The 2014 Formula 1 US Grand Prix just ended a few hours ago. Bill and I didn’t go out to see the race at the Circuit of the Americas, but we did watch some of the action on TV this afternoon. As in previous years, downtown Austin was relatively quiet during the daytime when everyone was out at the racetrack. Evenings were crowded, especially on Friday, which was also Halloween.

A corresponding F1 Fan Fest was set up along Fourth Street and in Republic Square Park. The festival seemed more crowded this year. This was partly due to the holiday, but also because popular bands such as Grupo Fantasma, The Texas Tornados, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts gave free concerts from four music stages. Fan Fest also included children’s activities, F1 merchandise tents, and a selection of food trucks.

Here’s a sampling of our Fan Fest experience:

We looked at a lot of race cars.

Pretty girls often happened to be standing nearby.

We listened to bands like Dale Watson and his Lone Stars.

Some bands got into the Halloween spirit.

We watched Human Hamster Ball Wars.

We experienced other cultures.

We found Waldo. Twice.

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