8 can’t miss experiences at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama April 5-7

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Curious if there’s something for you at the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama? Spoiler alert: there’s definitely something for EVERYONE at the Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 event at Barber Motorsports Track
Curious if there’s something for you at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama? Spoiler alert: there’s definitely something for EVERYONE at the Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 event at Barber Motorsports Track! (Photo submitted)

The Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst is coming to the Barber Motorsports Park Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7. Yes, there will be thrills and chills to be had as IndyCar drivers speed around the finest road course in North America, but what about the plethora of other things to do while you’re there? We did a little pre-event scouting and mapped out the eight attractions we’re most excited about.  

Complimentary Wine & Craft Beer Tasting at Wine Down with Indy

This complimentary wine and craft beer tasting event is always a favorite among attendees, and for good reason. The suppliers at Alabama Crown will have over 100 kinds of craft beer and wines to try and buy. There will also be wine available for purchase once you’re done with all the sampling. Once you’ve got your favorite beverage, make sure to head over to the Grand Art Fest presented by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.  

Craft beer and wine to sample and purchase? Yes, please. Time to find my new favorite wine! (Photo submitted)
Craft beer and wine to sample and purchase? Yes, please. Time to find my new favorite wine! (Photo submitted)

The Grand Art Fest presented by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Fancy a change of scenery? The Grand Art Fest will bring out dozens of local and regional artists to showcase their work Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 at the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst. There will be handmade art, ceramics, painting, jewelry and more for sale. The art show will take place in the Hagerty Car Corral across from the Surgere Fan Zone.

Run the Track at the Indy 5k presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama

On your mark. Get set. GO! Runners will have the opportunity after Friday’s pre-qualifying races to participate in the first ever Indy 5k presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama. The event will take place at 5:30 PM shortly after the on-track action. A few of the drivers are also signed up to race in the Indy 5k. Is your favorite IndyCar driver signed up to run? We won’t know until then, so sign up and find out! Get more details over at our Bham Now guide to the 5k race here. Also, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Children’s of Alabama.

There’s more than one kind of race happening at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst this year! Run the track at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham during the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. (Photo submitted)
There’s more than one kind of race happening at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst this year! Run the track at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham during the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. (Photo submitted)

Cocina at the Track

There’s no better way to enjoy the racing than trackside with a margarita, no? This VIP experience is located trackside in the heart of the Surgere Fan Zone. Cocina at the Track passes include:

  • Breakfast & lunch buffet
  • Afternoon hors d’oeuvres
  • Complimentary bar, courtesy of local favorite, Cocina Superior
  • Grounds Admission
  • Kamtek Garage Pass

You can buy one day or three day passes for this amazing trackside experience.

Cocina at the Track is worth the extra cash, y’all! (Photo submitted)
Cocina at the Track is worth the extra cash, y’all! (Photo submitted)

Catch a Glimpse of IndyCar legend Mario Andretti, This Year’s Grand Marshal

Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst announced last week that racing icon Mario Andretti will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s event. Exciting! Also, be sure to catch fan favorite Josef Newgarden vie for his third consecutive win at the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst.

IndyCar legend Mario Andretti will serve as the 2019 Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst’s Grand Marshal. (Photo via Mario Andretti website)
IndyCar legend Mario Andretti will serve as the 2019 Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst’s Grand Marshal. (Photo via Mario Andretti website)

The Surgere Fan Zone

The Surgere Fan Zone will be THE place to be throughout the event. There will be bouncy houses, autograph sessions, Bud’s Best Ferris Wheel, concessions, music, and more! This area is free with any ticket.

There will be autograph sessions with racers at certain times throughout the weekend at the Surgere Fan Zone. (Photo submitted)
There will be autograph sessions with racers at certain times throughout the weekend at the Surgere Fan Zone. (Photo submitted)

Bud’s Best Ferris wheel

Ride the Bud’s Best Ferris Wheel to get a better view of the Barber Motorsports Park. Take some Instagram photos. Watch the race. Go crazy—who doesn’t love a Ferris wheel? To ride, there is a $5 charge—a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Ability.

The Buds Best Ferris wheel is the perfect spot for all those Insta photos you’ll snap throughout the weekend. Especially when it’s lit up at night! (Photo submitted)
The Buds Best Ferris wheel is the perfect spot for all those Insta photos you’ll snap throughout the weekend. Especially when it’s lit up at night! (Photo submitted)

Sliding down the hill with (or without!) kids

It’s the little things, right? After you fill up on the trackside margs, don’t be afraid to head over to the grassy hillside for some good ol’ fashioned fun. Pro tip: if you’re bringing the kids, fold up a cardboard box, stick it in your bag and head for the hillside for hours and HOURS of grass sledding entertainment.

The hill is the perfect spot for some kid-friendly fun. (Photo submitted)
The hill is the perfect spot for some kid-friendly fun. (Photo submitted)

Food trucks and concessions galore

The fare at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst never disappoints. If you’re skipping the Cocina at the Track, don’t worry. There are still plenty of options on-site to choose from ranging from pizza to funnel cakes.

Budget conscious? BYOB

While this isn’t exactly an “attraction” at the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst, it is still worth mentioning. The Barber Motorsports Park is one of the ONLY venues nearby that allows coolers on the grounds. Bringing your own food and drinks from home? It really sounds too good to be true. However, there is NO GLASS ALLOWED! So toss your wine in a plastic container beforehand.

Make sure to pack your cooler and sunscreen. The 10th annual Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst is sure to be one for the books!

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Christine Hull
Christine Hull
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