Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival

09/03/2026

School is out next Friday, so bring the kiddos to the 2026 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival! 🏁

Make sure to visit our brand-new Family Zone on the Courthouse lawn from 12 PM to 4 PM on Friday, September 11th. It’s set up right in the heart of the festival with plenty of fun for the kids!

What's happening at the Family Zone:

🏎Race car craft activity hosted by the Watkins Glen Public Library!

🎨Car-themed face painting with our favorite local artist, Painted Love Face & Body Painting by Jen Sekella

*We ask that caregivers stay with their children while enjoying the Family Zone.

We are just over a week away! Join us downtown for the best day of the year in Watkins Glen.🏁

09/02/2026

We are so excited to introduce the incredible lineup of vendors joining us for the 2026 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival!

From delicious local food to unique crafts and specialty goods, there is truly something for everyone along Franklin Street, Watkins Glen. Check out the graphic below to see who will be set up on the Courthouse lawn and along Franklin Street, and make sure to tap through to support these fantastic businesses!

Join us next Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 8 PM for a full day of great shopping, local flavors, and historic motor racing.🏁

09/01/2026

When NASCAR royalty and our 2026 Grand Marshal, Mike Joy, speaks about the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival, you listen! 🎙️ A huge thank you to our friends at SVRA for capturing this moment and for being such a great partner. We can't wait to see everyone back in Watkins Glen on September 11th! 🏎️🏁

08/25/2026

🏁 MEET YOUR 2026 GRAND MARSHALS! 🏁

We are thrilled to announce that father-son racing duo Mike and Scott Joy will serve as the Grand Marshals for this year’s 2026 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival on Friday, September 11!

From the broadcasting booth to the driver’s seat, both bring incredible racing heritage to the streets where post-WWII American road racing was born.

🎙️ Mike Joy

Legendary lead race announcer for FOX Sports NASCAR (anchoring 47 Daytona 500s!)

New England Auto Racers Hall of Famer

Accomplished sports car racer with victories at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Pocono, and competition in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona

🏎️ Scott Joy

Began his racing career at just 10 years old in US Legends cars

Battled his dad on the track, taking 1st place over Mike at Lime Rock in 2022!

Catch Them at the Festival:

3:00 PM | Legends Speak: Join Mike and Scott at Lafayette Park as they share their favorite racing stories.

Tribute Laps: Watch them bring their 1970 Camaro Z28s straight from the racetrack to lead vintage race cars around the historic Old Course!

Come out to downtown Watkins Glen on Sept 11th to give them a warm welcome! 🏎️💨

08/25/2026

DON'T FORGET!🚨

Rgeistration for the 2026 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival closes THIS FRIDAY, 8/28.

Down to the final spots! Click on the registration form below to see if your car is a fit before we lock in the lineup.

🔗https://pci.jotform.com/form/251905436924158

Please click the link to complete this form.

08/14/2026

Happy Friday! 🏁

We are officially ONE MONTH away from the 33rd Annual 2026 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival! As we gear up for another unforgettable year celebrating Watkin Glen's rich racing heritage, let’s take a look back at last year’s incredible turnout! 🏎️💨

🚨 Drivers, don't wait! Registration closes Friday, August 28th, and only a few events still have open spots. If you want to showcase your ride or hit the historic circuit, secure your spot before it’s too late!

🔗 Register today: https://pci.jotform.com/form/251905436924158

07/07/2026

🚨 2026 Grand Prix Festival Poster Now Available! 🚨

The official poster for the 2026 Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen has arrived! Grab this year's exclusive design featuring Camaros & Firebirds to commemorate the upcoming festival.

How to get yours:

In-Store: Stop by and pick one up at 209 Franklin St. Watkins Glen, NY. Open 7 days a week!

Online: Order directly at watkinsglen.com

Be sure to secure yours early, and mark your calendars for festival day on Friday, September 11, 2026!

05/05/2026

Thanks John Kucko Digital for highlighting a piece of our Village's rich racing history! This is where the term "Stone Bridge Drivers" comes from for all of our events.🏁

04/29/2026

The 2026 Grand Ramble is just around the corner on Saturday, May 30th, and we want YOU there!🏁

We are officially nearing capacity, so grab your spot sooner rather than later!

⚠️ Deadline to register: Friday, May 15th

Secure your spot and register today:
👉 https://pci.jotform.com/form/251905436924158

03/30/2026

We have a NEW event this year!🏁
Datsun Sport, Sedan & Trucks at Watkins Glen: Calling all Datsuns! 2026 is your year to join in the fun at the Grand Prix Festival. Park your Datsun with others right in the heart of downtown. Registration is $50 and includes downtown parking and Historic Grand Prix Circuit Laps.

Secure your spot today: https://pci.jotform.com/form/251905436924158