The summer horse racing season opens July 17 at the Del Mar Racetrack with the traditional Opening Day Hats Contest along with The Party, a trackside celebration with DJs and cocktails. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will run its 87th summer racing season through Sept. 7. This year, the Seabiscuit Society VIP Party will debut in the Grandstand’s sixth-floor Skyroom. The summer lineup of track events includes:
Tacos & Tequila Festival: July 18 for ages 21 and up featuring taco vendors, frozen margaritas and cervezas.
Taste of the Turf Club: Starting July 19 and happening Sundays featuring brunch with racetrack views. (Dress code.)
Pop-Up Sundays: Starting July 19 and running Sundays at Plaza de Mexico with a rotating lineup of restaurants serving throughout the afternoon.
Free & Easy: Starting July 23 and running on Thursdays for Del Mar’s Diamond Club members, offering free general admission and concession specials.
Turf Club Fridays: Starting July 24 and continuing on Fridays with happy hour views of the track. (Dress code.)
Family Fun Day: July 26 with free admission for youths 17 and younger along with free kids’ games, face painting, inflatable attractions and activities.
This year the first post is daily at 2 p.m., including on Fridays, except Sept. 5 when first post moves to 1:30 p.m. Visit www.dmtc.com.