Del Mar Racetrack Enters the Final Stretch: Pacific Classic, Family Fun Day & More
The wait is over—San Diego’s iconic seaside racetrack is back with its signature blend of world-class racing, epic trackside events, and sun-soaked coastal vibes. The Del Mar Racetrack summer season is going bigger than ever with more stakes races, increased purses, elevated hospitality, and a seamless new ticketing experience through SeatGeek.
Opening Weekend Highlights
The season kicks off with one of Southern California’s most anticipated social events of the year—Opening Day presented by Caesars Sportsbook. Expect high-stakes racing, stylish crowds, and the beloved Opening Day Hats Contest.
The party rolls into the weekend with Del Mar Beer Fest on Saturday and the return of Taste of the Turf Club on Sunday—featuring bottomless mimosas, a gourmet menu by Amaya chefs, and prime seating in the exclusive Turf Club.
Racing and Events All Season Long
With 300 races on the schedule, including 38 stakes races and $15.7 million in projected overnight purses, there’s action every weekend. Fan favorites return throughout the season:
- Free & Easy Thursdays with discounted eats and drinks for Diamond Club members
- Happy Hour Fridays with 50% off select drinks
- Turf Club Fridays, an upscale happy hour in the members-only Turf Club
- Taste of the Turf Club every Sunday (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a refreshed Amaya menu, new signature cocktails, and reserved Turf Club seating—tickets $150 per person, dress code applies)
New this year: Savory Sundays bring a rotating lineup of local restaurants to Plaza de Mexico, serving up everything from BBQ and pizza to coastal California cuisine. On August 31, Pamplemousse will serve gourmet Duck Tacos & Kobe Beef Sliders, and on Closing Day, September 7, Terra Catering will offer Greek Bowls.
Special events include:
- Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest (August 2)
- Tacos & Tequila (August 9)
- Breeders’ Cup Tumbler Giveaway (August 16)
- Taste of New Orleans (August 23)
- Family Fun Day (August 31, 12:30 PM–5:30 PM, with SDSU Aztecs Men’s Basketball guest appearances, kid-friendly attractions, and free admission for kids under 17)
- College Day (September 6, with free admission, covered first $2 bet, and Grandstand seating for students with valid ID)
All Eyes on the Pacific Classic
The crown jewel of the season is the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic on Saturday, August 30—a qualifying race for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Known as Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious race, it draws the country’s top horses and offers fans a chance to see champions on the track.
See you there!
Del Mar wraps up its summer meet on Sunday, September 7, marking the last chance to soak in the action until the Breeders’ Cup returns October 31 and November 2.
📅 Opening Day: July 18 | Closing Day: September 7
📍 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
