The first day of the U.S. Grand Prix weekend also meant the first night of Austin Fan Fest downtown. The event brings music, food vendors and plenty of racing fun to the heart of the Capital City through Sunday.

An eclectic variety of Formula One race fans descended into downtown Friday night for the first night of Austin Fan Fest.

Many people made their way to the Second through Fourth Streets area after leaving the Circuit of the Americas race track, where practice laps kicked off the start of the U.S. Grand Prix weekend.

For one Houston couple, coming to Formula One is not only is a family affair, but also a learning experience.

“I love sports so it has been fun to learn all about the racers and about the manufacturers and the differences between Grand Prix and NASCAR,” Houstonian F1 fan Mary Ryder said.

Besides racing, fan fest also offers something Austin is known for—music. The band Fastball helped kick off Friday’s festivities on one of several free stages.

However, music isn’t the only gig to help showcase local talent. Painter/artist William K Stidham is more than pleased the United States Grand Prix made a pit stop in his hometown.

"So when this opportunity arose I said, ‘I have to be a part of this and here I am right in the middle of it,’” he said.

Stidham and other vendors are eager to cash in on race fans.

"I do have some expectations, but more than anything, I am here to explain myself, my art, give some love,” he said. “Hopefully have some fun too."

Then there is Victoria Parkhacheva from Moscow, Russia. With Austin on her traveling radar, she decided to visit the Capital City on her tour through the United States.

The international race caught the traveler off guard. Two months ago, the Russian woman tried to book hotel rooms with no luck.

"I did know at that time when I was searching that everything was sold out so I didn't know anything about the F1 race,” she said.

Click here for more information on Austin Fan Fest.