Del Mar Unveils 2026 Racing Season Highlights

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 3:14 pm

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicked off it's annual summer season Friday, July 15, 2016 to the delight of thousands of fans and visitors. The seaside track in Del Mar, CA races Wednesday through Sunday through and including Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, 2016. Accelerant and jockey Santiago Gonzalez (second from left) won the first race of the meet and returned $17.80 to his backers. ©Benoit Photo

The 2026 racing at Del Mar will feature 37 stakes races when it kicks off on Friday, July 17 and continues through Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day).

Tickets for Opening Day and the Summer Racing Season go on sale on Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m. PST at www.dmtc.com/tickets.

New this year, Del Mar is hosting a new VIP party in the Seabiscuit Skyroom on opening day. The ticketed event takes place in the opulent Seabiscuit Skyroom on the Grandstand's sixth floor.

Refreshed Friday Programming: Fridays at Del Mar get a refresh in 2026 with a new, 2 p.m. first post time (previously 4 p.m.) creating a consistent schedule across race days. Closing weekend Sept. 5-7 will feature a 1:30 p.m. post time.

Also new on Friday's cards, the Turf Club will feature complimentary tastings from a rotating roster of spirits brands like Bulleit Bourbon and more. There will also be an accompanying featured cocktail from that week's brand on offer at the bar.

Trackside events include: July 18 – Tacos & Tequila; July 26 – Family Fun Day (NEW); Aug. 1 – Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest; Aug. 8 – Turf & Surf Fest (NEW); Aug. 15 – Taste of New Orleans

Aug. 29 – College Day; Sept. 5 – BBQ & Beer Fest (NEW); Sept. 6 – Family Fun Day.

Del Mar is reprising its partnership with Chef Bryn McArthur of Amaya at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar to curate a new coastal-inspired menu for Taste of the Turf Club.

The season will also see the return of local pop-ups to Del Mar's Plaza De Mexico on Sundays.

In 2026, the GI Pacific Classic will run earlier on Saturday, Aug. 22.

For more information, visit https://www.dmtc.com.