You don’t have to bet on the right horse—or any horse, in fact—to have a great time during racing season in Del Mar. There’s a good time to be had after the races are finished for the day (and for just $6 if you show up at the stretch run, which grants admission to all events). The excellent concert lineup along with food truck and craft beer festivals provide ample reason to don your straw boater hats, fascinators, and racetrack finest.
Concerts
You see Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley and Ice Cube for $6? Yep—concerts start right after the last race (parking is $10 before last race, if you’re not arriving via public transit or rideshare). You can opt to step up your concert game with $50 tickets to the South Terrace VIP area, complete with a private bar and bathroom. Concerts are 18 and over.
Cick here for a full concert schedule, but get ready to start making plans. The all-star lineup includes:
Steel Pulse
July 27
Switchfoot
July 28
Matisyahu
August 3
Reggae Fest with Ziggy Marley
August 12
Warren G and DJ Quik
August 25
Ice Cube
September 2
Food and Beer
The Gourmet Food Truck Festival hosts three dozen delicious names. Here’s a taste of the guest list: Famoso Mexican Street Food, Mahalo Shave Ice, Mess Hall Canteen, The Coconut Truck, and Zs Buddies Sushi.
August 11, noon to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance to the Craft Beer Festival includes unlimited tasters from Bivouac Ciderworks, Ballast Point, Mike Hess Brewing, Second Chance, and other notable local names.
August 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Arrive hungry for the Turf and Surf BBQ Championship where 30 pitmasters from the likes of Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado, the Smok’d Hog, and more vie for your approval and $15,000 grand in prizes.
August 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Those seeking a more exclusive experience may want to shell out for Taste of the Turf Club, a $100 per person brunch of bottomless mimosas and menu prepared by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey.
Every Sunday in racing season.
10+ Things to Do at the Del Mar Racetrack This Season
Summer concert at Del Mar.
