Foodies and reggae lovers won’t want to miss out on this week’s events at the Del Mar Racetrack. The weekend kicks off on Friday, Aug. 10, with happy hour deals during Saint Archer’s Party in the Plaza and a free performance by R&B artist Aloe Blacc. On Saturday, Aug. 11, guests can enjoy free donuts, coffee, orange juice and an informative Q&A session during the second and final Donuts Day of the season from 8 to 10 a.m. Aug. 11 continues at the track with the Gourmet Food Truck Festival, where attendees can try the tastiest food on wheels from more than 30 of Southern California’s hottest food trucks. On the evening of Saturday, Aug. 11, racetrack guests can groove to the reggae beats of Ziggy Marley as he takes the stage as the main act of this year’s Reggae Fest.
Other highlights include weekly food and drink specials and exclusive access into the Del Mar Racetrack’s Turf Club:
Brigantine Wednesdays – Wednesday, Aug. 8, guests can enjoy thrilling races for free at the Del Mar Racetrack during Brigantine Wednesdays! In addition to free admission and a free program, guests can also enjoy special food and beverage offers at the Plaza de Mexico: $3 Brigantine Classic Fish Tacos and $4 pints of refreshing Coors Light.
Saint Archer’s Party in the Plaza – Friday, Aug. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy happy hour drink specials.
Aloe Blacc – Friday, Aug. 10, R&B artist Aloe Blacc will showcase his distinct voice and fusion of soul, funk and hip-hop on the Seaside Stage at the Del Mar Racetrack shortly after the last race. Racetrack guests will receive free admission if they enter before the final race of the day. Concert admission will cost $30 after the last race. All concerts are 18 and older.
Donuts Day – Saturday, Aug. 11, the second and final Donuts Day of the season will take place at the Del Mar Racetrack. From 8 to 10 a.m., guests can enjoy free coffee, orange juice and decadent donuts while watching horses’ morning workouts and listening to Q&A sessions with world-class jockeys led by track announcer Trevor Denman. The event will also host several activities for kids, including face painting, entertainers, free prizes and a meet and greet with Del Mar mascot, Pony Boy.
Family Saturdays – Saturday, Aug. 11 from 1-6 p.m., the Infield will be lined with several free attractions for families to enjoy, including pony rides, a game zone, face painters and a giant obstacle course. Gourmet Food Truck Festival – Saturday, Aug. 11 from 12 to 6 p.m., the 8th annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival is taking over Del Mar Racetrack. Guests can sample some of SoCal’s most delicious food on wheels from 30+ food trucks, all in one location. Gourmet chefs will be serving their best eclectic eats at affordable prices. Admission into the event is free with racetrack admission. Reggae Fest featuring Ziggy Marley – Saturday, Aug. 11, is all about reggae at the Del Mar Racetrack. Various reggae artists will be performing throughout the day ending with the headliner performance by reggae icon Ziggy Marley shortly after the last race. Racetrack guests will receive free admission if they enter before the final race of the day. Concert admission will cost $30 after the last race. All concerts are 18 and older.
Daybreak at Del Mar –Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11 to 12, the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant will welcome early risers from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fans can dine and watch morning workouts while learning behind-the-scenes details from horsewoman and racing broadcaster Michelle Yu. Admission is free of charge, but a $10 parking fee applies.
Taste of the Turf Club – Sunday, Aug. 12, racetrack fans can enjoy the mouthwatering menu of one of San Diego’s most celebrated chefs, Brian Malarkey, at the exclusive Turf Club. Seats are $100 per person and include Turf Club seating for the day, Turf Club admission, choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and bottomless mimosas, Del Marys or Chandon. Tables are limited.
Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday with the exception of Closing Day on Labor Day Monday (Sept.3). First post is at 2 p.m. daily. The first post on Fridays is at 4 p.m., with the exceptions of Aug. 24 and 31 when first post is 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarracing.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat at @DelMarRacing or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DelMarRaces.