Mini–Pecan Street Festival to invade COTA’s infield at United States Grand Prix
AUSTIN, Texas (September 26, 2022) – At this years’ Formula One Aramco United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) will host a pop-up Pecan Street Festival. Normally held biannually, this special pop-up event will treat race attendees with a chance to experience uniquely-Austin art.
The Pecan Street Festival, hosted by the Pecan Street Association, a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization, celebrated its 45th year of operation this September as the largest arts festival in Texas. Although “Pecan Street” no longer exists, the festival takes place on its successor, the infamous 6th Street in downtown Austin.
With something for all ages, the Pecan Street Festival hosts local musical acts, food vendors, family friendly activities and interactive workshops. The Pecan Street Festival takes care of the Austin community in many ways – since 2009 they have become a “green festival” by recycling, having chemical free port-o-potties, using biodiesel fuel in generators, and hosting green vendors, all to showcase a connection between entertainment and sustainability. The draw entices visitors from all over the country, garnering an incredible economic impact of over 40 million dollars.
The Pecan Street Association has donated to many local non-profits and organizations as well as towards the preservation of historic 6th street. The partnership between COTA and Pecan Street Festival comes easy as both are generous contributors to the local Austin community and have supported many of the same organizations including Austin Pets Alive!, Del Valle High School, and The SAFE Alliance.
“Pecan Street Festival is an Austin staple and we’re excited to host them this year at Formula One. Their dedication to giving back to the environment and community aligns with our mission to uplift our city while providing world-class entertainment. We are looking forward to combining forces and attracting more Austinites to Formula One weekend,” said Regan Holly, Executive Vice President of Major Events.
The Pecan Street Festival will debut at COTA during the 2022 F1 USGP as a spinoff of the original festival by hosting 40 artisan vendors on COTA’s campus, each displaying local creations, food and more, all while remaining “green.” You can find this special pop-up event in the infield near ONEderland. Some of the amazing vendors include Designer Palms, creators of metal life-size palm trees, Texas Salt Co, an artisanal salt producer, CorticAmor, makers of hats and bags from recycled cork, House of Kerri, a unique jewelry brand with a nature motif, and more!
About Pecan Street Festival:
With almost 50 years of existence, Pecan Street Festival is the longest running art festival in Austin, Texas. In 2021, it was voted Best Non-Profit in Austin by the Austin American Statesman, adding to the over 30 awards and/or nominations to Best of Austin all these years. Taking place twice a year, Spring and Fall, closing over 20 blocks of Downtown Austin, it features over 300 arts and crafts, 3 stages, over 40 food concessions, and celebrates the creative spirit of its beloved town. For the first time, Circuit of the Americas hosts Pecan Street Art Market with 40 of the best juried exhibitors of the iconic traditional Austin art festival.
