Opening Day for Horse Racing at Del Mar is this Friday July 18th and racing fans are no doubt pleased.
Thoroughbred Horse Racing at the Del Mar Racetrack runs through Sunday September 7th. Races take place Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, there are races on Monday (Labor Day) September 1st.
Here’s the full calendar of events and races.
Horse racing at Del Mar is a favored summer event for residents and visitors alike, with fans from around Southern California and beyond. Thoroughbred racing has been popular at the Del Mar racetrack for decades. You’ll find big crowds and plenty of famous and not so famous people.
Plus Del Mar thoroughbred racing has been a favorite scene to see Hollywood celebrities and other glitterati for years. No doubt the 2025 Del Mar Races will be the same, especially on Opening Day. Opening Day is often consider the height of the summer social season for many attendees!
Don’t delay in getting your Tickets for Opening Day as it’s very popular and some prime seating options have already sold out.
Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack includes the popular “Opening Day Hats Contest.” You can show off your hat in the Plaza de Mexico between 11:30 am and 3 pm. Furthermore, there is no entry fee to participate. All you need is a great hat, and terrific clothes to show it off!
Prizes for the Hats Contest total over $5000 and are awarded in 4 categories: Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers, and Best Racing Theme and All Others.
Race time is typically at 2 pm and gates open 2 hours earlier. However, it’s wise to check the Calendar to see the race times as they may occasionally vary. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance (they include general parking). Only vehicles with all passengers holding tickets for that day will be allowed to park. You must purchase tickets online in advance.
A second shorter horse racing season was added a few years ago. That racing season runs from October 30th through November 30th for 2025.
You can expect heavy traffic on the I-5 freeway, on the Coast Road, as well as major side streets like Via de la Valle. This is true on race days but especially on opening day, in addition to the normal summer crowds in the Del Mar area.