Drinking from a shoe is just one quirky experience you’ll find in Vegas on race weekend.
MGM Resorts
This weekend, Formula 1 transforms Las Vegas into a weekend-long celebration packed with culinary events, pool parties, world-class DJs and over-the-top hospitality. You might have come for the race, but Vegas is betting fans will come back for the unique experiences off the street.
Where To Eat
Vegas is a meca for celebrity chefs all year long, but they take it to the next level of race weekend.
Bellagio Fountain Club – Chef Rotation And Elevated Hospitality
The Bellagio Fountain Club at the Bellagio Las Vegas returns for 2025, promising an even more ambitious hospitality concept. Guests will get access a rooftop nightclub overlooking the Strip’s longest straightaway, with famous chefs, signature cocktails and curated wines.
Highlights include a rotating chef roster with award-winning chefs José Andrés, Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio and more. Three-day race tickets at this venue went for $9,000.
Cavallino x Le Cirque
One of the more luxury-focused dining options of the weekend is at Le Cirque inside Bellagio, transformed into “Cavallino” this weekend as a nod to Ristorante Cavallino, founded by Enzo Ferrari. Expect fine Italian cuisine, an exclusive experience, bespoke menus, and a clearly branded experience that appeals to automotive-luxury enthusiasts. This concept is open for both lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday.
José Andrés’ Live-Fire Paella Party At Jaleo
On Saturday afternoon, the Jaleo at The Cosmopolitan is hosting a live-fire paella event led by José Andrés. Head there for giant paellas, communal seating, and fine Spanish wines. Tickets are offered at $325 per person.
Momofuku Las Vegas – David Chang Live Podcast + Gourmet Dinner
Also at The Cosmopolitan on Friday, chef/founder David Chang records his video podcast live, followed by a dinner of caviar, raw bar and a whole short rib carved tableside. There’s a $75 food and beverage minimum per person.
What To Experience
Vegas always delivers experiences you can get anywhere else, and no time of the year is that more true than during race weekend. From drinking out of a shoe to immersive art, there’s plenty to keep you busy before the cars hit the street.
Shoey Bar At Bellagio
A favorite in Vegas every year for the race is the Shoey Bar at the Bellagio open all weekend. Whimsical and social media-worthy, the pop-up Shoey Bar pairs limited-edition Sparco shoe designs and the “drink from the shoe” tradition made famous by AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo for a one-of-a-kind experience.
ARIA “Smooth Operator Dance Lounge”
The “Smooth Operator Dance Lounge” at ARIA is returning for a second year hosted by driver Carlos Sainz featuring themed cocktails such as the “Chilli Pepper Mule” and the “Sparkles the Unicorn” martini.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Pop-Up Experience
The lobby of the ARIA will be the hub for Team Mercedes. Come try your hand at the racing simulators, buy team merchandise and snag a photo with a practice car.
The Ferrari pop-up boutique can be found in the Bellagio during race weekend.
MGM Resorts
Ferrari Pop-Up Boutique
If you’re more of a Ferrari person, head over to the Bellagio for the brand’s pop-up destination. Here you can find special fashion items and one-of-a-kind clothing only available this weekend.
MoneyGram Haas F1
At The Cosmopolitan, you can check out MoneyGram Haas F1 Team memorabilia and snap photos with a show car.
Atlassian Williams Racing Zone Presented By Zoox
Over at New York-New York, fans can see an F1 car up close, race in simulators, play games, shop merchandise and meet drivers and members of the team.
Art At The Cosmopolitan
Artist Armin Flossdorf will be at The Cosmopolitan on Friday and Saturday painting F1 race visuals live. Art fans can also check out a digital art experience at The Cosmopolitan all weekend, along with a helmet display where local and regional artists transformed helmets into works of art.
Palm Tree Beach Club
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand transforms into a full-on daytime festival: heated pool, space heaters, DJ set by Martin Garrix with support from Justin Mylo.
Marquee Nightclub
Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan has Alesso on Friday night and Anyma with a multi-sensory show on Saturday night. Known for his unique performances that blend melodic techno with immersive visuals, Anyma is performing at Marquee for the first time.
Hakkasan Nightclub
Start the weekend at Hakkasan Nightclub at the MGM Grand on Friday with DJ Pauly D. Come back Saturday night for Steve Aoki.
Race To The Altar
If you’re a Paddock Club, Wynn Grid Club or F1 Garage attendee, you can even get married, or have a vow renewal ceremony, this weekend. And of course, the experience comes complete with an Elvis impersonator.
The main event, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, starts at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 22nd and will air on ESPN.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristidosh/2025/11/21/experience-f1-the-vegas-way-bold-indulgent-and-over-the-top/
