Don’t have tickets to the Miami Grand Prix? Here are some fun (and free!) fan events
Fasten your seatbelts, locals. You’re going to hear three words really soon: Miami Grand Prix.
What this means for you: Not much if you live in, say, West Kendall.
But if you’re looking to be influencering hard (yes, we totally made up this word) and spicing up your Reels, you may want to brush up on the sport of car racing, stat.
The actual name of the world renowned, three day long event Friday through Sunday, is the Formula One CRYPTO.COM Miami Grand Prix, which returns for the second year at the Miami International Autodrome, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Note: You can also say “F1” for short and people will assume you know what you’re talking about. And most definitely use the hashtag.
Tickets for the exhilarating trackside event are prohibitively expensive, but you can still cheer from the sidelines with a cocktail in one hand and cellphone in the other at various free activations, in store events and watch parties around town.
SWARM RACING FAN FEST
The action starts on Thursday at Wynwood Marketplace. There are various ways to be entertained: shop for merch; listen to live music via Latin social media sensation Maria Becerra; nibble at food stations; check out automobile displays and memorabilia; or lounge in a 35-foot-long custom Airstream. To promote the latest “Fast X” movie, you can channel Vin Diesel and “drive” a simulator of a “Fast and Furious” supercar in the Red Bull Fan Zone, and vroom vicariously like the pros.
Info: 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday-Friday, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday-Sunday at Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami. Hours: www.racingfanfest.com. RSVP at EventBrite.
OTHER EVENTS
Pacsun
To celebrate the new 12-piece summer line and third drop with F1, Pacsun is hosting an in-store bash at the Aventura Mall location on Saturday. Guests will get to see the collection IRL, enjoy special giveaways, hear a live DJ and more.
Info: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura. www.pacsun.com
Eden Roc
Visiting the Eden Roc during Race Weekend just got more retro cool. The iconic property has partnered with custom motorsport art craftsmen Maranello Design for a public installation featuring F1-inspired art and a racecar simulator Wednesday through Monday. Bring your laptop and idle away the afternoon at this Morris Lapidus’ gorgeous spot, the WiFi’s free.
Info: On display Wednesday-Friday at Eden Roc, 4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; www.edenrochotelmiami.com
Total Wine
Ferrari Trento, the official toast of Formula 1 and the sparkling wine that the drivers giddily spray at each other on the finish line, invites you to spend some quality time with them. Reps from the Italian brand will be at two Total Wine & More stores in the 305 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Start your afternoon off like a champ by grabbing a sample of the fizzy stuff and taking a selfie at the on-site Ferrari F1 Step & Repeat. Also on site will be Spris Artisan Pizza, to soak up the alcohol. Salute e mangia.
Info: 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Total Wine Aventura, 19925 Biscayne Boulevard and Total Wine Doral, 1635 NW 107th Ave.
Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican is always an ideal place for any watch party, thanks to the awesome views that you can take in during commercial breaks. On Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. you can plant yourself down at a F1 bash sponsored by Milagro Tequila with drink specials galore. Pro tip: Find a designated driver.
Info: 3 p.m. Sunday at Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; therustypelican.com.
Hyde Beach
Hyde Beach claims to be hosting the “ultimate pool party” for Grand Prix groupies on Sunday, and it certainly sounds festive. Twenty-foot-wide LED screens will display the action while guests dance, dine, sip and swim. A highlight of the cookout is a “Winner’s Circle Burger” made with 100 percent wagyu beef topped with truffle aioli, pork belly and pickled red onions and 24K gold (edible) flakes. This Instagrammable meal will set you back $100, but at least admission is free with RSVP at Tixr.com.
Info: Doors open at 11 a.m. Hyde Beach, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. www.sbe.com.
Design District
+44, the lifestyle brand founded by seven-time F1 world champ Sir Lewis Hamilton, is launching a new capsule collection called The Inner Race with a pop-up event in partnership with NTWRK at Alchemist from Friday through Sunday. Shop for such pieces as T-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies, sweatpants and a tote, all made from sustainable materials.
Info: Alchemist, 84 NE 39th St., Miami. www.shopalchemist.com
Jungle Plaza
IWC Schaffhausen Swiss watch company is taking over Jungle Plaza for the IWC Chrono Basketball Challenge. Lucky you gets a chance to participate in a clinic with professional basketball coaches and then compete in a free throw challenge for a chance to win sweet prizes, including yes, a watch. Through Friday.
Info: 3801 NE 1st Ave., Miami. www.iwc.com/us
The Fontainebleau
Premium rum Brugal 1888 is hosting a specialty rum pop-up bar all race weekend at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. Their master mixologists will be serving the brand’s famed espresso martinis through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. While you’re sipping, be sure not to miss a display of F1 cars in the lobby, including a replica of the iconic Mercedes W196, which clinched nine wins in the 1954-1955 season. You’ll also likely be able to hear the music from Bleau Live; the property’s poolside nightclub will hold a few concerts, with rap star Ludacris hitting the stage Saturday night.
Info: The Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; Fontainebleau.com
