Del Mar Horse Racing Opening Day Parties and Events
The kick-off to Del Mar horse racing season is one of the best occasions for celebrating in San Diego. Read on to find the best after parties, specials and events you’ll want to hit Wednesday, July 17.
Opening Day After Party at L’Auberge
Don your party hats to the most exclusive Opening Day after party in Del Mar. L’Auberge’s “party of the year” includes delicious tastes from the culinary team at Kitchen 1540, music by Southern California DJ FishFonics and three-time winner of the San Diego Music Award for Best DJ, DJ Gabe Vega, and of course, stunning ocean views from the Pacific, Sunset and Ocean terraces. Private cabanas and tables also available. 5–11 p.m. $100/pp. 21+. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. 858.259.1515. openingdayafterparty.com
Opening Day at Pacifica Del Mar
Visit Pacifica Del Mar for pre-race brunch, dinner, drinks and complimentary valet at Del Mar Plaza when you spend more than $50 at dinner. Brunch will be served on the outdoor patio while dinner reservations will be seated in the dining room. Or head to Pacifica’s Ocean Bar, where the $25 entry fee includes two drinks and access to the bar beginning at 4:30 p.m. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar. 858.792.0476. pacificadelmar.com
Fortune 421’s Opening Day After Party at Hotel Indigo
Less than two miles from the track, Hotel Indigo offers a full ocean view and is the perfect setting for an outdoor racing-inspired event. Gigamesh, most recognized for producing Mike Posner’s multiplatinum selling track “Cooler Than Me” and his remix of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks,” will headline the party with supporting performances from Adam Salter, Dancellor and Brady Spear. Fortune 421 is also offering a full-day experience package including round trip transportation, entry to the track and entry to the after party. $50/pp. Hotel Indigo, 710 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. 916.201.2966. wantickets.com
Opening Day Party at Crush
Celebrate the kick-off of San Diego’s most fashionable season at Crush with no cover charge, $7 martinis, $4 beers, live music, dancing and a special all-night happy hour. Reservations highly recommended. Crush, 437 S Hwy. 101, #112, Solana Beach. 858.481.2787. solanabeachcrush.com
Opening Day at Firehouse
A party bus will be taking guests round-trip from Firehouse to the races to let guests make the most of the pre and post race parties. Upon returning to Firehouse, enjoy enticing food and drink specials, a photo booth and entertainment provided by static Promenade, Johnny Rayburn and Cheyenne Giles. Tickets include a complimentary drink at the Hilton Del Mar. Firehouse, 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 619.663.6823. djheretickets.com
Carruth Cellars’ Opening Day Pre-Party
Enjoy half off Sauvignon Blanc in Carruth Cellars’ Barrel Room before the races, then hitch a ride from the winery to the track on the free shuttle. Anyone in ‘races attire’ will be treated to the half off pricing. Noon-4 p.m. Carruth Cellars, 320 S. Cedros Ave., #400, Solana Beach. 858.847.9463. carruthcellars.com
Opening Day at Café Japengo
Bring in your Opening Day betting receipt on Wednesday evening and receive 50% off one sushi roll of your choice. Maximum three discounts per table, for dine-in orders only. 8960 University Center Ln., San Diego. 858.450.3355. cafejapengo.com
Live Music at Mille Fleurs
Long been known as a go-to place for after the races, Mille Fleurs is launching its summer live music program on Opening Day. Lasting through September 4, guests seated in Mille Fleurs’ garden patio can enjoy the sounds of Mark Lessman on the saxophone five days a week in an al fresco atmosphere. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-9 p.m. Mille Fleurs, 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. 858.756.3085. millefleurs.com
Lose at the Track, Win at Woody’s Solana Beach
Start Opening Day early with a pre-race breakfast complete with $3 mimosas and $4 Bloody Marys and mint juleps until noon. Lose at the track, but win at Woody’s—bring in a losing ticket and receive a special drink. Be sure to dress to impress, there will also be a best hat contest, and the winner will receive a $100 gift card. Woody’s Solana Beach, 437 S Hwy 101, #301, Solana Beach. 858.345.1740. woodyssolana.com
