In San Diego, you know that the summer calendar doesn’t truly begin until the 3rd Friday in July. On July 17, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicks off its 87th summer racing season, bringing back the hats, the fashion, and the unmatched energy of where turf meets surf.
But this year, the biggest day is breaking new ground: when the final horse crosses the finish line, the day doesn’t end. For the first time ever, Del Mar is hosting an official Opening Day afterparty. And it’s right there on the racetrack!
Opening Day – an iconic tradition
Opening Day at Del Mar has always been a cultural phenomenon as much as a sporting event. It’s the day the West Coast’s best horses return, and thousands of spectators pack the grounds.
Gates open at 12:30 PM at the Jimmy Durante Boulevard entrance. Whether you’re showing up with a picnic blanket or heading to the turf club for prime views, it’s the social ritual of the summer. The tradition of wearing extravagant hats is as strong as ever. It’s basically a day to see, be seen, and catch some world-class racing.
A Del Mar first: the afterparty
The hardest part of Opening Day was figuring out where to go when the racing ended. And good luck with the Ubers…
This year, you can walk straight into the party.
Taking place at The Sound, the official Opening Day afterparty keeps the energy going, right there on the tracks. UK tech-house icons Solardo are headlining the night, backed by a stacked supporting lineup:
- Murphy’s Law
- Kyle Walker b2b Jordan Brando
- Just Joe
Tickets for Del Mar Racing Season & parties
General admission for the races and tickets for the official afterparty at The Sound are on sale here. Ready for the best Friday of the summer?!
