Del Mar’s eight-week racing season kicks off on Opening Day on Friday, July 15 and lasts through Labor Day Monday, September 5. For over 75 years, Opening Day has been a long-standing summer tradition in San Diego. The Opening Day Hats Contest brings out noteworthy designs of the ultra-extravagant and avant-garde kind, where fashion minded tastemakers spend months planning their hat and outfit for the big day.

Every weekend at Del Mar offers something new—premier race cards to excite horse-racing enthusiasts and Del Mar’s Summer Concert Series. Music-goers can catch a free show every Friday and select Saturdays throughout the season. Some big names added to this year’s summer lineup includes indie rockers Cold War Kids on Friday, July 22, Fitz And The Tantrums, Friday, July 29, and crooning country star Chris Young on Friday, August 12.

Additionally, Del Mar is the perfect place to try some of San Diego’s top craft beers and eats. Barbeque lovers can taste dozens of smoked meats at Del Mar’s BBQ State Championship and Tasting on Sunday, July 17. Then, dishing out the best SoCal bites on four-wheels is Del Mar’s Food Truck Festival, back again on Saturday, July 23, or enjoy one of the best food combinations in the world at Del Mar’s first Craft Beer and Pizza Festival on Saturday, August 20.

For those looking for some summer activities to do with the entire family, there’s Del Mar’s Supersized Family Fun Day and Webkinz Horse Giveaway on Sunday July 17, featuring an abundance of engaging activities for little ones. Also, children can enjoy a morning of free donuts and the chance to get an up close look at the Thoroughbreds as they complete their morning workouts during Donuts Day at Del Mar on Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, August 13.

Midway through the season, Del Mar will present its most highly anticipated race of the summer, the $1-million TVG Pacific Classic, on Saturday, August 20. The mile and a quarter Grade I Classic is well regarded as the West Coast’s most important race on the circuit and is a proving ground for top Thoroughbred talent.

Summer racing at Del Mar takes place Wednesday through Sunday with the one exception of Closing Day on Monday, Sept. 5. First post daily will be at 2 p.m. First post on Friday’s will be 4 p.m. with the exception of the following Fridays: Opening Day, July 15 is 2 p.m., Friday August 26 and Friday September 2, first post is 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call 858.755.1141 or visit DelMarScene.com.

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar.