Octane Autofest: BIR's New Motorsports Festival at East Gull Lake

Brainerd International Raceway launched Octane Autofest on June 4 through 7, 2026, and the first edition drew nearly 15,000 guests from 41 states and five countries. The new festival pairs drifting with Forsberg Racing, high-performance driving events, autocross, a car show, and camping on the grounds. For East Gull Lake, it is a reminder that the raceway next door keeps finding new ways to bring people in.

What is Octane Autofest?

Octane Autofest is a four-day motorsports festival built around participation, not just watching. The program includes drifting with Forsberg Racing, high-performance driving education, autocross, a car show, and camping, which turns the event into a weekend destination rather than a single-day race. It is a different format from the raceway's traditional race weekends, and it is aimed at car people who want to drive, not only spectate.

How big was the first Octane Autofest?

By the raceway's own count, the first edition drew nearly 15,000 guests from 41 states and five countries. For a first-year event, that is a strong start, and it shows the pull that a well-run motorsports festival has in the middle of the country.

When is Octane Autofest 2.0?

The follow-up is set for September 11 through 13, 2026, a slightly shorter fall edition after the June launch. Anyone comparing East Gull Lake addresses should keep the raceway calendar in mind, since event weekends bring traffic and energy to the area. Our guide to East Gull Lake's recreation and raceway covers the full picture.

What does the raceway mean for East Gull Lake buyers?

**For motorsports fans, it is a feature.** Race weekends, car shows, and now a festival are minutes from home.

**For quiet seekers, it is a question to weigh.** Check the event calendar before you commit, and we will answer it straight.

**For the community, it is economic energy.** Thousands of visitors support local resorts, restaurants, and services.

The bottom line

Octane Autofest is the raceway's biggest new idea in years, and its first edition landed well. For East Gull Lake, the mix of Gull Lake shoreline and motorsports energy remains one of the most unusual combinations in the Lakes Area. Start with the East Gull Lake community guide, read about what living on Gull Lake shoreline is really like, and schedule a conversation when you are ready. Cheers!