As soon as the San Diego fair excitement fades, locals start saving their extra change in hopes to finally win big at the Del Mar Racetrack. Though we'll miss our greasy fair food, we absolutely love Thoroughbred Racing Season at Del Mar with Opening Day on July 22, running through September 9, 2009.

After Party Alert: 944 Magazine hosted the official Del Mar Races Opening Day After Party at L’Auberge Del Mar, hosted by Audrina Patridge of MTV’s The Hills. The party featured DJs by Fortune Music, a fashion show, race-inspired cocktails and sweeping ocean views. View San Diego celebrity party pics.

New at the Racetrack this year is Free & Easy Wednesdays. This new addition makes affordable fun easier than ever. Every Wednesday, except for Opening Day, guests will receive free Stretch Run admission, free program and a free seat along with half price domestic draft beers, sodas and hot dogs at the Stretch Run concession stands. If you like $2 Tuesdays at the Fair, you’re going to love Free & Easy Wednesdays at the Racetrack.

The only catch? You must be a Diamond Club member so you can scan your membership card at the designated admission gates and concession stands. The Diamond Club membership is free, and it saves you money all season. Sign up! 

New at the Racetrack this year is 3 O’Clock Fridays with free concerts. An iconic summer event in San Diego formerly known as 4 O’Clock Fridays, the ’09 spin is bringing you huge concerts at a new early time slot. Every Friday, the first race is at 3pm with the last race of the day scheduled for approximately 7pm. Concerts begin following the last race on the Plaza de Mexico stage. View more 2008 4 O’Clock Friday concert photos and Opening Day photos!

The 3 O’Clock Friday concerts are free with paid racetrack admission ($6 for Stretch Run and $10 for Clubhouse). There is no seating for the concerts, so they never sell out. But these Friday concerts do get busy, so plan ahead for your favorite acts. The 2009 3 O’Clock Fridays concert lineup is:

July 24: G Love & Special Sauce
July 31: The Wailers
August 7: The Airborne Toxic Event
August 14: Common Sense
August 21: Pinback
August 28: Super Diamond – Neil Diamond Tribute Band
September 4: Pete Yorn

Insider Tip: In addition to 3 O’Clock Fridays, the Del Mar Racetrack provides a few special Saturday concerts, including The Flaming Lips on August 15 and Steel Pulse on August 22.

Find these concerts and more on our San Diego event calendar!

Back to Del Mar Basics
Read up on the recommended Hillcrest spot for the best Del Mar Racetrack hats here. Check out the chic Del Mar crowd in the 2008 Opening Day photo gallery, and re-live the 2008 season in the Ultimate Guide to Del Mar Racetrack.

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