Formula 1 is about to take over Singapore once again, and this year the action will extend well beyond the circuit. From 5 to 11 October, CHIJMES and Capitol Singapore are transforming their historic Civic District surroundings into a week-long playground for racing fans, complete with live screenings, racing simulators, brand activations, light shows, music and race-week dining deals.

Dubbed The Grand Circuit, the programme brings together two of the city’s most recognisable heritage destinations for a series of experiences designed to capture the atmosphere of race weekend — whether you are there to watch every lap, test your own reflexes or simply soak up the buzz with friends.

At CHIJMES, the main lawn becomes the centre of the action from 8 to 11 October, while Capitol Singapore’s fan zone runs throughout the week from 5 to 11 October.

CHIJMES is leaning into the social side of race weekend with the Jim Beam Race Weekend Watch Party, a four-day gathering on the Main Lawn from 8 to 11 October. Running from 4pm to 11pm, the free-admission event combines live music, big-screen race action, Jim Beam Highballs and Lenovo racing simulators. Fans can settle in with friends, catch the racing and take their turn behind the wheel without leaving the precinct.

The Jim Beam Bar will serve four highball flavours, while a DIY Highball Cart gives visitors the chance to create their own combinations. There is also an early-bird deal for those arriving before the racing gets underway: highballs cost $4 at 4pm, $5 at 5pm and $6 at 6pm. From 7pm onwards, they are priced at $8, with a buy-three-get-one-free offer.

The result is less formal viewing party and more race-week hangout — somewhere to spend the afternoon before the evening action gathers pace.

Across the road, Capitol Singapore’s Grand Circuit Fan Zone is bringing the competitive spirit to the heart of the Civic District from 5 to 11 October. Open from 5pm to 10pm daily with free admission, the fan zone brings together interactive challenges, gaming, brand experiences and racing-themed installations.

At the Heineken® 0.0 Fan Garage, visitors can take on pit-lane-inspired challenges designed to test speed and reflexes, with a leaderboard tracking the fastest participants. Prizes include Hopscotch vouchers and a two-day, one-night staycation at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.

Those who prefer virtual racing can head to the Lenovo Gaming Station, while the Tesla Race Challenge puts participants behind the wheel, virtually, in an in-car racing game where the goal is to record the fastest lap.

The top three Tesla Race Challenge winners can take home prizes including a three-day, two-night Tesla Model 3 experience worth $1,000 for first place, a Tesla Swag Kit worth $145 for second, and a Tesla Swag Set worth $110 for third.

The fan zone will also feature a Red Bull Bar Lounge serving crafted drinks, alongside racing-inspired installations, photo opportunities, illuminated displays and circuit-themed graphics.

For those who simply want to watch the real thing, Capitol Singapore will host live Formula 1 screenings from 9 to 11 October at the Outdoor Plaza and Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski.

The schedule is:

• Friday, 9 October: 8.30pm–9.14pm
• Saturday, 10 October: 9pm–10pm
• Sunday, 11 October: 8pm–10pm

Before the Friday and Sunday screenings, a one-minute Tesla Lightshow will add another dose of spectacle, with an illuminated car and choreographed movement setting the scene before the race appears on the big screen. It is a fitting prelude to a weekend built around speed and spectacle — and a chance to experience the race collectively rather than watching from home.

The Grand Circuit also extends into the restaurants and bars at both destinations, with special menus, drinks promotions and race-themed offers running from 5 to 11 October.

At Capitol Singapore, diners can find everything from 1-for-1 Singha Beer at Sichuan Alley to a Nalan Race Week Pit Stop Set priced at $19.90++, down from $33++. Hopscotch is offering three pints of Heineken for $33++, while Stirling Steaks is giving diners 20 per cent off steaks and mains. Bold Thai, meanwhile, will offer a bucket of five Singha beers for $30++.

Over at CHIJMES, The Winery is serving a Race Week Pit Stop set for two at $88++, Lebua Thai is offering 1-for-1 drinks, and Harry’s is giving rewards members the chance to earn complimentary Heineken pints through its race-week promotion. At Bari Bari Grand, diners who spend and win on Jim Beam Highballs can also stand a chance to take home a Race Weekend Walkabout worth $498.

For those who like their souvenirs a little more tangible, the Tesla Spend & Unlock Challenge offers another reason to explore the precinct. Spend at least $50 across a maximum of two combined receipts at Capitol Singapore or CHIJMES to redeem a Tomica Premium No. 41 Tesla Cybertruck, together with a can of Red Bull, while stocks last.

There is another reward for diners willing to make a night of it. Dine at three restaurants within Capitol Singapore or CHIJMES between 5 and 11 October, spending at least $10 at each, and present all three receipts to unlock an exclusive Heineken Starmark Glass, also while stocks last.

With racing simulators, live entertainment, big-screen screenings, car-themed challenges, illuminated displays and dining promotions spread across the precinct, The Grand Circuit offers a way to experience Formula 1 without needing a paddock pass.

For one week, the Civic District becomes its own kind of circuit, one built not for racing cars, but for food, drinks, games, music and the communal thrill of watching the world’s fastest sport unfold.