Everybody in the Burg knows what’s happening when we hear what sounds like thousands of bees descending on downtown. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding returns to downtown March 8-10 with all the trappings (and buzzing) the annual event is known for, and we have everything you need to know to enjoy the experience.

Taking place on the waterfront in downtown, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a week-long festival-like atmosphere that includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, live entertainment and interactive activities. The three-day series runs March 8-10 and will bring thousands to DTSP.

Whether you’re going to see the race or just want to be a part of the excitement downtown, there are plenty of options. Multiple single-day and all-weekend tickets are available, and many of them will sell out, so be sure to get yours in advance.

However, inside the gates there will be plenty to do beyond just watching the speeding cars. Festivities include the Speed Zone, IndyCar Series Fan Village, beer gardens, driver autograph sessions, and interactive games and exhibits. Plus, there are nearly half a dozen events taking place around the races, including the kickoff party on Thursday night and the Bret Michaels concert by the water on Saturday night. Get the full rundown of non-race events here.

Grand Prix features 8 different races in three days

As for the full event, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding is an action-packed weekend (with a full week of events) featuring 8 individual races from five different series. The annual event – both seen and heard throughout DTSP each year – races down the runway at Albert Whitted Airport and speeds around The Dali and along the downtown waterfront underneath the St. Petersburg skyline.

Single-day and full weekend passes are available now at gpstpete.com, starting as low as $25 for single day. A new feature offered for the first time is the Rookie Racers program for the youngest fans attending on a Junior ticket. For an additional $35, children aged 5 to 12 will be immersed in behind-the-scenes experiences with activities scheduled all three days and receive a special membership kit. Memberships are limited.

Races and practice sessions take place from 8:45 am – 6 pm on Friday; 8:25 am – 5:30 pm on Saturday, and 8 am – 3:30 pm on Sunday. The weekend’s marquee race, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race, begins at 12:30 pm on Sunday Find the full schedule of events and ticket information at gpstpete.com.

Enjoy the festival experience at the Grand Prix

Just the thrill of seeing cars fly by at max speed on a street that you typically walk down is worth the price of admission, even if you have no idea who’s driving or what lap they’re on. But beyond the races, the entire grounds of the Grand Prix take on a festival environment for the duration of the weekend.

Most of the area is, in fact, taken up not by bleachers, but by walkable and explorable areas alongside and in between the track. More than 50 displays and exhibitors fill the spaces around the raceway, along with dozens upon dozens of food trucks, drink stands, grilled goodies, fried treats, and cold cocktails and beer.

Our personal favorite is the Horse Soldier Bourbon Waterside Club, a floating dock packed out with great whiskeys and cocktails, right alongside the action between Turns 10 and 11. That said, the Michelob Ultra Party Pit might be the most unique experience of the bunch, as Grand Prix-goers can get right behind pit lane and watch the cars come in for servicing and exit smoking the tires. Both experiences are available to General Admission ticket holders.