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Del Mar Horse Racing Returns on Opening Day July 17 With Hat Contest, Live Music & More

The historic Del Mar Racetrack will kick off its 87th summer racing season and concert series at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, July 17.

Organized by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, race season at the Del Mar Racetrack is a long-standing Southern California tradition, drawing tens of thousands of horse racing fans, socialites, and fashion enthusiasts to the place where the surf meets the turf. For opening day, gates for the 2026 Del Mar horse racing season will open at 11:30 a.m., with the first post scheduled to 2 p.m.

Alongside the start of racing season, tomorrow will also feature the Opening Day Hats Contest, which will give out more than $5,000 in prizes across hat categories such as “Most Glamorous” and “Best Fascinator.” Interested participants can show off their hats starting at 3 p.m. in the Plaza de Mexico, with winners announced after the last horse race at 6 p.m.

Racing season is, of course, anchored by afternoon races, but entertainment will extend past the last race with the summer concert series. Leading the charge is the electronic duo Solardo, performing tomorrow evening at The Sound as part of the Opening Day Ceremony. Legendary rock band The Stray Cats will perform at the Corona Grandstand Stage on July 26, with other performances scheduled throughout the season.

Additionally, the 2026 Del Mar horse racing will feature other special events, including:

• Tacos & Tequila Festival: Scheduled for 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 at the Seaside Cabana, this festival features specialty tequilas, handcrafted margaritas, and delicious beer paired with tasty tacos from the best taco shops in town.
• Family Fun Day: On Sunday, July 26, Family Fun Day returns to Del Mar. Admission for children 17 and under is completely free, and the day is packed with numerous free attractions for the entire family. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Uncorked Wine Festival: From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can expect to sip and swirl from more than 100 wines from across the globe. The festival, which will take place at the Seaside Cabana, will also feature live music and local food trucks.
• Taste of New Orleans: The South meets the West at this celebration of New Orleans culture, scheduled for 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Tickets include five drink tasters and a souvenir cup, with a full selection of delicious NOLA-inspired cocktails and authentic Cajun cuisine available for purchase.

For additional information or to purchase Del Mar horse racing season tickets, visit the Thoroughbred Club’s website.

Media credit: Images courtesy of dmtc.com