Del Mar Racetrack announces summer concert schedule

Fans of reggae and country music may opt to spend this summer “where the turf meets the surf.”

The Del Mar Racetrack announced today its summer concert series lineup, which kicks off on Friday, July 20. Originally founded by Bing Crosby back in 1937, the racetrack is celebrating its 80th anniversary. In addition to its world-famous horse races, it is well-known for popular events such as the Del Mar Fair and the Summer Concert Series.

On Fridays and select Saturdays, the fun doesn’t stop when the races conclude. Once the last horse crosses the finish line, the racetrack transforms into a concert venue. The Seaside Stage has hosted a diverse range of musical artists and bands since its inception, with acts including Psychedelic Furs, Steve Aoki, Weezer and Ludacris gracing the stage in recent years.

This year’s selections seem to fall into two main genres: reggae and country. Eight acts have been confirmed so far, with others still under wraps and expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Here’s the current lineup for the 2019 season. (Update: On June 3, J Boog and Angels & Airwaves were confirmed as additional acts, and All American Rejects was added to the lineup on June 19. Concert on Aug. 9 is still TBD.)

• Friday, July 19: All American Rejects
• Saturday, July 20: Reggae Fest with Ziggy Marley
• Friday, July 26: J Boog
• Saturday, July 27: Midland
• Friday, Aug. 2: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Iration
• Friday, Aug. 16: Chase Rice
• Friday, Aug. 23: SOJA
• Friday, Aug. 30: Steel Pulse
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Angels & Airwaves
• Monday, Sept. 2: Wayward Sons

The standing room only shows are 18+ and begin after the races at approximately 4 p.m. All concerts are free with purchase of $6 racetrack admission, and increase to $30 after the last race of the day. For $50, upgrade to South Terrace VIP for a private concert viewing experience and other perks.

Del Mar Racing Concert Series

When: Select dates from Saturday, July 20 to Monday, Sept. 2
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2269 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
Phone: 858.755.1141
Online: DelMarRacing.com