{"id":274478,"date":"2026-04-18T17:48:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/274478\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T17:48:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:48:25","slug":"del-mar-summer-racing-season-kicks-off-soon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/274478\/","title":{"rendered":"Del Mar Summer Racing Season Kicks Off Soon"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of San Diego\u2019s most beloved summer traditions is gearing up for another season, and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is bringing some serious upgrades to the table. <\/p>\n

The 2026 Summer Racing Season runs from Opening Day through Labor Day, with 37 stakes races, a packed events calendar, refreshed food and beverage offerings, and more ways than ever to enjoy a day at the track.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Opening Day Is Going to Be Something Special<\/p>\n

The season kicks off with Opening Day presented by Caesars Sportsbook \u2013 San Diego\u2019s unofficial start to summer. The fan-favorite Hats Contest and Opening Day Party are both back, but this year there\u2019s a new addition worth knowing about.<\/p>\n

For the first time, Del Mar is hosting a VIP party in the Seabiscuit Skyroom on the sixth floor of the Grandstand. Think unparalleled views of the track and ocean, hosted food and beverage, and elevated activations. <\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019ve been coming to Del Mar for years or this is your first Opening Day, this is the place to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"Del<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"Del<\/p>\n

New Friday Post Times and Fresh Programming<\/p>\n

Fridays at Del Mar are getting a refresh in 2026, with races now starting earlier in the afternoon \u2013 giving you more time to settle in and soak up the scene. A few things to know about Fridays this season:<\/p>\n

Friday Happy Hour: 25% off signature drinks and select beers each Friday<\/p>\n

Turf Club Fridays: The ticketed weekly happy hour returns, including a table reservation, two drink tickets, and two appetizers<\/p>\n

Turf Club Spirits Samples: Complimentary tastings from a rotating lineup of top spirits brands like Bulleit Bourbon, plus a featured cocktail at the bar each week<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A Packed Trackside Events Calendar<\/p>\n

Del Mar\u2019s trackside events are always a highlight of the summer, and 2026 brings a mix of returning favorites and brand new additions. Here\u2019s the full lineup:<\/p>\n

July 18 \u2013 Tacos & Tequila<\/p>\n

July 26 \u2013 Family Fun Day <\/p>\n

August 1 \u2013 Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest<\/p>\n

August 8 \u2013 Turf & Surf Fest <\/p>\n

August 15 \u2013 Taste of New Orleans<\/p>\n

August 29 \u2013 College Day<\/p>\n

September 5 \u2013 BBQ & Beer Fest <\/p>\n

September 6 \u2013 Family Fun Day<\/p>\n

Elevated Food and Beverage All Season Long<\/p>\n

Del Mar is once again partnering with Chef Bryn McArthur of Amaya at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar to curate a new coastal-inspired menu for Taste of the Turf Club \u2013 one of the only ways to experience the iconic Turf Club without a membership. Sunday brunch is also getting a refresh, with seasonal selections, specialty cocktails, and bottomless beverages on offer.<\/p>\n

POP-Up Sundays returns as well, with rotating local vendors each week at Plaza De Mexico giving you a different way to experience classic local flavors.<\/p>\n

See you there!<\/p>\n

From a casual afternoon on the rail to a dressed-up Opening Day outing, Del Mar has something going on all summer long \u2013 and this season is shaping up to be one of the best yet.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcc6 Select dates from July 17 \u2013 September 7, 2026
\ud83d\udccd 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Tickets on sale May 8, 2026
\u2139\ufe0f Visit their website here<\/a> for more info<\/p>\n

See you there, San Diego!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"One of San Diego\u2019s most beloved summer traditions is gearing up for another season, and the Del Mar…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":274479,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[967,74,76,75,118905,8419,39756],"class_list":["post-274478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-entertainment","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-summer-in-san-diego","tag-things-to-do-in-san-diego","tag-what-to-see-in-san-diego"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=274478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274478\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/274479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=274478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=274478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=274478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}