Red Bull Soapbox Race Sarajevo

Sarajevo will host one of the world’s most entertaining amateur racing events when the Red Bull Soapbox Race comes to the city on Sunday, 6 September 2026.

Instead of professional racing cars, teams compete in homemade vehicles powered entirely by gravity. Speed matters, but so do creativity, vehicle design, costumes and the team’s performance in front of the crowd.

For tourists visiting Sarajevo in September, Red Bull Soapbox Race offers a chance to experience a very different side of the city.

Teams can include up to five members and must design and build their own motorless Soapbox vehicle.

Expect unusual vehicles, costumes, jumps, obstacles and plenty of unsuccessful attempts to reach the finish line in one piece.

What Is a Red Bull Soapbox Race?

Red Bull Soapbox events have been organized in cities around the world.

There are no engines. Each vehicle relies on gravity to get down the course while its drivers attempt to negotiate obstacles and reach the finish.

The competition is not simply about setting the fastest time. Judges also consider the originality of the vehicle, its design and the overall performance of the team.

That makes Soapbox as much an entertainment event as a race and particularly suitable for families and visitors who would not normally attend motorsport events.

Getting to the Event

Visitors travelling with a rental car in Sarajevo should check the final course map and road-closure information before leaving.

A major street event like Soapbox can affect traffic and parking around the race route. Driving directly to the start area shortly before the event is unlikely to be the easiest option.

Instead, consider parking in an authorized parking area outside the busiest zone and walking to the spectator areas.

If arriving from Sarajevo International Airport, normally allow around 20–30 minutes to reach central Sarajevo, but leave significantly more time if temporary road closures are introduced.

Parking and Traffic Tips

Expect increased traffic around the race area on September 6.

Follow temporary traffic signs and instructions from police and event staff. Do not attempt to enter closed streets even if your navigation application suggests that route.

Use marked parking spaces or official garages and avoid leaving passports, luggage or electronics visible inside your rental vehicle.

Check the final traffic plan on the morning of the event because restrictions can change depending on the course setup.

Tips for Spectators

Arrive early if you want a good position along the course.

Bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection if the weather is warm. September conditions in Sarajevo can change quickly, so checking the forecast before leaving your accommodation is advisable.

Always remain behind spectator barriers. Crashes and overturned vehicles are part of the entertainment, which is why designated viewing areas should be respected.

Explore Sarajevo During Your Visit

Red Bull Soapbox Race can easily become part of a longer Sarajevo city break.

Explore Baščaršija, Sebilj, Sarajevo City Hall, Ferhadija Street and the Latin Bridge, or take a short drive to Trebević Mountain, Vrelo Bosne and the Tunnel of Hope.

Visitors with more time can use a rental car for day trips from Sarajevo to Mostar, Blagaj, Travnik, Jajce or Višegrad.

With homemade vehicles, creative teams and an unpredictable downhill course, Red Bull Soapbox Race Sarajevo 2026 should be one of the more unusual events on Sarajevo’s September calendar.