GRIDLIFE Laguna 2026: Everything you need to know

GRIDLIFE is heading back to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the fourth time this September 18-20, and they’re not just running it back – they’re are leveling up.

Each year, GRIDLIFE brainstorms how to make the festival hit harder. This year, they’ve moved the NOS Energy Main Stage straight into the Lakebed, blowing the footprint wide open for more cars, more music, and more fun. If you thought last year was peak, you won’t want to miss what they have in store to close out the 2026 season.

ON TRACK
Starting Friday morning and running all weekend long, five motorsports activities take place on the historic 2.24-mile full course built in 1957. 
TrackBattle Time Attack
The legendary corkscrew highlights the lap as nearly 100 drivers aim for lap records across seven classes in GRIDLIFE TrackBattle, a time attack competition where the rival is the course itself. TrackBattle cars range from the venerable Honda Fit all the way up to high-aero, 1000+ HP track monsters that are among the fastest in the country.

GRIDLIFE RUSH Series
The GRIDLIFE RUSH Series features 50+ high-revving sports racers racing four times throughout the weekend in tight wheel-to-wheel battles. With GSX-S motorcycle engines revving to 11,000 RPM, the racing in this series sounds as good as it looks.

Eibach GRIDLIFE Touring Cup
Capturing the magic of power-to-weight touring car racing, Eibach GRIDLIFE Touring Cup features cars with 12.5 pounds per horsepower, front and rear-drive layouts, and short, 15-minute sprint races. The best part of the race is the beginning and the end - and Eibach GLTC does it over and over with relatable cars built to the limit of the rules.

GRIDLIFE GT
Building off of GLTC’s formula, GRIDLIFE GT is all about power-to-weight GT racing. Stepping up the power, aerodynamics, and speed, this sprint racing series pits cars like Porsches and Corvettes against each other in the same high-intensity, quick race format as the other wheel-to-wheel series.

GRIDLIFE Drift 
There are no points and no judges—just pure, freestyle drifting. Watch heavyweights like Vaughn Gittin Jr, Chris Forsberg, Matt Coffman, Justin Pawlak, Matt Field, Forrest Wang and more line up with local rippers like team Animal Style to throw it sideways at 100+ MPH. Dropping a five-car train blind down the Corkscrew is something you have to witness in person.

THE MUSIC: LAKEBED AND CORKSCREW TAKEOVER

Friday Night Kickoff
For the first time ever, we are dropping music on Friday night. Break in the new Lakebed festival grounds with a massive kick-off featuring A-Trak and a Chromeo DJ set from Dave 1.

Saturday Main Stage Takeover
Dillon Francis is headlining the NOS Energy Main Stage to take the festival deep into the night. He’s backed by a heavy supporting lineup including PAL 9000, DJ Cake, DNEB, Pabo Marx, M0SF3T, Dam Shake, and Hi-Risk Hi-Reward.

The Corkscrew Takeover
The vibe doesn't stop when the track is hot. Offis.Work will be throwing down DJ sets all weekend long right on top of the Turn 8 hill. Watch the drift trains while DJs set the vibe.

OFF-TRACK: THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Forza Horizon 6 Arcade
Step out of the paddock and straight into a neon-soaked slice of Japanese street culture. The Forza Horizon 6 Arcade is the ultimate social hub, packed with racing simulators, classic arcade cabinets, and ping pong. Challenge your crew and soak in the Tokyo vibes.

Showfields & Corrals
The car culture doesn't stop at the hot pit. Walk the massive GRIDLIFE Showcase to see the cleanest builds on the West Coast, or dive into the dedicated FCP Euro, Subimods, and Hyundai N Corrals to find your people.

Dodge Thrill Rides
Stop watching and get in the seat. Dodge is taking over a closed course to let you feel the raw torque and tire-shredding excitement of their latest lineup firsthand.

Electro & Co. Drift Karts
Want to get sideways yourself without risking your daily driver? Jump into the Electro & Co. drift karts and rip around the track with your friends in a highly addictive, approachable slide session.

Mazda Heritage Collection
Pay respect to the legends. Mazda Motorsports is bringing out historic, golden-era race cars straight from their vault, giving you an up-close look at the DNA that built modern track culture.

Miata Reunion
GRIDLIFE has teamed up with Miata Reunion for the ultimate MX-5 gathering on the West Coast. Spectators can expect hundreds of dedicated Miata builds, a massive car show, special guest appearances, and a dedicated vendor village. You’ll find them commanding their own exclusive zone right above Turn 1.

TICKETS & CAMPING

This is the ultimate West Coast convergence of speed and sound. Whether you're dropping in for a single day or locking down for the whole weekend, here is what you need to know to secure your spot on the GRID. 

Weekend & Single Day GA: Full access to all racing, drifting, the driver paddock, Showfield, Arcade, and AFTERGRID music.

Weekend VIP: Everything in GA, plus exclusive VIP viewing lounges, premier hillside parking, early campground access, and a limited-edition swag bag.

Camping (Limited Spots Available): Infield space is almost gone. Turn 5 is the absolute last section available in the Lakebed. Overland expert camping is still available on Fox Hill.

SECURE TICKETS HERE.