8 Best Del Mar Races Opening Day Festivities
July 16 ushers in the 78th season of the Del Mar Races. Whether a horse-racing enthusiast or new to the equestrian scene, San Diego offers a line-up of Opening Day festivities to meet each taste.
Haute 2 Trot Race Track Fashion Show
July 9. Del Mar Plaza hosts the first annual Haute 2 Trot Race Track Fashion Show to get everyone in the spirit for opening day. Competitors can participate in the hat contest, while local gourmet restaurants provide appetizers. The event will include a live runway, opening day race track fashion show, entertainment by David Patrone and Solid Gold DJ, a silent auction and special cocktail tastings. 5-9 p.m. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 760.908.5729. finehomesandliving.com
Club M at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
July 10. Kickoff the 78th season of Del Mar Racing a little early at the coveted Cool As Ever Pre-Party at Club M at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Festivities include a hat & fashion showcase, the dazzling Derby Dolls, live entertainment, special guest DJ, track themed cocktails, an opportunity to mingle with racing enthusiasts and celebrity jockeys, plus a chance to win the Best Dressed Prize. 4-8 p.m. 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1923. squadup.com
Opening Day at the Del Mar Races
July 16. The highly anticipated opening day welcomes in the 78th annual Del Mar Racing season in true style. Join more than 40,000 fans for the fun and experience gourmet food trucks, beer garden and cocktail bars, the Red Bull tour bus complete with world-class DJs, photo booths, jumbo video boards, private wagering and more. The fashion-forward can also display some creativity with the annual hats contest. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
L’Auberge Del Mar
July 16. Keep the party rolling at L’Auberge for their 7th annual opening day after-party. Enjoy ocean front views, cocktails and music by Southern California DJs FishFonics and Gabe Vega on the pool deck. Tickets include tastes from the popular KITCHEN 1540. 5-9 p.m. Purchase tickets online. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. laubergedelmar.com
Hilton San Diego Del Mar
July 16. Dress to impress and head to Hilton Del Mar after the races and enjoy music from top DJs. Doors open at 9:30 and prizes are awarded to best dressed lady and best suited gentleman. 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, eventbrite.com
Rancho Valencia Resort
July 16. The “After Pony Party” at Rancho Valencia Resort has become a staple stomping grounds for race-day attendees after opening day. Enjoy cocktails, a beautiful setting and the spirit of Del Mar’s famous sport. 5-9 p.m. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Pacifica Del Mar
July 16. As race season heats up, attendees can cool off after opening day at Pacifica Del Mar. $25 bar entry includes 2 drink tickets, re-entry throughout the night and a live DJ from 5-11 p.m. Entry fee is waived with a dinner reservation. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.0476. pacificadelmar.com
Cucina Enoteca
July 16. At Cucina Enoteca Del Mar, join the celebration with their “Eight Furlongs to Cucina.” Located in the Flower Hill Promenade, the restaurant offers a great location for pre-race lunch or post-race dinner. On the way out the door, grab a $5 Track Bag with tasty treats featuring the restaurants race picks. Extended happy hours makes the eatery a great location for a craft cocktail after the festivities. 2730 Via de La Valle, Del Mar, 858.704.4500. urbankitchengroup.com
