Tip your hat, kick up your heels and bring on the horses. It is that time of year again, The 79th season of the Del Mar Horse Races kicks off Friday July 15- running through September 5. This year Race Season Kicks off on a Friday, for the first time in over 40 years.  It is going to be a packed house, 45,000 people are expected to Play at the Races Opening Day.  It’s a day of fun and fashion celebrating the 22 Anniversary of the Hat Contest, so pull out your wild and crazy, bold & beautiful hats.

Opening Day weather forecast is calling for sun and fun should be 70’s and sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen.  The first post is at 2 p.m. gates open 2.5 hours before on opening day and two hours prior throughout the season.   All other Fridays this season the first post is at 4PM followed by concerts.  Fridays are also Happy Hour till 6pm with 50% off Signature Cocktails and select Beers. 

All bets are in that this Summer is going to Rock as the track  hosts weekly concerts, the 11 concert series kicks off Friday July 22-Sept 3 with Music from Country to Reggae.  Time to Rock the Races.

Friday, July 22 – Cold War Kids

Friday, July 29 – Fitz and The Tantrums

Saturday, July 30 – Reggae Fest, featuring Ziggy Marley

Friday, August 5 – Girl Talk

Saturday, August 6 – Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!

Friday, August 12 – Chris Young

Saturday, August 13 – 311 and Matisyahu

Friday, August 19 – Thievery Corporation

Friday, August 26 – Pepper

Friday, September 2 – The Wailers

Saturday, September 3 – Chromeo

Concerts are free with paid admission if you make it in the gates by the last race- if not the concerts are $20.

Come on out for the Races plus Fun Festivals:

Saturday July 23, The Craft Beer Fest and Gourmet Food Truck Festival take over the Seaside Concert area with  over 100 local and international brews and 40 Food Trucks. Free with Track Admission. Bring your appetite and receive five Beer Tastings for $20.  Full size beers are available for purchase.

Saturday August 6, The Classic Car Show and Chili Cook off take over the Seaside Concert area.  Come out and cruise the car show and sample chili from 12-4pm.

Saturday August 13 come out for Tacotopia, as the track searches for the best Southern California Taco. Try tacos from over 40 San Diego, Los Angeles and Tijuana Best Restaurants and Food Trucks. Each attendee can vote for their favorite taco. The vendor with the most votes wins, and winners will be announced live in the Winners Circle!

The Races have gone digital there is now an app for that!  Bringing the excitement of Del Mar Racing to the palm of your hand. Del Mar is proud to introduce Del Mar mobile. You can now download the Del Mar mobile App for on-track wagering, streaming live races, replays, betting calculator, events and more.  Check it out.

Hope to see you at the races, where the surf meets the turf in old Del Mar.

Written by Jennifer Blake