The countdown to the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix officially begins on Saturday, August 15, as Grand Prix Plaza opens its doors for the 100 Days to Race Day Celebration. Designed as a free community event, the evening invites race fans, local residents, and visitors to experience the excitement of Formula 1 long before the lights go out on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in November.
Running from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the celebration transforms Grand Prix Plaza into an interactive festival featuring exotic cars, Formula 1 experiences, driver appearances, games, giveaways, and exclusive opportunities to win race tickets. Best of all, admission is completely free with advance registration.
Whether you’re a lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast or simply curious about what race weekend has to offer, this event provides an exciting preview of one of Las Vegas’ biggest annual sporting events.
Event Overview
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 100 Days to Race Day Celebration |
| Location | Grand Prix Plaza, Las Vegas |
| Date | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Admission | Free (advance reservation recommended) |
| Perfect For | Formula 1 fans, families, locals, visitors, car enthusiasts |
What Is the 100 Days to Race Day Celebration?
The 100 Days to Race Day Celebration marks an important milestone in the countdown to the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix. Hosted at Grand Prix Plaza, the event gives fans an opportunity to experience Formula 1 in an interactive and accessible setting months before race weekend arrives.
Instead of focusing solely on racing, the evening celebrates the broader Formula 1 lifestyle through entertainment, automotive culture, interactive exhibits, and community engagement. Guests can explore the plaza, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy activities designed for visitors of all ages.
For Las Vegas residents, it’s also a chance to experience Grand Prix Plaza outside of race weekend while getting a first look at many of the attractions and activations that define the city’s Formula 1 celebration.
What to Expect at the Celebration
The event offers a full evening of activities spread throughout Grand Prix Plaza, with something happening around nearly every corner.
Highlights include:
- Interactive Formula 1 activations
- A 100-car showcase
- Prize giveaways
- Meet-and-greets
- Family-friendly games
- Exclusive previews from Las Vegas resort partners
- Opportunities to win Formula 1 experiences
Because admission is free, it’s an excellent introduction for anyone considering attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix later in the year.
Be Among the First 100 Guests
Early arrivals receive one of the evening’s most valuable rewards.
The first 100 guests through the gates will receive a complimentary ticket to F1® X, Grand Prix Plaza’s interactive Formula 1 attraction.
The ticket may be redeemed anytime during the remainder of the 2026 Grand Prix Plaza season, making it an excellent bonus for early attendees.
Spin the Giant Slot Machine and Win Exclusive Prizes
Las Vegas meets Formula 1 with one of the event’s most entertaining attractions.
Guests can try their luck at a 15-foot interactive Slot Machine Spin-to-Win activation, where every participant walks away with a prize.
Potential prizes include:
- Official Formula 1 merchandise
- Exclusive giveaways
- F1® X admission
- F1® DRIVE experiences
- Single-day race tickets
- Three-day Las Vegas Grand Prix ticket packages
Each guest receives one complimentary spin, making it one of the most popular experiences of the evening.
Meet F1 ACADEMY™ Driver Ava Dobson
One of the celebration’s biggest highlights is the opportunity to meet F1 ACADEMY™ driver Ava Dobson, who competes in the American Express livery.
Throughout the evening, Dobson will participate in scheduled meet-and-greet sessions, giving fans the chance to take photos, ask questions, and learn more about her racing journey before she competes on the streets of Las Vegas during race weekend.
For younger racing fans and aspiring drivers, this offers a rare opportunity to meet one of the sport’s rising stars in a relaxed setting.
Explore the 100 Nights Until Lights Out Car Show
Automotive enthusiasts will find plenty to admire during the 100 Nights Until Lights Out Car Show, presented in partnership with Las Vegas Car Meets.
More than 100 vehicles will line the pit lane and start-finish straight at Grand Prix Plaza, creating one of the largest community car showcases leading up to race weekend.
The display includes:
- Classic cars
- American muscle cars
- Exotic supercars
- Performance vehicles
- Custom builds
Throughout the evening, visitors can also enjoy:
- Low Car Limbo competition
- Best in Show awards
- Opportunities to meet fellow automotive enthusiasts
Interactive Experiences Throughout Grand Prix Plaza
Beyond the car show, Grand Prix Plaza will feature a wide range of interactive experiences that showcase the creativity and partnerships behind the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Highlights include:
Bellagio Fountain Club Preview
Get a closer look at Bellagio’s Formula 1 show car and explore a display featuring the famous Shoey Bar shoes from previous race weekends.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Slot Car Experience
Test your racing skills through an elevated slot car activation presented by Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
T-Mobile Interactive Games
Visit the T-Mobile Truck for games, giveaways, and additional fan experiences.
Venetian Resort Prize Claw Machine
Try your luck at winning prizes courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Race-Themed Caricatures
Take home a unique keepsake with Formula 1-inspired caricature artwork.
LEGO® Pink Cadillac
One of the evening’s most photographed displays is expected to be a striking pink Cadillac constructed entirely from LEGO® bricks.
Why You Should Attend
The 100 Days to Race Day Celebration offers something for nearly everyone.
It’s ideal for:
- Formula 1 fans
- Las Vegas locals
- Families
- Car enthusiasts
- Visitors planning to attend the Grand Prix
- Travelers looking for a free evening activity
Unlike race weekend itself, the event is relaxed, community-focused, and designed to introduce visitors to the excitement surrounding Formula 1 without requiring expensive race tickets.
Tips for Your Visit
To make the most of the evening:
- Reserve your free ticket in advance.
- Arrive early if you’d like one of the complimentary F1® X tickets.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Grand Prix Plaza.
- Bring your camera for the car show and interactive displays.
- Stay for the entire event to experience all activations and meet-and-greets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 100 Days to Race Day Celebration free?
Yes. Admission is free, although advance reservations are recommended.
When is the event?
The celebration takes place Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where is the event held?
The celebration takes place at Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas.
Who can attend?
The event is open to the public and welcomes Formula 1 fans, families, locals, and visitors.
What can I win?
Guests have opportunities to win:
- Official merchandise
- F1® X tickets
- F1® DRIVE experiences
- Formula 1 Las Vegas race tickets
- Additional giveaways
Will there be race cars?
Visitors can enjoy a 100-car showcase featuring classic, muscle, exotic, and performance vehicles, along with Formula 1-inspired displays throughout the plaza.
Continue Exploring F1 Las Vegas
You may also enjoy:
- F1 Las Vegas Afterparty at Sphere
- Make the Most of Your Visit to Grand Prix Plaza
- Experience the Thrill of Formula 1 at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas
- F1 Arcade Las Vegas: Where Racing Meets the Strip
External Resources
For free ticket reservations, event updates, and additional information, visit the official Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix website:
Start the Countdown to F1 Las Vegas
With just 100 days until lights out, the excitement surrounding the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix begins long before the cars take to the Strip Circuit. The 100 Days to Race Day Celebration at Grand Prix Plaza gives fans a free opportunity to experience Formula 1 through interactive exhibits, exclusive giveaways, an impressive 100-car showcase, driver meet-and-greets, and immersive activations from some of Las Vegas’ most recognizable resorts. Whether you’re planning to attend the Grand Prix or simply want to be part of the city’s growing Formula 1 culture, this community celebration is the perfect way to begin the countdown to one of the year’s most anticipated events.
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