Formula 1 Week in Baku 2026: Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, the Fan Zone and a Plan to Enjoy It All Stress-Free
In short. The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place in Baku on 24–26 September 2026 — for the tenth, anniversary time. In the evenings there are concerts at Baku Crystal Hall: Calvin Harris on 24 September and Katy Perry on 25 September. By day, the fan zone on the seaside boulevard offers simulators, a zipline and meet-ups with drivers. The city centre is closed to cars until 08:00 on 28 September, so during these days rental cars are collected at the airport or outside the closure zone.
Some cities hold Formula 1 at a circuit out of town. And then there’s Baku. Here the cars scream past the medieval walls of the Old City, the roar of engines bounces off the façades of Neftchilar Avenue, and after the chequered flag the city doesn’t go home — it changes clothes and heads to a concert.
In 2026 Baku hosts the Grand Prix for the tenth time, and the organisers are marking the anniversary in style: two global headliners, a fan zone along the whole boulevard, and three days when the capital’s centre lives for the race alone. Here’s what to see, how not to get stuck in the closures, and where to unwind when you crave some quiet.
The week at a glance
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 24 September, Thursday | Calvin Harris opens the Grand Prix | Baku Crystal Hall |
| 25 September, Friday | Katy Perry concert | Baku Crystal Hall |
| 24–26 September | Fan zone, drivers, shows, DJs | Seaside boulevard |
| 24–26 September | Racing programme | Baku City Circuit |
| until 08:00 on 28 September | City centre closed to cars | Circuit area and inside it |
Tickets for the race and concerts are sold by iTicket.az, the Grand Prix’s official supplier. The hour-by-hour session schedule is at bakucitycircuit.com.
Thursday: Calvin Harris lights up Baku
If you’ve ever danced to “Summer”, “One Kiss” or “This Is What You Came For”, you already know what Thursday holds. Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ and producer, a Grammy winner for “We Found Love” with six nominations for the award. His track record includes songs with Rihanna, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams and Travis Scott.
He’s been entrusted with the ceremonial opening of the anniversary Grand Prix. The concert is at Baku Crystal Hall on the evening of 24 September, after the day’s racing programme ends.
Friday: Katy Perry’s night
The next evening the stage belongs to Katy Perry — the voice of “Roar”, “Firework” and “Dark Horse”. And here’s the detail that makes this week special: Harris and Perry have already recorded together, on the track “Feels”. On consecutive nights Baku hosts two artists who share a hit. That kind of coincidence doesn’t come around often.
The concert is on 25 September, also at Baku Crystal Hall. A tip: after both shows thousands of people leave the venue at once, so plan your way back to the hotel in advance.
The fan zone: the day you become a driver
While the cars are on track, the seaside boulevard turns into a huge playground where you can get hands-on with Formula 1.
Take the wheel. A Formula 1 racing simulator lets you chase the fastest lap of the day. The competition is real: the best get signed souvenirs and paddock tours — places ordinary spectators never reach.
Change tyres in seconds. The “Pit Stop” challenge is a team game: in twos or threes you race to change a car’s wheels like real race mechanics. The best teams reach the final.
Stand on the podium. A DJ podium recreates the prize-giving ceremony — the most iconic moment of any Grand Prix. Next to it are a Formula 1 show car and the world championship trophy itself. And augmented reality lets you take a selfie with drivers and team principals.
Fly over the crowd. A zipline sends you speeding along a cable right over the fan zone. For those who want even more adrenaline, there’s the Ninja Challenge: climbing walls, balance beams and ropes.
Ask a driver a question. At the Fan Forums, drivers and team bosses take the main stage and answer fans’ questions. For many, it’s the highlight of the whole week.
Let the kids have their own Grand Prix. Mini electric cars on a safe track, face painting, workshops and a bouncy castle shaped like a racing helmet. While the grown-ups watch the race, the children have one of their own.
All day long street shows roam between the areas — national dances, the Amarok drummers, Mirror Dancers, Flying People, Drum Girls. And on the fan zone stage, Pancho, Maya Aziz, Nicolas Mun, Nazreen, Tim and Vugarixx spin, with live sets from Excellent Band and Mardan Band.
It’s best to check the fan zone entry conditions on the organiser’s website in advance.
A plan for the week: how to make the most of it
Thursday, 24 September. By day, the fan zone before the evening crowds: simulator, pit stop, a selfie with the trophy. In the evening, Calvin Harris at Crystal Hall.
Friday, 25 September. Sleep in after the concert, then head to the Fan Forum with the drivers by lunchtime. In the evening, Katy Perry.
Saturday, 26 September. The final day of the race weekend. Emotions peak — don’t miss it.
Sunday, 27 September. Time to change the pace. Collect a car at the airport and head for the mountains — more on that below.
The roads: how not to get stuck
Now for the unpleasant but important part. From 01:00 on 20 September to 08:00 on 28 September, the circuit streets and everything inside them are closed to cars. Entry is only with a residents’ permit. In the transit corridors you can’t even stop — no parking, no dropping off passengers.
Hence the golden rule: don’t order a rental car delivery to the centre or the Old City. It’s physically impossible to drive there, and stopping at a hotel is banned even when the corridors are open.
The centre is easiest on foot and by metro these days — the nearest stations to the circuit are Icherisheher, Sahil and 28 May. Traffic police are also asking people to use public transport into the centre on 24–26 September. We’ve gathered every entry point, access window and corridor rule in a separate guide.
How to get a car without the stress. Karavan Rent A Car in Baku delivers straight to the airport — far from the closed zone, so you drive off at once without a single closure. If you need a car in town, message us in advance and we’ll agree a delivery point outside the zone.
After the race: escape into quiet
Three days of roaring engines, stage bass and dense crowds — and at some point all you want is silence. The good news: in Azerbaijan it begins a couple of hours’ drive from Baku.
Guba — 170 km, about 2 hours 20 minutes. Forest, cool air and the Afurja waterfall. If you only have one free day, this is your pick: leave in the morning, return in the evening, and your head is in a different place.
Gabala — 220 km, about 3 hours 20 minutes. Mountains, cable cars and Lake Nohur with the peaks reflected in it. Two days with an overnight stay and not a trace of the Grand Prix noise will remain.
Sheki — 305 km, about 4 hours 30 minutes. The old town, the Khan’s Palace with its shebeke stained glass, the caravanserai where Silk Road merchants once stopped. Best combined with Gabala in a three- or four-day loop.
When to set off. The centre reopens to cars at 08:00 on 28 September. Want to go earlier? Collect the car at the airport and hit the highway straight away, bypassing the closed zone.
Which car to take. For two, a saloon or crossover. For a group or big family, a seven-seat minivan — we covered in detail how to choose one for a trip around the country in a separate article.
A bonus for Grand Prix guests. Until 1 October, code F1BAKU: on rentals of 7 days or more, 10% off, plus airport delivery, extended insurance, a 10 GB SIM card and parking as a gift.
FAQ
When is Formula 1 in Baku in 2026?
From 24 to 26 September 2026. It’s the tenth Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
When is Katy Perry’s concert in Baku?
25 September 2026 at Baku Crystal Hall.
When does Calvin Harris perform?
24 September 2026 at Baku Crystal Hall — his concert opens the Grand Prix.
Where can I buy tickets?
On iTicket.az, the Grand Prix’s official ticket supplier.
Where is the fan zone?
On Baku’s seaside boulevard.
Which roads are closed, and until when?
The circuit streets and the whole area inside them — from 01:00 on 20 September to 08:00 on 28 September.
Can I order rental car delivery to the centre?
No. Collect the car at the airport or at an agreed point outside the zone.
Where should I go to unwind after the race?
To Guba, Gabala or Sheki — two and a half to four and a half hours’ drive from Baku.
Conclusion
Formula 1 week in Baku is a rare chance to see, in one city over three days, a race past the walls of the Old City, dance to Calvin Harris, sing along with Katy Perry and ask a driver a question. So that traffic doesn’t spoil it, get around the centre on foot and by metro, and collect your car at the airport.
And when the engines fall silent, head for the mountains. After Formula 1, the quiet of Gabala sounds especially loud. Karavan Rent A Car in Baku will help you choose a car and arrange delivery around the closures: message us on WhatsApp or Telegram at +994-55-455-22-45.
Read also
- Formula 1 in Baku 2026: which roads are closed and how to collect a rental car: read the article
- The Baku Funicular: a complete guide: read the article
