Del Mar’s horse racing track – where the turf meets the surf – has may activities beyond just what happens on the dirt and grass. This year, the facility has a wine festival, a food festival and its traditional Friday Happy Hour. The season starts on July 19 and runs thru Sept. 7.
Here’s a full list of the 2025 events and dates at Del Mar.
• Opening Day, July 18
Del Mar Opening Day is again on a Friday (for years it was always on a Wednesday) and the 2025 date is July 18. Once such a “must do” event in San Diego that made it the Kentucky Derby of the West Coast, it’s now a more expensive adventure (the $20 GA tickets disappeared after the pandemic and now the least expensive ticket is now a reserved seat for $73) but it’s still a big social affair in the city.
• Beer Festival, July 19
Some 50 beers, seltzers and ciders are poured in the Seaside Cabana with music by a DJ. It runs from 1-5 p.m., Tickets, includes race admission and five beer tickets, are $40. 21-and-up only.
• Uncorked Wine Festival, Aug. 2
A wine tasting with 60 wines with a music, food trucks (extra) trackside from the Stretch Run. It goes from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $79. 21 & up.
• Taste of New Orleans, Aug. 23
Samples of hurricanes, frozen daiquiris, swamp water and Abita beer. Cajun cuisine including gumbo, po’boys, beignets, red beans & rice and jambalaya is available for purchase. There’s live Cajun music, a mini parade, the Rad Hatter and bead vendors. Tickets are $45 that includes five 5-oz. drink tickets. 21 & up.
• College Day, Sept. 6
Free admission for colllege students and $2 off Red Bull. First post is at 1:30 p.m.
• Friday Happy Hours
Half Off all Del Mar’s cocktils and beers from the time gates open at 2 p.m.,, until 5 p.m. Starts Friday, July 25. Tickets for entry are not included and start at $11.
• Turf Club Fridays
Turf Club Admission and a tabler seat, two sppetizers and two drink tickets for premium cocktails, wine or beer and chips & guacamole. Tickets are $132.
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