Can YOUR Hat Game Handle Del Mar Races Opening Day?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWDGW7bjrem/?taken-by=delmarracing

Fine ladies and gentlemen of San Diego, we are happy to announce that racing returns to Del Mar on Wednesday, July 19th.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWId31ED2Yr/?taken-by=delmarracing

This day is not only about big bets and fast horses, but celebrating the season in style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV-m2dkjrn9/?taken-by=delmarracing

And the style part comes with one heck of a reward. Explore your sense of hat creativity and you could win a share of more than $5,000 in total prizes. Strut your stuff between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Plaza de Mexico located inside the Stretch Run admission gates.

Enter in one of the following five categories:

  • Most Glamorous
  • Best Racing Theme
  • Most Outrageous
  • Best Fascinator
  • Flowers/All Other

(Pause for a quick game: Which category did each of these ladies, below, enter?!)

There is no fee to participate in the hat contest and all entrants will receive two free admission passes to return to the races.

Winners in each category receive:

  • First place: $300 plus Studio Savvy Gift Basket valued at $250
  • Second place: $200
  • Third place: $100

The Grand Prize winner receives: Fairmont Grand Del Mar one-night stay and dinner for two at Addison Restaurant, featuring Chef William Bradley’s multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Total value of more than $1,000.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV-TVMJjb8F/?taken-by=delmarracing

Get out there, San Diego. Make us proud!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWSwq_1jYWF/?taken-by=delmarracing

Share This Event
Event Details
The Latest
Ales N' Rails bringing craft beer and trains together
Craft beer and model trains are teaming up again for Ales N’ Rails, and tickets are officially on sale. This annual evening at the San...
hotel del holiday special
Hotel del Coronado has been doing the holidays for over 135 years, and this season’s theme – “A Holiday Through Time” – leans into exactly...
OB Oktoberfest has been going strong for over 20 years and somehow keeps getting more unhinged – in the best way. This year, the festival...
Sake Bar Gaga hosting its latest chef collaboration dinner
Sake Bar Gaga’s Chef Collaboration Series is back for round two, and this time it’s bringing together two very different culinary worlds under one roof....
San Diego Coffee Festival
Explore the best coffee at the San Diego Coffee Festival. Sample brews from renowned roasters at Broadway Pier this fall.
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival
Experience the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival with over 170 artists showcasing fine art in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Event Details
Upcoming Events
MANIA The ABBA Tribute bringing the magic of ABBA to life at The Magnolia
February 10, 2027
7:30 pm
  • The Magnolia
If you’ve ever wanted to relive the magic of ABBA live on stage, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute is as close as it gets. The world’s...
Ales N' Rails bringing craft beer and trains together
November 21, 2026
6:00 pm
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Craft beer and model trains are teaming up again for Ales N’ Rails, and tickets are officially on sale. This annual evening at the San...
November 1, 2026
12:00 pm
  • San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is throwing a taco party in its sculpture garden, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun things on...
Halloween at the Station
October 25, 2026
12:00 pm
  • Ingram Plaza
Liberty Station is throwing its annual Halloween bash, and it’s free, family-friendly, and packed with enough activities to fill your whole afternoon. Costumes are strongly...
Celebrate the Craft festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
October 18, 2026
11:30 am
  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Celebrate the Craft is back for its 23rd year, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. This is The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature culinary...
Event Search: