Although the Long Beach Grand Prix is often categorized as a racing event, there is so much more that happens throughout the span of four days that encapsulates the fan experience which was seen April 10-13 in downtown Long Beach
“It’s just kind of an annual trip just to get away and come down and have a good time. You got race cars, you got music, you got beer and nightlife. We’re just having a good time,” Erik Schmidt, a frequent attendee of the Long Beach Grand Prix said.
Schmidt is one of the many people who have attended the Grand Prix for years with his buddies, driving down from Sacramento to enjoy what Long Beach has to offer throughout the four days.
The fan experience differs in excitement between locals, who seem to find out about the event last minute, and fans who travel every year to make it.
Many locals said that it was their first time attending the Grand Prix, often convinced to participate after discovering the variety of events that could be enjoyed without having to pay for additional tickets and packages.
Dog superfan Corn-pop opens his mouth wide during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach wearing goggles, ear protection and medallions. Corn-pop attended the even all three days, taken on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Kelly Hansen, lead singer of British-American rock band Foreigner, plays the tambourine during the band’s performance at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The band performed for the 50th year or “golden anniversary” of the Grand Prix on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Caleb Nzila sits in the display Indycar while his friend Christian Delaney, right, videos him in the Lifestyle Expo. The two were attending the Acura Grand Prix for the first time on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Super drift Challenge fans react with excitement as driver introductions take place before challenge race. The Super drift challenge took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
British-American rock band members Kelly Hansen, left, and Bruce Watson, right, share a close moment on stage during their performance. The performance took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for the golden anniversary on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Rudy Cardenas smiles in reaction to receiving his lottery tickets, despite losing the spin wheel. The CA lottery booth was interactive and set up outside of the Lifestyle Expo at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Crowd member Todd Kovessy, right and another attendee dance and pose for the camera during Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performance. The performance took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen) 
Julio Ruiz videos him and his son Harrison Ruiz, 2, on his shoulders while dancing during Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performance. The performance was on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
Long Beach local, Veronica Bermeo, was attending the Grand Prix for the first time with her children after living in the area for over 30 years.
“They posted it on our page and I’m sure they’ve posted it before, but that’s even more enticing. When you have kids and especially nowadays, everything’s expensive,” Bermeo said in regards to the free tickets that were available.
The Grand Prix kicked off with Thunder Thursday, a free event that included family-friendly activities filled with freestyle motorcycles, live music and a variety of foods.
The main attraction of Thursday’s events was the free entrance, which drew in a lot of locals who had never attended previously.
“Honestly, I don’t even know what to expect, you know, whatever comes our way. I’m just here to see what’s to offer and enjoy it all,” attendee Christian Delaney said.
The Grand Prix holds various entertainment events, not only in terms of cars and racing, but the live music as well.
Canadian DJ duo DVBBS took the stage Friday night at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center Terrace Plaza at 6:30 p.m. where friends and families came together.
This year’s main act was the British-American rock band, “Foreigner” who took the stage on the evening of April 12 and gathered a large crowd.
Everyone sang along to some of their most popular songs such as “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded.”
Schmidt attended the show and expressed just how much he enjoyed attending Saturday’s events because he’s a big Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) fan.
The Grand Prix fan experience brings people of all interest groups together and has so much to offer in the vast world of entertainment.