The Del Mar Racing Season is chock full of special promotion days. Here are some highlights.
Opening Day Hats Contest, July 22 More than 40,000+ race fans are expected to attend what's defined as one of the most fabulous, fashionable and fun festivities in the west -- Opening Day at Del Mar. This day is not only about big bets and fast horses, but celebrating the season in style. Fashion-minded guests participate in Del Mar's annual tradition "One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest" where entrants are judged on creativity and style. General Admission: $10 Clubhouse Admission: $20
DAYBREAK AT DEL MAR Every Saturday & Sunday, 7:30-9:30am. Early risers have a chance to catch morning workouts and breakfast in the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant every Saturday and Sunday during the season. From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., trackside announcer and former jockey Jeff Bloom will provide you behind-the-scenes information while you get an up-close look at many of your favorite horses while they tune up for their next race. A buffet with many breakfast favorites is offered in the beautiful Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant, overlooking the racetrack. The buffet price is $10.95 which includes coffee and juice.
FAMILY SUNDAYS Every Saturday & Sunday plus Labor Day, 1:00-6:00pm. Days filled with family events in the infield. Children receive free racetrack admission, adults are $6. The FREE activities feature the following: Inflatable games and rides, Giant Scramble Slide, Obstacle Course, Jump, Pony Rides (except for Sept. 6), Magic Shows, GameZone, Face Painters, & much more. *Please note: Limited activities July 26, August 9 and August 30 due to Infield Microbrew Festivals.
FAMILY FUN DAY/Pony Boy Plush Giveaway Sunday, July 26, 1:00-6:30 p.m. at the track infield. Bring the whole family and take advantage of the numerous FREE attractions for the entire family. Racetrack admission is FREE for children under 18, adults are $6. Take home your very own "Pony Boy" Del Mar Mascot Plush Toy. Kids will love this adorable 18" custom-made toy complete with Velcro hooves, for easy attachment to backpacks.
CRAFT MICROBREW FESTIVAL & 94.9 LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE Saturday, August 1. Taste some of the finest handcrafted brews and enjoy live music at this all-new event. Head over to the infield for frothy suds from over 25 breweries pouring over 50 different brews including many local brewmasters.
All to the sounds of the 94.9 LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE featuring live bands between races in the Pacific Pavilion. Plus, sample free tastes from the "Best in the West" at the Western Regional Chili Cookoff.
Entrance to the event is free with racetrack Stretch Run Admission of $6.
Long-Sleeve Shirt Giveaway Saturday, August 8. Get Del Mar's coolest shirt ever on Saturday, August 8. All fans will receive a stylish 70th-Season long-sleeve commemorative T-shirt. This high quality dark blue shirt is fashioned from 100% pre-shrunk, ultra heavyweight cotton and sports a vintage 70th season Del Mar logo. Available in M, L XL and XXL sizes, while supplies last.
BEER FEST and INFIELD CONCERT- FLAMING LIPS Saturday, August 15. Sample a variety of cold brews during the Del Mar Beer Fest! Available for purchase (sample or regular-size) will be dozens of your all-time favorite suds.
Immediately following the last race scheduled for 6:30 p.m., the outrageously rocking FLAMING LIPS- Alternative Rock, will play on the Infield Stage. Don't miss one of the all-time best live shows!
BEACH BAG COOLER GIVEAWAY Saturday, August 29, 1:00 P.M. Every race fan rides home with their own BEACH BAG COOLER, FREE* with paid or prepaid admission. This ultra-cool black 18" bag is bound for San Diego beaches for years to come. This versatile heavy nylon beach bag features a vented mesh storage compartment on top with zipper pocket, a cooler compartment below and a handy shoulder strap.
PACIFIC CLASSIC RACING FESTIVAL Friday-Monday, September 4-7, The Pacific Classic Racing Festival features 11 Stakes races in 4 days including 4 Grade 1's! The highlight of the festival is the 19th running of the $1 million Pacific Classic on Sunday, September 6. This Grade 1 race features the nation's top horses competing for a $1 million purse.
Del Mar 2008 Summer Concert Series
Friday Concerts -- plus special Saturday events and closing day -- bring music to Del Mar this summer.Another stellar schedule of music acts to perform throughout its 2008 summer racing season. Top artists ranging from former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale to the Gnarls Barkley, round out the 2008 Del Mar Summer Concert Series.
The complete 2008 4 O'clock Fridays line-up, presented by Jack Daniel’s®, are as follows:
Friday, July 18 - Gavin Rossdale
Friday, July 25 - Super Diamond
Friday, August 1 - Pinback
Friday, August 8 – The Bravery
Friday, August 15 – TBA
Friday, August 22 - Black Francis
Friday, August 29 - Steel Pulse
In addition, Saturday Infield shows will feature some stellar acts in the infield after the racing ends:
Saturday, July 26 - Gnarls Barkely
Saturday, Aug. 9 - Ziggy Marley and Reggae Festival
Saturday, Aug 30 - Devo
A new addition to the calendar is Closing Day Party in the Paddock on Wednesday, Sept. 3 featuring the ska sounds of the English Beat.
