Special Events During the Del Mar Horse Racing Season
This Season's Promotions and Concerts
The 2012 Del Mar Racing Season is chock full of special promotion days. Here are some highlights.July 18: Opening Day will be highlighted by the unique One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest. The wearing of hats is a tradition on Opening Day at Del Mar. Hats contest entrants will be judged on creativity and style by a panel of celebrity judges. Sign up between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm in the Plaza de Mexico located just inside the Stretch Run entrance gates.
Be sure to watch the Hats Parade at 3:00 pm.
July 21: Be sure to attend Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 21, to help celebrate the 75th Anniversary. As a thank you to fans, EVERY 75TH PERSON THROUGH THE ADMISSION GATES WILL RECEIVE $75. From 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Plaza de Mexico, purchase a signed copy of the new book "Del Mar at 75." Photographer Barry Myers and author Jay Privman will be there signing copies.
Every Wednesday is FREE & EASY WEDNESDAY, receive FREE Stretch Run Admission, FREE Program and FREE Seat along with HALF PRICE Beer (domestic drafts), Regular Soda and Regular Hot Dog at Stretch Run Concession Stands. *You must be a Diamond Club member and scan your membership card at designated Admission Gates and Concession stands. Sign up for a free membership card at the Diamond Club booth before you enter the Stretch Run Admission gates.
July 28: Bring your appetite on Saturday, as some of the tastiest food on wheels comes to Del Mar. It's the 2nd annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival.
Enjoy a variety of some of the hottest eats in Southern California as 50 food trucks all in one location with real gourmet chefs serve their eclectic bests at super prices (most items $4-$8). Select from over 60 craft beers to pair with your food items. Choose from breweries: Ballast Point, Green Flash, Pizza Port, Lost Abbey, Stone and many more. Free admission to the Food Truck area with paid racetrack admission of $6 for adults. Children under 18 are free.
July 29: Bring the whole family and take advantage of the numerous FREE attractions for the entire family. Racetrack admission is FREE for children 17 & under, adults are $6. Activities include: WEBKINZ PLUSH HORSE GIVEAWAY (Children 12 & under only at admission gates, while supplies last)
August 4: Sample over 50 different flavors of cold brews during the Del Mar Beer Fest! Available for purchase beginning at 1:00 p.m. will be dozens of your all-time favorite suds including flavors from Ballast Point, Green Flash, Lost Abbey, Stone, Pizza Port and many more. Receive 5 tastings for $17.
August 11: The coolest blanket comes to Del Mar on Saturday, August 11. Presenting the FREE Del Mar Blanket. This year, we've created a full-size blanket with fashionable Del Mar 75th Anniversary design perfect for days at the beach or home on a cool day. Free with your paid admission, while supplies last.
August 26: Try your wagering during Del Mar's richest and most prestigious race, the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic (Gr. I), takes place on Sunday, August 26. Watch some of the country's top horses compete at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles in the 22nd running of Del Mar's signature event. The Pacific Classic will anchor a stakes triple header program that includes the 7-furlong Pat O'Brien Stakes and the Del Mar Mile on turf, both Gr. II events for 3-year-olds and up.
August 26: Presenting the FREE Del Mar 1/4 zip Fleece Pullover. Once again, we’ve created a stylish giveaway that’s as attractive as it is functional.One pullover per person with paid admission while supplies last.
Del Mar 2012 Summer Concert Series Lineup
Fri, Jul 20 Wavves 91X The Cutting Edge of Rock and Jack Daniels WhiskeyFri, Jul 27 Dashboard Confessional
Sun, Jul 29 Tucanes De Tijuana
Fri, Aug 3 Steel Pulse
Sat, Aug 4 Cake
Fri, Aug 10 The Offspring
Fri, Aug 17 Michael Franti & Spearhead
Sat, Aug 18 Ben Harper at Del Mar
Fri, Aug 24 Jimmy Cliff
Fri, Aug 31 Ozomatli
Sat, Sep 1 REGGAE FESTIVAL FEATURING ZIGGY MARLEY PLUS BEER FEST
All concerts will be held in a new venue, the Seaside Stage. The improved venue offers better sight lines, the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop and better access to concert-goer services and amenities.
The concert is free with track admission. Following the last race, concert prices are $20. No reserved seats, standing room only so get here early. Concert starts after the races.
For more information about Del Mar Racing Season Facts, click here.