Bert Kreischer is throwing a massive party ahead of the Daytona 500 this weekend.
The comedian is hosting the first-ever Full Throttle Festival, a pre-party for the big race, at the Ocean Center Convention Center in Daytona Beach on Saturday, Feb. 14. In addition to stand-up comedy, beer, and barbecue, the bash will feature performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diplo, and Ernest.
In an exclusive interview with The Sporting News on Thursday, Feb. 12, Kreischer said the idea for the event came about because he noticed there weren't any fun events being put together for Nascar fans - unlike NFL fans who attend the Super Bowl and have plenty of options.
"Initially, I had gone to the Daytona 500 and I've been to a couple Nascar events, and I was like, you know it's so funny, at the Super Bowl they have so many events surrounding the event. Guy throws a barbecue. Shaq, he's a DJ and he does Shaq's fun house," Kreischer said.
He then thought, "We should do something like that for Daytona. There's no really events surrounding Dayton, it's just Daytona."
From there, the idea was born.
RELATED: Daytona Duels 2026 live updates, results, highlights from Daytona 500 qualifying races
Bert Kreischer says it's the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day
The "Machine" comedian says he's looking forward to the inaugural event, which he's calling the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day - single or attached.
"It's gonna be fun. Come out and enjoy an evening. This is how you should spend your Valentine's Day," Kreischer said.
He suggests couples do an early dinner to get in some 1:1 time before they make their way to the pre-Daytona 500 event. However, there will be plenty of food options, for those who want to eat at the event.
"We've got so much going on. Sing the songs you know and love by heart with Lynyrd Skynyrd, watch some great stand-up, have some amazing barbecue, try one of Jason and Travis's Garage beers, get some deodorant by Mando, but more importantly enjoy the Daytona 500," the Netflix star said.
In addition to entertainment, fans can expect a stacked roster of fan experiences and on-site integrations at the event, organizers said in a press release.
“I’m partnering with NASCAR to build the biggest, wildest, greatest pre-race party ever! We’re not just having a party; we’re bringing a rock show, a country show, a comedy show, and the kind of BBQ and beer that would make a pit crew chief proud," Kreischer promised. "We’re stuffing all of that—the fun, the laughs, the meat sweats—inside the Ocean Center the night before the 500…Start your engines because I cannot wait to go Full Throttle with all of you!”
The Daytona 500 party comes at the height of Kreischer's career.
The comedian has quickly evolved from being named as "Rolling Stone's" "Number One Partier in the nation" to becoming one of the top-grossing stand-up comedians in the world.
General admission tickets for the Full Throttle Festival start at $74, or less if you purchase a four-pack. There are also VIP options available.
Tickets can be purchased at www.fullthrottlefestival.com.

1 hour ago
2
English (US)