Del Mar Horse Racing
Get your big hats ready—the races are back! The 77th annual event kicks off July 17 with a hat contest, and includes a family fun day (July 20), craft beer fest (July 26), and Friday concert series.
July 17–September 3, $5+, dmtc.com
San Diego Polo Club
The regal sport hits San Diego on select Sundays. The west side of the field provides shaded and sunny seating areas, plus food and drinks. For tailgating, picnics, and dog-wielding viewers, line up your car on the east side.
July 6–September 28; $12–$30, tailgating is $10/person, sandiegopolo.com
San Diego AVIATORS
Pro tennis is back! Mylan World Team Tennis promises seven home games starring boldface players and rousing fan interaction.
Valley View Casino Center, July 6–23, sandiegoaviators.com
San Diego Padres
Play ball! Among this summer’s theme days: WineFest (August 1) and Floppy Hat Day (August 2).
$14+, sandiego.padres.mlb.com
World Cup
“Football” fans have been waiting four years for this month-long international showdown, and in SD, North Park is your unofficial World Cup headquarters for watch parties, drink specials, and a free Jumbotron screening of the final match with a beer garden and stadium seating in the streets of North Park.
June 12–July 13, wcnp2014.com
Dominick Lemarie