Get Ready for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix

The roar of engines and the energy of mass crowds will return to the Southern California coast as the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach takes over the city streets from April 17 to April 19. As America’s longest-running major street circuit race, the event transforms downtown Long Beach into a 200-mph motorsport extravaganza, featuring world-class competition and a variety of entertainment for the anticipated 190,000 attendees.

What to Know

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a three-day, two-night motorsport festival centered around a 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit laid out on the waterfront streets surrounding the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. The event features six world-class racing series. The marquee competition is the NTT IndyCar Series, which will run an 85-lap race as the fifth round of the 2026 championship schedule.

In addition to IndyCar, the weekend features the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This series presents a 100-minute competition involving hybrid-powered Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) machines and GT Daytona (GTD) sports cars. Fans will also witness the SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, which feature high-horsepower trucks hitting ramps and executing jumps. For sports car enthusiasts, the Porsche Carrera Cup North America will field identical Porsche 911 Cup cars for two races over the weekend.

This year’s Historic Sports Car Challenge brings American muscle cars from the 1970s through 1991 back to the track. The historic field includes vehicles from manufacturers such as AMC, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Jaguar, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Porsche. Finally, the Super Drift Challenge brings the Formula DRIFT series to Turns 9, 10 and 11 for nighttime competitions.

Event Schedule

While the spectator gates open on Friday, April 17, at 7:30 a.m., the festivities begin earlier in the week. On Thursday, April 16, the city will host the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame induction ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on South Pine Avenue, where two-time race winner Alexander Rossi and former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster will be honored. Thursday evening features “Thunder Thursday” at The Pike Outlets from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., presenting freestyle motocross demonstrations, IndyCar pit stop competitions, a classic car show and a beer garden.

Friday, April 17, is dedicated to practice and qualifying sessions across the racing series. Highlights include the NTT IndyCar Series Fan Appreciation autograph session, which has moved to a new location in the Promenade Grand Ballroom inside the Convention Center, taking place from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Friday concludes with the first Super Drift Challenge competition from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and an included concert for ticket holders on the Terrace Theater plaza starting at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 18, ramps up the competition. After gates open at 7:30 a.m., the Historic Sports Car Challenge runs its first race at 8:30 a.m., followed by the first Porsche Carrera Cup race at 9:05 a.m. The IMSA SportsCar Grand Prix goes green at 1:00 p.m. for a 100-minute shootout. IndyCar qualifying and the Firestone Fast 6 take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Stadium SUPER Trucks will race at 5:15 p.m. The second Super Drift Challenge begins at 6:30 p.m., running concurrently with the Saturday night concert starring Kings of Chaos, featuring Ed Kowalczyk of Live, Nick Hexum of 311 and Aloe Blacc.

Sunday, April 19, marks the main race day. The morning includes the second races for the Historic Sports Car Challenge at 9:20 a.m., the Porsche Carrera Cup at 11:20 a.m., and the Stadium SUPER Trucks at 12:15 p.m. Pre-race ceremonies for the NTT IndyCar Series begin at 1:30 p.m., with the 85-lap Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach taking the green flag at 2:45 p.m.

Entertainment, Exhibits, Etc.

Off the track, attendees can explore the AAA Travel Lifestyle Expo inside the Long Beach Convention Center. The expo covers over 270,000 square feet and features more than 100 displays focused on automotive, home, recreation and green power technologies. Within the expo, the Cooler Master Dyn X Challenge will hold a gaming simulation racing tournament. The Family Fun Zone, located in the Long Beach Arena, offers games, rock climbing walls, an arcade, and “Lil’ Lightning” electric cars specifically for children aged 3 to 6.

Fans looking to interact with the teams can view the historic cars, Porsche Cup cars and Stadium SUPER Trucks in their respective paddocks located within the expo. The IndyCar technical inspections can be viewed inside the arena, alongside the Super Drift cars. On Sunday, an Exotic Car Paddock will display Ferraris, Porsches, Lotus and other luxury vehicles near Turn 9. For fans arriving early, the Grand Prix Foundation will host its 8th annual 5K run and walk on Sunday, April 12, allowing participants to travel the actual race course.

On-Site Food & Off-Site Dining

Trackside, the Food Truck Village is located across the track behind Grandstand 31 near Shoreline Village. This area will host local gourmet trucks including Doc Lobster, Heritage LA, Holey Grail Donuts, Mikhuna, Wafl Truck and Pacifico Charbroiled. Bistro Row is located east of Vendor Row and serves hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, curly fries, turkey legs, poke bowls and a vegan spicy chicken sandwich. The Brunch Bar on the promenade features crepes, chicken and waffles, and açaí bowls. Pop-up tents for California Pizza Kitchen, King Taco and Knead Donuts are also positioned on the promenade.

For attendees over 21, the Modelo Lion’s Den is located in Marina Park behind Grandstand 31, with another Modelo sports bar on the promenade. The Nocaut Tequila Club is at Vendor Row, the Don Julio Hacienda serves margaritas in the main Vendor Row, the Korbel Champagne Bar is in the Welcome Plaza, and the WhistlePig PiggyBack Cocktail Bar is between Turns 7 and 8.

The Auld Dubliner at 71 S. Pine Avenue sits feet from the track and offers Irish fare such as Bangers and Champ. The Funnel House at 425 Shoreline Drive serves funnel cakes, churros and ice cream sandwiches. For upscale dining, Parker’s Lighthouse at 435 Shoreline Village Drive offers steaks and fresh seafood with views of Rainbow Harbor. Other adjacent options include the Yard House, Tequila Jack’s and Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt on the Boardwalk.

Ticket Pricing

A three-day general admission pass ranges from $112 to $151, while single-day general admission tickets are $38 to $58 for Friday, $77 to $107 for Saturday, and $82 to $113 for Sunday. General admission does not guarantee a seat.

For reserved grandstand seating, three-day adult tickets range from $165 to $228, while junior tickets (12 and under) range from $131 to $180. Sunday-only reserved seats are $127 to $144 for adults and $96 to $111 for juniors, while Saturday-only reserved seats are $116 for adults.

The Grand Prix offers several premium VIP club experiences. The Pit Lane Club is elevated over the front straightaway and costs $1,570 for a three-day pass. The Seaside Club near Turn 9 costs $1,070, and the Vista Club atop the Hyatt Regency Hotel costs $1,070 for the weekend. For photographers, a Super Photo Ticket provides access to exclusive photo locations at Turns 1, 6, 8 and 11, and costs $435. IndyCar Paddock Access passes, which do not include general admission, cost $80 for three days or $34 per day.

Policies to Know

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a cashless event, and all ticket offices and souvenir stands utilize contactless payments. Re-entry to the race circuit requires a hand stamp available at all exit points. Tailgating and overnight camping are strictly prohibited in all parking areas. Smoking and vaping are banned in all grandstands.

Attendees may not bring alcoholic beverages, banners or signs (except pennants), bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, drones, fireworks, folding stadium seats, glass bottles, cans, guns, knives, stun guns, hand-drawn wagons, ice chests larger than 14 inches, ladders, step stools, large umbrellas, lawn furniture, scooters, eBikes, skates, or seat cushions larger than 11 by 14 inches. Tripods are banned, though monopods are permitted.

Animals that solely provide emotional support or companionship are not permitted inside the venue. Service animals must be harnessed or tethered and housebroken.

Address & Parking

The address for the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802. First-time and long-time fans alike are encouraged to download the free Official Acura Grand Prix app to navigate the event. The app provides GPS routing, schedules and push notifications for events.

Attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation. Long Beach Transit operates over 30 bus routes in the area, and the AquaLink water taxi drops passengers near the front straightaway. Metrolink trains and the LA Metro A Line offer rail access directly into downtown Long Beach. For cyclists, Pedal Movement Long Beach provides free supervised indoor parking at 223 E. First Street. The official rideshare drop-off point is on First Street between Elm and Long Beach Boulevard.

Pre-paid reserved parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pike Parking structure at Ocean Boulevard and Chestnut Avenue costs $60 for three days. Shoreline Parking, located west of the circuit, costs $50 for three days or $20 per day.

The Grand Prix provides full ADA accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible seating and parking must be reserved in advance. Wheelchair foot crossings are located at the Firestone Bridge, Linden Avenue, and Pine Avenue, and ADA-accessible golf carts are available by calling (562) 624-3681. For guests who may feel overwhelmed by noise or crowds, a Sensory Area For Everyone (S.A.F.E.) Trailer hosted by the Long Beach Department of Health is located in the Family Fun Zone.

Tribute to Jim Michaelian

This year’s race occurs under the recent passing of Jim Michaelian, the President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, who died on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Michaelian was a founding staff member of the inaugural Grand Prix in 1975. Over his 51 years with the organization, he served as controller, chief operating officer, and president and CEO.

Michaelian was the key force behind the event, merging elite open-wheel racing with significant civic and entertainment value for Long Beach. Roger Penske, owner of IndyCar and Penske Entertainment, noted that Michaelian worked tirelessly, despite steep odds, to facilitate the event into America’s premier street race. Penske praised Michaelian’s boundless vision and energy, stating that no task was too small for him.

[Editor Note: See page 11 for another story on Michaelian’s passing.]

A Brief History of the Grand Prix

The Long Beach Grand Prix was created by Chris Pook, inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix. The inaugural race in September 1975 was a Formula 5000 event won by Brian Redman. Between 1976 and 1983, it became the United States Grand Prix West, with Mario Andretti winning in 1977 as the first American to win a Formula One race on a U.S. circuit, putting Long Beach on the international stage. Financial struggles led to the race transitioning to the CART IndyCar Series in 1984, where Andretti won the first race. Al Unser Jr. dominated the event in the ‘80s and ‘90s, winning six times.

In 2008, it marked the final Champ Car World Series event before joining the IndyCar Series in 2009. The Grand Prix has played a crucial role in revitalizing downtown Long Beach and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, making it the second-oldest continuously running event in American open-wheel racing, after the Indianapolis 500.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me