The 15-day fall meet features two free concerts, delectable food and drink events and top Thoroughbred racing
Ladies, grab your hats and gents grab your bow ties— Del Mar’s fall racing season is almost here! Successfully wrapping up its milestone 80th summer season, the iconic Del Mar racetrack is looking ahead to its fall meet, known as the Bing Crosby Season. The excitement kicks off on Friday, Nov. 8 and will run through Sunday, Dec. 1. Over the course of the 15-day meet, Del Mar will come alive with high stakes competition, signature seasonal events and must-see free concerts.
Bing Crosby Season begins with an action-packed opening weekend starting with Friday’s Opening Day. The following day, Del Mar will delight wine enthusiasts with Uncorked: Derby Days Wine Fest—where racetrack guests can sip and savor while watching the day’s races. The wine festival will feature more than 150 wines and champagnes from across the globe, gourmet food trucks, live music and more. Purchase VIP and general admission experiences at UncorkedWineFestivals.com. Following the final race of the day, famed country singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson will take the stage for a free concert, presented by San Diego County Toyota Dealers.
The following Saturday, Nov. 16, Del Mar will host its annual College Day. All college students can enjoy free track admission, live music from Red Bull DJs and food and drink specials simply by showing their student ID. The evening wraps on a high note with a concert by The Wailers, the famed reggae band formed by the remaining members of Bob Marley & The Wailers, presented by Patrón. Finishing off the weekend strong, on Sunday, Nov. 17, Harry Potter fans will flock to the seaside oval for The Wizards Fair, a celebration of all things magic and a chance for Harry Potter fans to come together and celebrate. Dressing up is encouraged, so fans should dawn their favorite robe, cloak, or uniform and set off on a wild adventure at Del Mar. There will be two stages of live music featuring wizard rock bands and DJs, including San Diego’s own DJ Dumbledore. Explore the Enchanted Market Place, full of magical shops and vendors, and the Grand Hall, full of cosplay characters and tons of photo opportunities. Tickets are $20, and includes racetrack admission. All ages welcome.
Del Mar’s Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, Nov. 23, will offer 100 samples of local and international craft brews making for the perfect thirst-quenching day at the track. Del Mar will kick-off the holiday-giving season on Sunday, Nov. 24, with its annual Del Mar Toys for Tots Toy Drive in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps, where guests can receive free admission by bringing an unwrapped toy to the track. Cash or check donations also will be accepted by uniformed Marines and sailors on hand manning the “Toys” collection boxes.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends at Del Mar! On Thursday, Nov. 28, guests can partake in the Family Mile Fun Run—a special turkey trot around the track—at 8 a.m. Participants, including several jockeys, will “break” from the starting gate and run one lap around the racetrack. Once runners cross the finish line, they can pose for photos in the winner’s circle. Following the Fun Run, the Helen Woodward Animal Center will host a Puppy Races Rescue Run, aimed to offer pets for adoption. The day’s Thoroughbred races start early with an 11 a.m. post time, so attendees can get home in time for dinner, or, they can leave the cooking to Del Mar and enjoy the track’s annual Thanksgiving Brunch—a fun holiday tradition that includes racetrack admission, a Turf Club table and a delicious brunch menu or turkey dinner with all the traditional trimmings.
On tap the final weekend of the fall meet is Del Mar’s Holiday at the Races: A Pop-up Festival on Saturday, Nov. 30, which will offer holiday boutique shopping and pop-up shops, complimentary mini-spa and mini-glam treatments and beauty vendors, happy hour ½-off signature drinks until 2 p.m., a wagering seminar, holiday activities and more. Racing for 2019 at Del Mar will then conclude on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Every Saturday throughout the Bing Crosby Season early morning risers can enjoy breakfast and take in amazing track views as Thoroughbreds go through their morning workouts at Daybreak at Del Mar from 8 – 10 a.m. Racing analyst Michelle Yu will host an interactive Q&A session during the workouts to provide insight and fun facts about everything horseracing.
In addition to free concerts and exciting races, Del Mar offers unmatched value with Free & Fun Sundays, where guests receive free track admission and seating, along with $5 Cardiff Crack tri-tip sliders and $6 16 oz. Coors Lights. Happy hour specials also will be offered every Sunday until 2 p.m. featuring half-priced signature cocktails. Brunch lovers can celebrate with a decadent day at Taste of the Turf Club. Tickets include a creative menu from Herb & Wood Chef Brian Malarkey, a table in the Turf Club and bottomless mimosas, Chandon or Del Mary’s.
After opening week, racing during the Bing Crosby Season will take place Thursday through Sunday. First post will be 12:30 p.m., daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day when first post will be 11 a.m. Admission at all gates is $6. Both concerts are 18 and up and free with paid racetrack admission prior to the last race. For concertgoers entering after the day’s final race, admission is $30. Performances begin shortly after the last race of the day.
For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarracing.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @DelMarRacing or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DelMarRaces.
