Freedom 250 Grand Prix Weekend
The Black-Tie Racing Gala of Grand Prix Weekend
While the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. celebrates America’s 250th on the National Mall by day, Pre-Prix 250 delivers the formal Saturday evening — August 22, 2026, at the historic Washington Hilton.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first-ever INDYCAR race on a street circuit around the National Mall — two days of world-class motorsport set against the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, August 22 through 23, 2026.
Pre-Prix 250 is built for Saturday night. Two miles from the circuit, at the historic Washington Hilton, 3,000 guests will gather for a black-tie celebration that fuses racing glamour with Washington pedigree. Reception at 6 PM. Ball until midnight. Race-ready by Sunday morning.
Saturday: the gala. Sunday: the race.
The Weekend
Two Days. Two Historic Events. One Weekend.
Saturday Day + Sunday
Freedom 250 Grand Prix
- •Street circuit around the National Mall
- •First-ever INDYCAR race in Washington, D.C.
- •Practice & qualifying Saturday; main race Sunday
- •Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol backdrop
- •Broadcast live on FOX Sports (NTT INDYCAR SERIES)
- •Limited free tickets available at freedom250gp.com
Saturday Evening
Pre-Prix 250
- •Washington Hilton, two miles from the circuit
- •6 PM reception – midnight finale
- •3,000 guests, black-tie optional with racing flair
- •6 grand party areas, 4 stages, premium open bars
- •Grand Prix Tribute performance & Racing Legends Awards
- •Tickets from $195 to $18,500
Saturday afternoon: qualifying on the Mall. Saturday evening: black tie at the Hilton. Saturday midnight: grand finale. Sunday morning: race day. The rhythm of the weekend.
Why This Weekend
An INDYCAR First. A Gala to Match.
Washington, D.C. has never hosted an INDYCAR race. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix changes that — weaving a street circuit through the capital's most iconic landmarks for America’s 250th anniversary.
A first-ever moment like that calls for a formal social anchor. Pre-Prix 250 is Saturday night’s black-tie gala at the Washington Hilton, three blocks from the White House and two miles from the starting grid. 3,000 guests. Racing-inspired decor, live entertainment, a Grand Prix Tribute, and a grand finale at midnight.
Whether you’re a race fan in town for the weekend, a sponsor entertaining clients, or a DC resident who wants to be at the center of the most-watched motorsports moment of the year — this is the evening.
Plan Your Weekend
Getting There & What to Expect
Venue
Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. Historic site of presidential galas and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
From the Circuit
Two miles from the National Mall street circuit. Easy cab or rideshare. DC Metro Red Line (Dupont Circle) is a short walk from the venue.
Dress Code
Black tie optional, racing-inspired flair encouraged. Suits and cocktail attire welcome.
Timing
VIP Reception 6–8 PM (Pole Position & Winner’s Circle). The Ball 8 PM–Midnight (all tiers). Grand finale midnight.
Reserve Your Spot
Three Ways to Experience Race Weekend
Grand Stand
$195
Full ball access, 8 PM – Midnight.
Pole Position
$395
VIP reception 6–8 PM + full ball.
Winner’s Circle
$1,495
Reserved Champion’s Stage seating. Concierge service.
Prices increase in waves as the race approaches.
Frequently Asked
Grand Prix Weekend Questions
What is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. is the first-ever INDYCAR race to take place on a street circuit around the National Mall, scheduled for August 22–23, 2026. The two-day motorsports event celebrates America's 250th anniversary with world-class racing set against landmarks including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The event is produced in partnership between INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Is Pre-Prix 250 part of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
Pre-Prix 250 is an independently produced black-tie gala held Saturday evening, August 22, 2026 — the night between the Grand Prix's two race days — at the historic Washington Hilton. It is designed as a formal evening option for race fans, out-of-town visitors, hospitality clients, and DC-area guests. Pre-Prix 250 is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official event of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, INDYCAR, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, or Freedom 250.
How does the timing work with the race?
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix runs August 22–23, 2026, with practice and qualifying on Saturday and the main race Sunday. Pre-Prix 250 begins at 6:00 PM on Saturday evening and ends by midnight, giving Sunday race attendees time to rest before the main event. The Washington Hilton is approximately two miles from the National Mall street circuit.
Why is it called Pre-Prix 250?
Pre-Prix is a nod to both the race-weekend positioning and the 250th anniversary of American independence. The Grand Prix celebrates America's 250th by bringing a historic first-ever INDYCAR street race to the National Mall; Pre-Prix 250 complements it with a formal black-tie evening of racing-themed celebration in the same city on the same weekend.
Who is the typical Pre-Prix 250 guest?
Race fans traveling to DC for the Grand Prix, corporate hospitality clients, motorsports enthusiasts, DC-area residents looking for a premier Saturday evening, and racing industry professionals. The event is designed to scale from grand stand-priced general admission to premium Winner's Circle and Champion's Host Package levels.
What is the dress code?
Black tie optional — racing-inspired flair encouraged. Suits or cocktail attire are welcome; driving gloves and checkered bow ties have been spotted in concept renderings.
What's included with a ticket?
All tickets include full ball access, 4 grand party areas, multiple live bands and DJs, immersive experiences, roaming entertainers, the Grand Prix Tribute performance, and the Racing Legends Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony. Higher tiers include VIP reception, premium buffet dinner, reserved Champion's Stage seating, concierge service, and more.
Can I attend both the race and Pre-Prix 250?
Yes — and that's the point. Saturday: daytime practice and qualifying on the National Mall circuit, then the gala in the evening. Sunday: the main INDYCAR race. Pre-Prix 250 ends by midnight so guests can rest for Sunday's race.
Disclaimer: Pre-Prix 250 is an independently produced black-tie gala taking place on Saturday, August 22, 2026. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official event of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington D.C., NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Freedom 250, or the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. References to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are made for informational and contextual purposes only, to help guests planning their Washington, D.C. race-weekend travel.