Famed comedian, actor and podcaster Bert Kreischer is going Full Throttle, unveiling the inaugural Full Throttle Festival in Daytona Beach on February 14th from 7pm – 1am ET the night before the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026 airing live on FOX. Created by Kreischer and produced by live event powerhouse Medium Rare, the brand-new festival will transform the Ocean Center Convention Center in Daytona Beach into the most epic NASCAR fan experience that Daytona has ever seen before the Great American Race kicks off on Sunday! Tickets go on sale Friday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m. ET at www.FullThrottleFestival.com. General Admission tickets start at $74.99 for access to the festival and the Great American Beer Hall, while VIP Packages which include express VIP entrances, access to the VIP lounge with premium top shelf open bar, premium bathrooms, and a dedicated VIP only viewing area, begin at $249.99. Fans can pre-register for tickets now ahead of Friday’s on-sale at www.FullThrottleFestival.com

Personally curated by Bert, the festival will be an all-night party that brings together live music, stand-up comedy, beer, and BBQ all under one massive roof for up to 15,000 fans. NASCAR will fuel the festival, bringing race weekend energy and a one-of-a-kind fan experience into the heart of “The Great American Race”.

The Full Throttle lineup is stacked with some of Bert’s favorite performers who each bring something special to the party. Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons behind some of the most enduring anthems in Southern rock, will deliver a set built for singalongs and raised beers. Returning to his Daytona Beach roots, Diplo will bring his country music project Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley for a high energy, boots on the floors set tailored for race weekend. Singer/songwriter ERNEST, one of Nashville’s most in demand breakout artists, will showcase the hits he has written and recorded for country’s biggest names along with his own chart climbing favorites. At the center of it all is festival creator, Bert Kreischer, who will host, perform stand up, and keep the party moving with his signature “anything can happen” energy.

“I’m partnering with NASCAR to create the biggest, wildest, greatest pre-race event EVER.  We’re not just throwing a party; we’re bringing rock music, country music, comedy, beer and barbecue together to create one epic night of awesomeness.  Picture all of THAT – the laughs, the fun, the meat sweats – stuffed inside the Ocean Center the night before the Daytona 500.  It’s an event you do not want to miss…and I cannot wait to go FULL THROTTLE with you!” said Bert Kreischer.

“Bert has cultivated one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in comedy, known for their love of a great time, high energy, and unpretentious fun. That profile is a direct mirror of the NASCAR fan community—they bring an unmatched level of intensity and celebratory spirit to Race Weekend,” said Joe Silberzweig and Adam Richman, Co-Founders of Medium Rare. “This shared culture of cutting loose, amplified by our official partnership with NASCAR, ensures Full Throttle Festival is more than just a pre-race show. With a lineup that’s built for that specific, fun-loving, American audience—hitting the best in music, comedy, BBQ, and beer—this event is engineered to become the essential annual party for the most electric fans in Daytona Beach.”

Full Throttle Festival also spotlights Bert’s love for BBQ and beer, delivering a taste-driven experience that feels like the ultimate infield tailgate brought indoors. The Ocean Center floor will feature a curated lineup of pitmasters and BBQ concepts from across Florida and beyond, along with festival-only dishes and race-weekend specials developed in collaboration with the event producers [BBQ partners, menus, and chef talent to be announced]. On the beverage side, fans can expect an expansive craft beer program, ice-cold domestic favorites, and signature cocktails available at bars throughout the venue [featured breweries, signature cocktails, non-alcoholic offerings, and specialty partner announcements to come]. Among the options, guests can also raise a glass with Por Osos Vodka, the award-winning, rapidly expanding spirits brand launched in 2024 by Kreischer and Tom Segura.

NASCAR will help bring the spirit of the sport into the building. Full Throttle Festival is set to feature unique NASCAR fan touchpoints, from photo worthy moments to interactive displays and opportunities to get closer to the world of stock car racing [specific NASCAR fan experiences and assets to be announced].

A limited number of General Admission and VIP ticket options will be available, giving fans the choice of floor shaking festival access or premium viewing, bar and hospitality experiences throughout the night. Detailed ticket tiers, pricing and benefits will be announced on www.FullThrottleFestival.com. A dedicated presale opportunity will be offered to select DAYTONA 500 ticket holders via email prior to the general on sale. Fans can purchase tickets to the DAYTONA 500 here or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Full Throttle Festival is designed to become an annual tradition in Daytona Beach, giving fans a new way to come together, celebrate the sport they love and kick off one of the biggest events in racing with a night that feels as big as race day itself.