As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix gears up for its milestone 10th anniversary, the city\u2019s nightlife scene is undergoing a massive shift. For the first time, the organizers behind the race weekend festivities are moving the party to the elements. From September 24 to 26, 2026, the inaugural APEX AFTER DARK OPEN AIR<\/strong> series will take over the Baku Boulevard, offering a high-energy soundtrack to the high-speed action on the track.<\/p>\n This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between FOMO Baku, the Baku City Circuit, and iTicket. By utilizing a prime location directly on the Caspian Sea, the organizers have constructed a bespoke, 2,500-capacity venue designed to blend the intensity of Formula 1 with the immersive atmosphere of an open-air festival.<\/p>\n \nThe series is strategically curated to mirror the progression of the race weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of world-class electronic talent.<\/p>\n * Thursday, September 24: The Sunset Kickoff with ANOTR<\/strong> \nThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become a staple on the global racing calendar, and its 10th-anniversary celebrations are set to be the most expansive yet. While the APEX AFTER DARK series provides an intimate, boutique festival experience, it complements the official Formula 1<\/a> entertainment schedule. This broader program includes a massive performance by Calvin Harris on Thursday, September 24, ensuring that the city remains the epicenter of both motorsport and music throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n With the global demand for “race-cation” experiences-where fans prioritize both the track action and the surrounding nightlife-events like APEX AFTER DARK are becoming essential components of the modern F1 experience. By moving to the waterfront, Baku is positioning itself alongside major hubs like Singapore and Las Vegas, where the fusion of elite racing and world-class entertainment is the gold standard.<\/p>\nA Three-Night Sonic Journey<\/h3>\n
\n The festivities begin with the Amsterdam-based duo ANOTR. Known for their eclectic sonic palette, they will soundtrack the sunset. Their signature style-a fluid transition between soulful funk, disco-infused house, and darker, late-night grooves-is the perfect introduction to the weekend\u2019s vibe.
\n* Friday, September 25: The House Music Icon<\/strong>
\n The energy ramps up on Friday night with a performance by Jamie Jones. As a titan of the global dance scene, Jones has been instrumental in defining the sound of Ibiza\u2019s DC-10 through his residency at Circoloco. As the founder of the influential Hot Creations label and a key member of Hot Natured, his set is expected to be a masterclass in modern house music.
\n* Saturday, September 26: The Grand Finale<\/strong>
\n The series concludes on race day. Immediately following the final chequered flag, Mahmut Orhan will take the stage to close out the weekend. His performance serves as the ultimate post-race celebration, capturing the adrenaline of the Grand Prix in a high-octane, open-air environment.<\/p>\nThe Broader F1 Entertainment Landscape<\/h3>\n