One could argue that Del Mar is one of the top places for a getaway on America's West Coast. The town is well known for its beautiful scenery and attractions, but the town contains much more. Travelers can dine at numerous world-class restaurants, participate in large-scale festivals, and enjoy incredible beachfront vistas without traveling far.
The Craft Beer, Cider, and Food Truck Festival is a can’t-miss experience for craft beer and gourmet food lovers that takes place at the Del Mar Racetrack, only 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Patrons will encounter over 100 different craft beers including entries from popular breweries such as Breakwater Brewing Co. and Nectar Creek. There will also be over 30 food trucks on hand, operated by some of the finest culinary minds in Southern California and presenting visitors with a variety of meal options. Live DJ’s will play a variety of music and fun interactive activities will be available. Del Mar is the perfect venue with great views of the ocean, live horse racing, and ample room to roam and enjoy the festivities. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Chris Bahr, Director of Events for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, to learn more about this great experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CB: This is Del Mar’s third fall racing Bing Crosby Season, and the third time the Craft Beer & Cider Festival and Food Truck Festival has been offered. Both festivals are popular staples during the track’s summer racing season, which is why they now make dual appearances each year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw and what is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
CB: Thousands will come out to enjoy racing on November 26th, and many will make their way over to the Craft Beer, Cider & Food Truck Festival, which is free with track admission. The age of the typical attendee ranges from 21 to 50 years old, and it’s mostly groups of friends and couples. There will also be families around as the festival area is open to all ages.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CB: Location is what makes this event unique. San Diego is one of the nation’s most beautiful cities, and the racetrack is located just 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. The Del Mar Racetrack is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and some of the nation’s most prestigious thoroughbreds will race around the famous seaside oval, every 30 minutes.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
CB: Admission to the event is free with track admission, which is as low as $3 with our Diamond Club membership and just $6 without membership. Attendees can select from more than 30 gourmet food trucks, more than 100 craft beers and ciders, including special fall, winter, and pumpkin brews. Guests can purchase full-sized beers or receive five 7 oz. tastings for $20. Local brewery reps will be hanging out to answer questions about their brewery and beers, and merchandise vendors will be selling cool beer-related items. This year’s event is a special edition because we’ve paired the two festivals together; they’ve never been hosted on the same day, making this Del Mar’s tastiest two-for-one ever! Between enjoying eats from some of SoCal’s hottest food trucks and savoring craft brews, guests can wager on the ponies, and enjoy music from DJs and other special activities.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CB: There are multiple lodging options in and around the city of Del Mar. Some visitors choose to stay in Downtown San Diego and head north to check out the Del Mar scene. Others prefer the serene lodging options across North County San Diego or one of Del Mar’s luxurious escapes like Rancho Valencia or the seaside L’Auberge Del Mar.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
CB: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and its racing seasons have a positive economic impact on surrounding communities and the city of San Diego. Since its inception in 1970, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has paid more than $800 million in taxes, fees, and grants, to the state of California, as well as various equine and community charities.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CB: Visiting the Del Mar Racetrack is an experience for everyone, whether it’s families with young children, girlfriend getaways, a day for the guys, or a group outing; there is something for everyone. A visit to Del Mar can easily make for a memorable experience between the Racetrack, pristine beaches, eclectic shopping, and award-winning restaurants.
For more information about the Craft Beer, Cider, and Food Truck Festival, please visit their website.