Hill Country wineries and Main Street in Fredericksburg, about 80 miles west | Texas Hill Country |
After the Checkered Flag
Many race-weekend visitors leave with a second home in mind. Texas has no state personal income tax, and Austin pairs a global business community with lake, hill, and urban living within a short drive. Browse the highest-priced homes on the public market across Austin and the Texas Hill Country, updated live from MLS.
What you see online is only part of the grid.Most of the homes I sell are off-market. Tell me what you are looking for, and I will show you what is not listed.
Susan Barringer | Global Advisor
Your Austin Advisor
Austin native since 1974 and Global Advisor with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. Most of my business is private: off-market sales, quiet introductions, and referrals from Sotheby's International Realty colleagues around the world. In town for the race? Let's find a time.
Phone512.426.9456
Email[email protected]
OfficeKuper Sotheby's International Realty
524 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78701
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Event details reflect published information as of October 16, 2026, and are subject to change by Formula 1, Circuit of the Americas, and event organizers. Hotel and restaurant information is provided as a courtesy; confirm hours, availability, and reservations directly. Listing data is provided via IDX and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Off-market availability varies and is subject to seller instructions and MLS rules. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Formula 1 or Circuit of the Americas. Tax information is general and not tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional. Images: Wikimedia Commons, CC0 and Public Domain. Kuper Sotheby's International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.