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
Omni La Costa’s Easter Extravaganza
Spring’s most egg-citing holiday is just around the corner, and Omni La Costa’s Easter Extravaganza is pulling out all the stops. This festive celebration features...
San Diego EarthFest
San Diego EarthFest, the city’s biggest Earth Day bash, is back to take over Balboa Park—a free, all-ages festival celebrating sustainability, community, and the planet...
Shop The B.L.A.C SD
Shop The BLAC SD is back, bringing together makers, artists, and community for a day of connection in San Diego’s vibrant Black Arts & Culture...
top concerts in San Diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! From pop-punk legend Mark Hoppus to rising alt-pop star Isabel LaRosa and comedy icon Chris...
Earth Month at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Earth Month at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is in full bloom, inviting you to take part in a thoughtful lineup of experiences that celebrate nature,...
Eduardo Chillida: Convergence
Eduardo Chillida: Convergence arrives at The San Diego Museum of Art this summer, honoring one of postwar Europe’s most celebrated sculptors. Presented in celebration of...
Event Details
Upcoming Events
Taste of Eastlake
July 25, 2025
6:00 pm
The Taste of Eastlake is back, so mark your calendars and get ready to round up your crew for an evening of incredible eats, drinks,...
SeaWorld San Diego’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series
June 21, 2025
6:00 pm
  • SeaWorld San Diego
Get ready for the ultimate summer soundtrack—SeaWorld San Diego’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series is back, delivering an epic lineup of iconic artists from the ‘90s...
2025 Forging Futures Gala
May 31, 2025
6:00 pm
  • USS Midway Museum
The Forging Futures Gala returns, bringing together community leaders, military supporters, and industry professionals for an unforgettable evening aboard the USS Midway Museum. Hosted by...
2025 Curebound Concert for Cures
May 9, 2025
7:00 pm
  • PETCO Park
The Curebound Concert for Cures returns, bringing an unforgettable night of music and philanthropy to Petco Park—this time with the legendary Elton John headlining. This...
Kona Kai’s first-annual Beach Bake & Shake
May 4, 2025
5:30 pm
  • Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Get ready for coastal flavors, retro vibes, and a brand new San Diego tradition—Kona Kai’s first-annual Beach Bake & Shake is bringing all the fun...
Event Search: