Revving Up Las Vegas: The Thrill Of F1 Beyond The Track

Whether you plan to watch the big race or not, there's plenty of fun to be had in Las Vegas surrounding Formula 1 weekend.

The 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be an exciting event taking place from November 21 to November 23 on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. This race will happen at night, with a stunning illuminated backdrop of the city’s famous landmarks, making it a unique spectacle.

If you're not planning to watch the race live, there are plenty of spots around the city to enjoy a watch party or special F1 activation.

Whether you're a race fan or not, there's F1 excitement in the air. In addition to the practices and races, there will be plenty of F1 activations, pop-ups, and food and drink specials to enjoy up and down the world-famous Strip.

While there will be a free festival taking place on Friday and Saturday, tickets for the event sold out quickly. This is a new event for this year's race that will feature display cars, driver Q&As, merchandise for sale, and more.

Many bars, restaurants, and local businesses are offering watch parties for people who don't want to watch the race live outside in the grandstands.

The City of Henderson is offering a free official Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix watch party.

"Whether you are a casual F1 [viewer], or if you just want to check it out, or if you are an absolute fanatic and love the sport, this is going to be the place for you, it is the best option off the Strip," Ron Sharek, sports marketing officer for the City of Henderson said, according to KSNV. "Not only are we the only official public-facing F1 watch party in town, but a couple of new additions this year. We are giving away two tickets to next year's F1 race, so you'll be able to go in person."

Racecar driver Lewis Hamilton's non-alcoholic tequila alternative brand, Almave, will be served from November 18-25 across several different restaurants and bars located in Wynn Las Vegas. Overlook, Aft, B Bar, Parasol, Lobby Bar, High Limit and Tower Suites will feature a signature margarita, and Casa Playa, Eastside Lounge, and Tableau will expand upon that with creative custom Almave-based cocktails.

If you're exploring other Vegas venues around the Strip and want to try a drink made with Almave, you're in luck! The limited-time "Almave Circuit" will bring Almave cocktails to some other area venues, including Proper Eats Food Hall, Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, Sushi Roku Las Vegas, and Carversteak.

"Almave is the first premium non-alcoholic Blue Agave spirit made in Jalisco, Mexico that does not compromise on taste or quality. With Iván Saldaña's expertise and Lewis Hamilton's passion for greatness, we blended tradition and innovation to create a revolutionary product," Almave's website reads. "The result? A Blue Agave Spirit from the highlands of Jalisco expressed without alcohol."

Just ahead of all the racing fun, PUMA is officially opening its second North American flagship store located on the Strip. The three-story retail destination is the place to be for immersive and interactive experiences and the latest and greatest PUMA products.

During F1, there will be pop-up events that include an F1 simulator, interactive fun, and driver appearances at Fashion Show Mall.

On Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., PUMA x Shoe Palace will host a fireside chat with one of F1 racing pioneers, Willy T. Ribbs, who will interact with fans and share his untold stories on the track.

From 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, there will be a Marta Garcia Meet & Greet presented by PUMA and Champs Sports.

Also on Friday, from 8 to 11 p.m., PUMA and Shoe Palace will host an exclusive in-store Red Zone Party with live performances from Grammy-nominated artist Ye Ali and Isaiah Falls, the Aces Wild Card dancers, and a live magician.

The new PUMA flagship store will be located at BLVD Las Vegas, a new development that is currently the largest standalone retail and entertainment destination on the Strip.

Want to get a look at the F1 Circuit up close and personal? How about the mini version of it? On Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. at Lids Locker Room, located at 3791 S. Las Vegas Blvd, a mini F1 circuit will allow shoppers to race remote control cars for a chance to win F1 related prizes.

Shoppers can get access to the New Era Grand Prix with the purchase of New Era products. Lids Access Pass Premium members who make a New Era purchase will receive an automatic entry into the grand prize drawing. Non Access Pass purchases will be able to play the game, and the fastest times will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

The vibe will be high with a live DJ pumping music throughout the activation.

It's wild living near the roads that the racecars will be revving up and racing this upcoming weekend. My short commute to the grocery store on Tuesday night had me on and off the F1 track, so I decided to film some of it to show family and friends what it's like living in Vegas right now.

I'm not going to lie, it's tough living so close to all the construction, roadblocks, closures, and worse-than-usual traffic, but do I hate it? Nope. There's an energy in the air that's undeniable. It's pretty exciting knowing that such a beloved event will be happening just blocks from where I live, and I'm actually excited to see how the city fully transforms during the three-day event.

Formula One takes over the streets of Las Vegas from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 23. For more information or last-minute tickets, visit the website.