For the first time, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will begin its summer season of horse racing on a Friday, meaning that the always-epic Opening Day festivities will be wilder than ever. Get your hottest outfit and most outlandish hat ready, because we have rounded down the top 6 Opening Day parties around San Diego for Friday, July 15.
40,000-plus race fans are expected to attend what's considered to be one of the most fabulous, fashionable and fun festivities on the west coast - Opening Day at Del Mar Race Track - a day that is not only about big bets and fast horses, but about celebrating the summer season in style. Below we run down the top 6 Opening Day parties and after parties taking place around San Diego on Friday, July 15.
The Party inside the Del Mar Race Track Seaside Oval - This is the official party hosted by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - a day of style, sun, live music and action inside the seaside oval within the track starting at 11:30am. Tickets cost $30 per person and include Stretch Run admission and access to The Party; Red Bull Tour Bus complete with world-class DJs; DJ, dance floor and games tent presented by Harrah's SoCal, gourmet food trucks; beer gardens and cocktail bars; photo booths, prize giveaways and interactive activities; jumbo video boards; private wagering; and limited first-come-first-served shaded seating. Enjoy a wild party as the ponies race around you!
Del Mar Opening Day with VAVi - The San Diego social club is known for celebrating big on Opening Day. For $79, VAVi offers an all-inclusive ticket package that includes a pre-party at your pickup location (PB, Downtown, South County and Encinitas); charter bus transportation to and from the Del Mar Race Track with restrooms on board; beer, liquor and mixers on the bus en route to the track; VIP entrance into the track; a ticket into "The Party" and the GA grandstands sections (regular price $30); exclusive bars, food area, LED big screen, DJs and seating & more inside "The Party"; an after-party at your pickup location; and 1 free sun session from iTAN.
Hats, Heels & Hooves Opening Day Party at The Inn at Rancho Sante Fe - The thrill and excitement of Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club continues at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe with an after party from 5-10pm offering guests all the pomp and pretense associated with Del Mar's favorite day. The Inn will transform into an authentic Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm for a memorable experience of fine food, spirits, and entertainment. The beautiful surroundings of the Inn provide an ideal backdrop for guests to mingle with some of the jockeys. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction of some racing memorabilia. The $175 ticket includes access to the party, a sumpteous dinner buffet and a welcome cocktail.
L'Auberge Del Mar Opening Day After Party - The fun doesn't stop on Opening Day in Del Mar, as L'Auberge Del Mar will host its eighth annual Opening Day After Party from 5pm to midnight. The $229 ticket includes food from Kitchen 4140, stunning ocean views from L'Auberge Del Mar's terraces, and access to the poolside party where you'll be surrounded by beautiful people.
Hats, Heels & Hooves Opening Day Party at The Inn at Rancho Sante Fe - The thrill and excitement of Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club continues at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe with an after party from 5-10pm offering guests all the pomp and pretense associated with Del Mar's favorite day. The Inn will transform into an authentic Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm for a memorable experience of fine food, spirits, and entertainment. The beautiful surroundings of the Inn provide an ideal backdrop for guests to mingle with some of the jockeys. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction of some racing memorabilia. The $175 ticket includes access to the party, a sumpteous dinner buffet and a welcome cocktail.
L'Auberge Del Mar Opening Day After Party - The fun doesn't stop on Opening Day in Del Mar, as L'Auberge Del Mar will host its eighth annual Opening Day After Party from 5pm to midnight. The $229 ticket includes food from Kitchen 4140, stunning ocean views from L'Auberge Del Mar's terraces, and access to the poolside party where you'll be surrounded by beautiful people.
Hilton Del Mar Opening Day After Party - From 5pm to 2am on July 15, Hilton Del Mar will The ticket ranges in price from $25-100, depending on when you purchase, and get you access to the party with live entertainment and DJs, drink specials on mint juleps, photo booths, prize giveaways, interactive activities, a hat contest, and live impersonators.
Solana Beach Crush - For those not looking to spend a small fortune to continue the fun on Opening Day, Solana Beach Crush is hosting a no cover after party starting at 7pm, featuring live music by DJ Mike and food & drink specials all night. Their meatballs are amazing!
The 2016 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club season runs through Labor Day, September 5 and features an array of epicurean events in addition to 11 musical performances. Del Mar Race Track & Fairgrounds is located just west of the I-5 freeway at the Via de la Valle exit at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar. For more information, visit dmtc.com.
Solana Beach Crush - For those not looking to spend a small fortune to continue the fun on Opening Day, Solana Beach Crush is hosting a no cover after party starting at 7pm, featuring live music by DJ Mike and food & drink specials all night. Their meatballs are amazing!
The 2016 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club season runs through Labor Day, September 5 and features an array of epicurean events in addition to 11 musical performances. Del Mar Race Track & Fairgrounds is located just west of the I-5 freeway at the Via de la Valle exit at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar. For more information, visit dmtc.com.
