Get ready for the roar! As of today, December 17, 2025, the official dates for the next annual festival of speed on the California coast have been confirmed, making this the most current and essential guide for racing fans. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a crown jewel in American motorsports, is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar, transforming the downtown streets of Long Beach into a high-speed, world-class street circuit.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know for the upcoming event, from the exact weekend dates and the full lineup of races to critical ticket information and the legendary off-track festivities. Whether you are a dedicated NTT INDYCAR SERIES follower, an IMSA sports car enthusiast, or just looking for a thrilling weekend getaway, this is your definitive resource.
The Confirmed 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Dates and Location
The 2026 edition of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is officially scheduled to take place over three action-packed days.
Official 2026 Grand Prix Weekend Dates:
- Friday, April 17, 2026
- Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Sunday, April 19, 2026
This three-day event is the fifth race on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar, solidifying its traditional mid-April slot and drawing approximately 190,000 fans to the Southern California coast.
The entire spectacle unfolds on the iconic Long Beach Street Circuit, a temporary track carved out of the city's downtown streets, including Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue. This 1.968-mile circuit is famous for its demanding turns, including the fountain section and the tight hairpin, offering a unique challenge to drivers and unparalleled viewing excitement for spectators.
A Complete Look at the 3-Day Racing Lineup
While the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the main event on Sunday, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a full-throttle weekend featuring a diverse and exciting lineup of support races. The event is a true festival of motorsports, showcasing everything from open-wheel brilliance to endurance sports car battles.
The Key Racing Entities You Will See:
- NTT INDYCAR SERIES: The premier open-wheel race, featuring stars like Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O’Ward, battling for victory on the unforgiving street course. The Long Beach Grand Prix is widely considered the most prestigious street race in North America.
- IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: This is a major highlight, featuring the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race for the IMSA series. Fans can witness the top-tier GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) and GTD (GT Daytona) classes competing, with major manufacturers like Acura, Porsche, BMW, and Cadillac battling for supremacy.
- Other Support Races: The weekend schedule typically includes other thrilling series, which often feature the Super Drift Challenge, and other single-spec series, ensuring there is non-stop track action from morning until evening.
Essential Ticket Information and Pricing for 2026
Tickets for the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach are already on sale, and fans are strongly advised to purchase early, especially for reserved seating areas, as this event consistently sells out.
The Grand Prix offers a variety of ticket packages to suit every fan and budget, from general admission to premium reserved seating and exclusive paddock access.
Ticket Options and What They Include:
1. General Admission (GA) Passes:
- 3-Day General Admission: This is the most flexible option, providing access to the grounds, unreserved seating in certain grandstands, and access to all off-track attractions, including the Lifestyle Expo and concerts. The price for a 3-Day GA pass is listed at $147.00.
- Sunday General Admission: A single-day pass for the main race day, though it typically does not include reserved seating.
2. Reserved Seating:
Reserved seats are available in numerous grandstands positioned at key points around the Long Beach Street Circuit, such as the start/finish line, the fountain section, and the hairpin. These tickets are sold as 3-Day packages and are highly sought after for their guaranteed vantage points.
3. Paddock Passes:
For the ultimate motorsports enthusiast, a Paddock Pass provides behind-the-scenes access to the "locker room" of racing. This allows fans to see the race cars up close, watch the teams work on the vehicles, and potentially spot their favorite drivers. Note that a Paddock Pass is an add-on and does NOT include admission to the race circuit, so it must be purchased in conjunction with a General Admission or Reserved Seat ticket.
Pro-Tip for Ticket Buyers: Keep an eye out for special offers like the Super Photo Ticket, which provides enhanced access for photographers, and various family plans that can offer significant savings. Always purchase tickets directly from the official Grand Prix website or an authorized vendor to ensure authenticity.
Beyond the Track: The Full Grand Prix Experience
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is far more than just a series of races; it is a massive three-day street festival that offers entertainment for the entire family. The off-track activities are a huge draw, contributing significantly to the event's vibrant atmosphere and strong topical authority in the motorsports world.
Must-See Off-Track Events and Attractions:
1. Thunder Thursday (April 16, 2026):
The unofficial kick-off to the weekend happens on Thursday evening at The Pike Outlets. This free event, which usually runs from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, features the popular Super Drift Challenge, stunt shows, driver autograph sessions, and the always-exciting pit stop competition. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the atmosphere before the official track action begins.
2. Live Concerts:
The Grand Prix is famous for its evening entertainment. Free concerts are typically held on both Friday and Saturday evenings, often featuring major musical acts on the main stage. These concerts are included with any Grand Prix ticket for that day, offering incredible value and a perfect way to unwind after a day of high-octane racing.
3. The Lifestyle Expo:
Located within the perimeter of the circuit, the Lifestyle Expo is a massive exhibition featuring hundreds of displays. Fans can explore the latest automotive technology, interactive exhibits, motorsports merchandise, and a wide array of food and beverage vendors. It is a central hub of activity throughout the weekend.
4. Family Fun Zone:
For families attending the event, a dedicated Family Fun Zone offers interactive games, racing simulators, and activities tailored to younger fans, ensuring the Long Beach Grand Prix is an enjoyable experience for all ages.
The combination of world-class racing—featuring the high-speed NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the powerful IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship—with the vibrant street festival atmosphere makes the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach a truly unique and unmissable event. Mark your calendars for April 17-19, 2026, and secure your tickets now to experience the thrill of "No Speed Limits" on the streets of Long Beach.
Key Entities and Topical Keywords: Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, 2026 Grand Prix dates, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Long Beach Street Circuit, Long Beach, California, General Admission, Reserved Seating, Paddock Pass, Thunder Thursday, Super Drift Challenge, GTP class, GTD class, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Pato O'Ward, Lifestyle Expo, Shoreline Drive, Pine Avenue, street race.
Detail Author:
- Name : Cruz Mosciski
- Username : leon.hagenes
- Email : keeling.macey@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 2007-03-21
- Address : 7109 Angelina Mews Suite 840 Laruebury, OK 45981-2156
- Phone : +1.973.263.8405
- Company : Kulas-DuBuque
- Job : Ticket Agent
- Bio : Placeat quos delectus omnis ducimus nemo repellat. Exercitationem et distinctio consequatur sit consectetur itaque nam ut.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@kuhic2009
- username : kuhic2009
- bio : Qui non voluptas ut asperiores. Alias alias est laboriosam aut.
- followers : 2710
- following : 839
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/nicokuhic
- username : nicokuhic
- bio : Corporis quia non et facilis expedita error ut. Velit rerum ut nisi similique placeat.
- followers : 3377
- following : 2973
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/nico_kuhic
- username : nico_kuhic
- bio : Tempora et ea assumenda voluptatibus laboriosam accusamus. Velit at quisquam qui necessitatibus neque nemo.
- followers : 650
- following : 2294