DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB 2026 SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL EVENTS

San Diego's unofficial start to summer arrives on Friday, July 17, as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club initiates its highly anticipated 2026 summer racing season. Running through Monday, Sept. 7, the 87th summer meet blends world-class Thoroughbred racing with beloved traditions, elevated dining experiences, exciting new attractions and unforgettable seaside celebrations. See below for the first two weeks of the summer season:

• Opening Day presented by Caesars Sportsbook – (Friday, July 17) SoCal’s biggest party is here! Del Mar's iconic summer celebration returns with the Opening Day Hats Contest, and The Party presented by Pacifico, a high-energy trackside experience featuring live DJs, specialty cocktails and more. New for 2026, the Seabiscuit Society VIP Party debuts in the Grandstand's sixth-floor Skyroom, offering premium hospitality and curated cuisine. 

• Tacos & Tequila Festival – (Saturday, July 18) As a fan-favorite tradition, Tacos & Tequila Fest features San Diego’s best taco vendors, frozen margaritas, refreshing cervezas and more. This event is 21+. 

• Taste of the Turf Club – (Every Sunday - Starting July 19) Del Mar’s signature Sunday brunch experience returns with a refreshed menu curated by Chef Bryn McArthur, the Executive Chef of Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Guests can enjoy elevated offerings such as Grilled Lamb Lollipops, Blueberry Lemon Cornbread, Jidori Chicken & Waffles, handcrafted cocktails and more, all while taking in panoramic racetrack views from the Turf Club. Dress code applies!

• POP-Up Sundays – (Every Sunday - Starting July 19) Plaza de Mexico will showcase a rotating lineup of beloved San Diego restaurants serving local flavors throughout the afternoon. 

• July 19: Brandt Beef, BBQ Smoked Brisket

• July 26: North Italia

• Free & Easy Thursdays – (Every Thursday - Starting July 23)  A promotion for Del Mar’s Diamond Club members, enjoy complimentary general admission and seating andspecial concession offers including $5 Michelob ULTRA drafts, Brandt Beef hot dogs and refillable sodas at select locations. 

• Turf Club Fridays – (Every Friday - Starting July 24) Start your weekend in style with Turf Club Fridays, a weekly elevated happy hour experience in one of the racetrack’s most exclusive settings. Attendees can enjoy curated appetizers, handcrafted cocktails and beautiful views of the track. Dress code applies!

• Earlier Friday Post Times & Friday Happy Hour – (Every Friday - Starting July 24) This year, Fridays at Del Mar get a new look for 2026 with a 2 p.m. first race time to align with the rest of the racing week. TFriday Happy Hour runs until 4 p.m., offering 25% off all signature cocktails and select beers! 

• New Family Fun Day – (Sunday, July 26) Del Mar’s Family Fun Day is back and earlier than ever! This family-centric trackside event features free kids' games, face painting, inflatable attractions and activities alongside a day full of exciting racing. Kiddos 17 and under receive free admission! 

First post daily (now including Fridays!) is 2 p.m. until Sept. 5, when first post moves to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @delmarracing or on Facebook @DelMarRaces.

Snorkel with Sharks! Not Crazy, You Can Do This!

Birch Aquarium Takes You on a Shark Snorkel - Tickets on Sale August 1st, 2026, Snorkels in September

La Jolla, CA (July 7, 2026)—Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is thrilled to announce the return of popular Shark Snorkels this September! Join Birch Aquarium Educators for a guided snorkeling experience to get an up-close look at local sharks and rays along with other fascinating species found in our local waters. Plus learn responsible snorkeling skills as you explore the shallow waterways around La Jolla.

During this 2-hour experience, which has not been offered by the aquarium since 2019, guests will learn about Leopard Sharks, one of the most common sharks along the coast of California and vital members of the ocean ecosystem. These sharks are known for their distinctive saddle pattern along their back and for aggregating in large numbers — each summer, hundreds of pregnant females migrate to the shallow waters of San Diego to incubate in the warmer temperatures. During Shark Snorkels, guests will discover more about the role these sharks play in their environment and the conservation work being done to protect them, all while exploring their local habitat.

“Although the ocean is in our backyard, it may seem daunting to take the first steps beyond the waves,” said Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator. “This program is an amazing opportunity to learn about and see some of La Jolla’s unique wildlife with an expert guide. Shark education and conservation are also critical for ocean health, so being able to share information about our local critters, including the docile Leopard Sharks, is such a privilege.”

Tickets for Shark Snorkels go on sale August 1. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants must supply their own gear including masks, fins and snorkels. Ages 10+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult). Shark Snorkels are $35 for aquarium members and $40 for the general public. 

Portland UTI Clinic Opens - a New Era in Women's Health

Wait, what does a UTI Clinic in Portland has to do with Local Wally and San Diego?

Well the connection is easy - the clinic is a owned and operated by my daughter and her associate who broke away from the traditional “here’s your antibiotics, next in line please” to something a bit more personal, focusing instead on finding underlying issues and more specific and individualized solutions for women’s health.

Traditional healthcare often has generic solutions that don’t get to the root causes. Doctors are rushed, patients are pushed through, and issues reoccur because they’re never really resolved. Not so with The UTI Clinic which offers personal attention and real solutions for women’s health issues.

The UTI Clinic

721 NW 9th Ave, Suite 100 | Portland, OR 97209 | Tel: 503.308.8634

hello@theuticlinic.org

Seeing patients in-clinic and California patients via TeleHealth - call for more information.

We’re not just changing the treatment —we reimagined the entire experience.

Welcome to a new clinic. A new standard of care. At The UTI Clinic, we combine advanced diagnostics with real listening. Whether you need help with symptoms today or answers for what keeps coming back, we treat urinary tract infections at the root—through metabolic healing, clinical precision, and care that actually feels human. Because women deserve more than short-term fixes. She deserves to be heard. To be healed. To be whole.

Help us spread the word on The UTI Clinic!

If you’re a Local Wally fan then I appreciate you telling everyone you know about The UTI Clinic. They offer both in-person and remote telemedicine appointments. And of course if you need help or have questions just reach out to them. And finally, please watch the video to help push it in the YouTube algorithm so that it’s seen by as many people as possible. Thanks so much - your pal, Local Wally.

San Diego BIG BAY BOOM Fireworks 2026 at the Rady Shell Symphony Concert!

THE RADY SHELL 4TH OF JULY CONCERT & THE BIG BAY BOOM FIREWORKS 2026 - COME FOR THE SHOW, STAY FOR THE FIREWORKS!

---

4th of JULY, 2026: RADY SHELL AND THE BIG BAY BOOM FIREWORKS!

Byron Stripling’s America The Beautiful: 250 brings the sound of our nation to life with powerful works that reflect the beauty, complexity, and spirit of America – past, present, and future. Featuring beloved classics like “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and the triumphant “Stars and Stripes Forever,” this celebratory program traces the musical moments that have defined the American story.

Celebrate 250 years of America this Fourth of July the best way we know how: at your favorite waterfront venue, with your beloved San Diego Symphony Orchestra, capped off with a premium view of San Diego’s iconic fireworks spectacular, the Big Bay Boom, immediately following the concert.

Event: America The Beautiful: 250 with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

• Time: Concert starts at 7:30 PM.

• Activities: Enjoy live, patriotic orchestral performances followed immediately by a front-row view of San Diego's famous Big Bay Boom fireworks over the bay.

PRO TIP: Parking will be a mess so take the trolley. Arrive early ad enjoy the food and cocktails at the Rady Shell venue - it’s great! If you are sitting in the grassy open lawn area you can bring in a low beach chair and blanket.

Local Wally’s Tips and Tickets for the Carlsbad Flower Fields 2026

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields

• Runs March 1st - May 10th, 2026

• Classic San Diego experience loved by locals as well as visitors - Not a tourist trap!

• Acres of flower blooms looks like a scene from the Wizard of Oz - perfect IG backdrop!

• Butterflies, tractor rides, sluice mining, sculpture gardens, U-Pick Blueberries, and specialty food options.

• PRO TIP: You must buy tickets ONLINE - no tickets sold at entrance.

---

If the world today seems a bit, well, chaotic, then how about chilling out with a classic San Diego activity that’s certain to put a big smile on your face? That’s right, it’s time for the flower fields in Carlsbad to hit their stride with acres and acres of eye popping color. How many flowers? How about 80 million? Is that enough for you?

The flowering season lasts 10 weeks and at its peak boasts 55 acres of ranunculus blooms. 2026 is shaping up to be the best year ever with a super bloom predicted due to our dry winter and recent rains meaning that even on Day 1 of the season you can expect incredible blooms. As the season wears on the sunflower fields pop, typically in April, making the season pass ticket a worthwhile purchase if you just can’t get enough.

PRO TIP: Expect the largest crowds on the weekend so a weekday visit is a good strategy. Come early and have the fields nearly to yourself.

So Many Food Options… and U-Pick-Em Blueberries too!

If all of this walking and photo snapping is making you hungry don’t worry as there are plenty of snack options with two food trucks serving tacos and pizza as well as lots of snack and drink options. There also are special food vendor pop ups throughout the season - check the official site for their schedules.

PRO TIP: Speaking as an experienced parent if you need a distraction from the cotton candy and ice cream head over to the 6 acre U-Pick-Em Blueberry patch where you can pick your own for only $8 a pint. Fresh blueberries are so much better than the supermarket variety that the kids will forget all about the kettle corn, at least for a moment. Pro Tip 2: Get the kettle corn anyway. You’ll thank me later.

---

BUTTERFLIES AND TRACTORS

With hundreds of butterflies and a stick of nectar to attract them, the Butterfly Encounter is certain to amaze and enthrall everyone, from toddlers to grand parents. There’s just something magical and oddly enchanting about butterflies landing on your hair and following you like you are like Mary Poppins (I know, she had birds fluttering around her but you get the idea). They do something similar at the San Diego Safari Park but it’s quite expensive so get your butterfly fix at The Flower Fields. Tickets are free for those under 3, $4 for kids and $8 for adults - you can purchase them when you arrive.

And for those looking for a unique way to experience the Flower Fields there’s a Tractor Wagon Ride that takes you up and down the fields. It’s perfect for when the kids have had enough of walking but you still want to see more flowers and a great way for those in wheelchairs or just walking impaired to get the full experience.

Tickets are free for those under 3, $4 for kids and $8 for adults - you can purchase them when you arrive.

---

Are the Flower Fields “worth it”?

I’ve read the comments on Reddit and FB from long time locals who remember when visiting the Flower Fields was free, a hidden gem local attraction. Well that was a long, long time ago - 25 years? And yes, free was nice but back then the Flower Fields were just that - a field of flowers that were grown as a crop for the bulbs. There were no butterflies, no exhibits, no tractor ride, you get the idea.

A standard adult ticket is $27, a child ticket is $17, pretty reasonable for an afternoon of family time. You can even bring in your own picnic lunch which saves a few bucks. And yes, there are senior and military discounts - see below. The butterfly exhibit alone makes it worth it - $8 for adults, $4 for kids, free for those under 3. Compare that to the butterfly exhibit at the San Diego Safari Park where everyone over 1 pays an additional $18.

So is it worth it? Yes, absolutely worth it just for the photos. You won’t find a prettier backdrop for photos and there is something so San Diego about a visit to The Flower Fields.

FREQ ASKED Q’S

DO I NEED TO BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE? Yes, buy them here online as no tickets are sold at the entrance. You must pick your time to enter but if you’re late they are very flexible.

ARE THERE TICKET DISCOUNTS? Yes, Seniors get $5 off on Thursdays, Children under 3 are Free, and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday get one free child admission with each adult admission. Also, the first week the fields are open, March 1st -6th, offers additional discounted pricing.

HOW MUCH IS PARKING? Parking is free. Unbelievable, I know, but wow, free parking.

CAN I RENT A STROLLER OR WHEELCHAIR? No, bring your own.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOT FOR A VISIT? You can see it all in about an hour but if you want to experience the butterflies and visit the gardens and exhibits you should plan on 2.5 hours or so. Four hours is about the max.

Complete Guide to the San Diego Food + Wine Festival 2026 - New Lower Prices for 2026

DATE: EVENT RUNS NOV 6-8, 2026 | GRAND TASTING NOV 7TH | GRAND FIESTA NOV 8TH

---

Day by Day at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival: THE BIG EVENTS - UPDATED FOR 2026

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

ICONS + LEGENDS: aka The Grand Decant

While there are various dinner events and excursions during the week leading up to Grand Events the real excitement begins at the ICONS + LEGENDS, previously known as the GRAND DECANT on Friday, Nov 7th, 2026. This evening event runs from 6:30PM to 9:00PM with early bird VIP tickets available for those wanting to get a 30 minute head start as well as other perks.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Held at the Julep Venue at 1735 Hancock, the event features the best wines offered, including limited release and rare bottles. There are also a number of gourmet food bites to pair with your wines, though in the past this event has been much more wine-centric versus a “food and wine” event.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I went last year and was a bit concerned that this might be a snooty or dressy affair. Hey, I do my best but once I got there found that people came as they came so there’s no need to get dressed for a night out at the clubs. Yeah, I wore my Sketchers much to my more stylish wife’s disapproval. As for the wines, there were plenty of great wines to be had but food was more on the lighter side so we stopped at In N Out on the way home. In other words, don’t come un-hungry but don’t come starving either.

COST: General Admission is $210.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Grand Tasting

This is the event most people think of when they think of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival. Held on Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2026 on the San Diego Bay, this event features rows and rows of wines, spirits, beer, and glorious bites of delicious food. The scene is lively and festive and the best day drinking party you can imagine. It’s fun super fun, and definitely hits the “worth it” box.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Considered one of the BEST wine and food festivals in the nation and it’s easy to see why. The setting on the bay is stunning, the food and wine stunnier, and everyone is having a great time. The VIP tent in the past has been well worth it but if 2025 has you checking your bank balance a bit more often you won’t be feeling left out with the standard general admission ticket.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I really love this event - come super hungry because there is so much food that you’re going to want to try. I recommend you take the Coaster or Trolley in to avoid the parking madness and mad rush at the end. The Coaster drops you at the Santa Fe station which is about a 10 minute walk, not too bad, and the trolley drops you off at the Convention Center, even closer. You could also go from Coaster to Trolley.

COST: There are two ticket levels - General Admission is just $210, early bird entrance is $260, and the VIP tent is $360 The event is from 11 - 3 for VIPs, 12 to 3 for general admission.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Grand Fiesta

Held on Sunday, Nov 8th, 2026 at the huge grassy park at Liberty Station, this low key taco driven event has been one of my favorites. While the Saturday event is high energy and upscale, the Grand Fiesta is nice and relaxed, not too busy with a cool San Diego vibe. Chefs are creating gourmet tacos with plenty of spirits and Baja wines to enjoy.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Rows and rows of booths making tacos, all vying for the title of BEST TACO IN SAN DIEGO in the Taco TKO event.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: This is the event to treat your friends to, the best way to spend an Sunday afternoon. The tacos are so plentiful that there is no way you’re going to try them all so be selective and don’t just grab the first one you see. Plenty of room to spread out, enjoy the live music and sip a glass of wine or some tequila and savor the San Diego lifestyle, lucky you.

For this event I don’t think you need to upgrade to VIP or early bird though no one would fault you if you did. It’s just chill, and delicious. Parking is also free but you probably want to consider Uber since there is so much to drink and you won’t want to cut yourself off.

COST: General Admission is just $155, Early Bird is $205.

SAN DIEGO FOOD + WINE FEST 2025 TO FEATURE CULINARY ICONS AND RISING STARS FROM ACROSS THE U.S. AND MEXICO

According to Metter, the festival highlights the city’s rich multinational influences and its sunny, diverse culinary landscape where guests can expect the largest curated collection of wine, beer and spirits producers, along with culinary heavyweights from San Diego, Baja and beyond.

“What makes this Festival special is how it brings together global excellence and local diversity,” says Metter. “From James Beard Award winners to rising stars from San Diego and Baja, our chefs reflect a vibrant, multicultural community. At the same time, programs like Food Rescue, our Scholarship Program and the Future of Food Summit remind us that food is not just about flavor, but about sustainability and supporting the people behind the plate.”

The festival honors the influence of Latin, Asian and BIPOC cultures on Southern California’s exploding food and beverage scene, uniting top chefs from the United States and Mexico. Renowned culinary talents from Food Network and Top Chef will join chefs honored by the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation. A highlight of this year’s culinary and beverage powerhouses include:

• Elijah Arizmendi (LUCIEN, La Jolla) formerly of 3-star Joël Robuchon and 3-star Per Se

• Darryl Bell (Stateline Road Smokehouse, Napa Valley, James Beard Award Semifinalist)

• Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord, LA, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: California)

• Matt Vawter (Rootstalk, Denver, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region)

• Emily Brubaker (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2025 Winner of NBC’s Yes, Chef!)

• Carlos Gaytan (Hà, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 1-star Michelin and Tzuco, Chicago, Bravo Top Chef)

• Roberto Alcocer (Malva, Valle de Guadalupe and Valle, Oceanside, 1-star Michelin) Tara Monsod (Le Coq, La Jolla, 2024-25 James Beard Award Finalist )

• Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea, Miami, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
  Ruffo Ibarra (Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
  Suzette Gresham (2-star Michelin Aquerello, San Francisco)
  Drew Deckman (1-star Michelin, Concha de Piedra, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja + 31THIRTYONE)

• Pyet DeSpain (Winner, Next Level Chef)

• Oliver Seki (Seki Restaurante, Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
  Cha McCoy (Sommelier, Grand Decant Host)
  Marcelo Hisaki (Restaurant Amores, Baja, Michelin + Bocuse d’Or)

Del Mar Food + Wine Fest 2026: Is it WORTH IT? Photos and Review from 2025 with Pro-Tips

Amazing hair with equally amazing Mezcal at the Del Mar Food and Wine Festival

NEWS FLASH: DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR THE 2026 DEL MAR FOOD AND WINE FEST JUST RELEASED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. NEXT EVENT IS OCT 3RD AND 4TH, 2026

DEL MAR FOOD + WINE FEST 2025 REVIEW: WORTH IT?

There are two main food and wine festivals in San Diego. The OG is the San Diego Food + Wine Festival which has been held on the San Diego Bay every November for the past 21 years. The second is the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival, a newcomer to the scene over the past three years and a worthy contender.

Both are awesome events with a few key differences. For the “scene” to being seen, I would give the nod to the San Diego event. The location on the bay is pretty impressive and it feels very San Diego. But the Del Mar event, oh boy, there is so much top notch food and wine and spirits, and so much space, that it’s really giving the San Diego event a run for their money.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

But is it worth it? At approximately $200 per person it’s not cheap, but just go to dinner at any random nice restaurant in San Diego and all of a sudden it’s a good value. Have you seen your grocery bill lately? I mean, I’m writing this in Sept 2025 and everything is really expensive. But the Del Mar Food + Wine Fest delivers, making it not just worth it, but well worth it!

Brant Beef Burger

First stop, Brandt Beef. Brandt Beef is always the draw at these sort of events with their top notch, high end beef. At some festivals you can’t even get into the Brandt Beef area but at the Del Mar Food + Wine Fest it’s as easy as grabbing what you want, like this insane burger with beef tallow fries from Tanner’s Prime Burgers. Smash burgers are all the rage and this must be the best smash burger of all time. Their store location is in Oceanside - go visit and let me know if you don’t agree, this is a killer burger and equally insane fries. And notice how BIG this “sample” is - no tiny little Costco sample bites here, portions are large and plentiful.

Serea Coastal Cuisine and Lionfish handing out freshly shucked oysters, all you can eat!

So many oysters…… from lionfish and serea Coastal Cuisine

Back on the “is it worth it” question, what I like about the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is that even the standard ticket holder gets access to exceptional food, like these freshly shucked oysters from Lionfish and Serea Coastal Cuisine. Topped with a chile verde sauce made from tomatillo, agave pickled seranos and grilled spring onions, they were fresh and delightful. They also would top it with a splash of tequila upon request but to my palate they were better without - save your love for tequila for another booth and just enjoy oyster after oyster. And yes, there’s a booth serving up high end tequila and mezcal.

So all the food was goo but what was the best thing we ate at the del mar food + wine fest?

Not so fast! I think you deserve a few more food photos before I tell you what I thought was the best bite. And I totally forgot, one of the cool things about this event is when celebrity chefs show up and in 2025 they had Guy Fieri in the VIP tent. That’s pretty cool and while you really don’t need to upgrade to the tent to get the good stuff it would have been cool to meet Guy. Maybe next year I’ll be a VIP, but for now let’s get back to some of my favorite bites.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

So many good things to eat but one really stood out - and unbelievably it was one of the least showy items, just a delicious snap and crunch with satisfying flavor and that was the tiny little yellowtail tostada from El Pez Kitchen Sushi. Is this sushi? Is this Mexican food? Why yes, it is. And yes, I am guessing that it was a yellowtail tostada because they had no signage and I was so excited once I had one I forgot to ask but I’m pretty sure, pretty sure.

View fullsize

View fullsize

I want more of these and I had plenty. The funny thing about food festivals is that there’s always one dish that clearly resonates on the palate and for me - and for the other three in our party - El Pez was it. I think it’s worth a trip to South Bay to check out the rest of their menu. In fact, I loved this so much I’m going to give you their address so you can try it for yourself:

El Pez, 3404 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, (619) 600-3161. MENU

pro-tips from someone who has been for the past three years:

1. Take a RideShare but give yourself plenty of time and make sure you communicate with your driver because the GPS wants to drop you off in the street but you cannot get into the event from the street. They must make the long loop into the park as if they were going to park. Every time I’ve Uber’d they tried to drop me off outside which would have left me with a half mile or more hike to get in. This also means that it’s really slow to get in even though you are being dropped off. And when you leave its best to walk OUT of the parking lot area (the gates will now be open) and walk over to MARKET restaurant to call an Uber so they don’t have to loop all the way in only to be stuck in traffic to get you out.

2. The most popular food stand has always been the burger at Brandt Beef. It’s one of the few booths with a long line and many assume you must stand in this line to get into the Brandt Beef area. But NO - I suggest you bypass the burger as your first bite and sample other food first. The line for the burger never really lets up so you can come back later.

3. The VIP tent has been cool in the past but it can get busy. If you have the bucks go for it but it you don’t then don’t worry about it. At some food festivals they keep all the good stuff in the VIP area but at the Del Mar event the good food is everywhere. We could have even done bone marrow vodka shooters with the regular ticket but I was pretty sure I would have bone marrow all over my shirt so skipped it.

4. Three hours is plenty of time to try it all and unlike some food events they don’’t run out before the end. But I do prefer the early entry, an extra hour that lets you enjoy the event before the rest of the hungry people arrive.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Del Mar Food + Wine Festival 2025: BRANDT BEEF!

DEL MAR WINE + FOOD FEST: BRANDT BEEF, BABY!!

Brandt Beef is in the house and unlike some food festivals where this means lines longer than airport security lines on a holiday at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival you can just walk up and grab whatever you want. Check out the list below - you’re going to want to try them all and you can, you really can!

Last year Ranch 45 was damn good, possibly the best thing I ate at the event and that includes the VIP tent. I wouldn’t miss them this year if I were you. Tanner’s Prime smashburgers are also insanely good and last year did they give me a whole burger? If not, if it was a half, it was still huge and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

Want more? No problem.

Now I can’t guarantee that there won’t be a line but I can tell you that at other food festivals the Brandt Beef area was so packed I just gave up. Gave. Up. And that’s with me knowing I was missing out on some of the best beef and eats at the event. So trust me, if you are going to the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival you need to run like a child with no self control straight to the Brandt Beef Experience and dive head first into some of the best beef you will ever have.

And remember, this is only ONE section of this glorious event. But it’s my favorite and soon to be yours too.

Brandt Beef – The sustainable source of all the great bites in this zone. Brandt is a premium, single-family-owned SoCal beef producer, dedicated to “true natural” practices that put humanely raised, tender, flavorful beef on your plate.

• Brickman’s – Elevated but approachable, this 19th hole experience at Lakehouse Resort is a cozy, retro 90s hang where Steak Bombs and California wines complete the vibe.

• Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen – Oceanside’s gastropub that feels like home fills you up with delicious faves like the Tri-Tip Sando so you leave with a satisfied heart, a full stomach, and a smile.

• Tanner’s Prime – Their burgers aren’t just a hit. They’re a smash. Turning premium Brandt Beef into mouthwatering smash burgers has made Tanner’s an Oceanside destination. And with great burgers you’ll want some… 

• Henny Penny Tallow Fries –  The most dependable foodservice equipment company on the planet will be in the Brandt Beef Zone, showing why beef tallow and the gold standard of fryers make the best fries you’ve ever had.

• Full Send BBQ – Blending Filipino soul with Texas smoke, fueled by passion and community, this L.A. BBQ house makes their Dino Ribs and Pinoy Platters as an act of love.

• Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – High-quality American fare. Seasonal cocktails. Local brews. Rare whiskeys. The simple vision of “a great bar with great food” like the Smokeshow Burger has made Jimmy’s a great SoCal stop to eat, drink, and celebrate.

• Order Fire BBQ – A distinctive culinary experience that honors both time-tested Texas barbecue traditions and vibrant Mexican flavors. Order Fire! is a culinary battle cry.

• Ranch 45 – Like Brandt Beef, Ranch 45 serves food that strives to honor the land from which it came. Dishes like the Dutch Steak and Eggs, the Packer Tacos and the “Meat Up” Pastrami Sandwich are all made to let their farm and ranch suppliers shine on the plate.

• Tap Truck – What goes better with the rich, savory flavor of beef than cold draft beer and craft cocktails? Beer and craft cocktails served from a vintage truck. Put ‘em both together under the SoCal sun for an unforgettable experience.

• Bebemos Tequila – And a pairing that’s just as delicious is The Bottoms Up Tequilafrom the brand that means “We Drink”. Look for it at the Brandt Beef Zone Speakeasy! Follow Brandt’s socials to find out how to get in.

Del Mar Food + Wine Festival 2025 - Two Days? Sept 13th and 14th

The Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is coming and I can tell from the confused look on you face that you are wondering about the two day event…. do you do go Saturday, Sunday, or both, and if you do both is is worth it? Well let me give you the straight scoop on this.

First, the event itself is held at the huge grassy “polo fields” in Del Mar, inland off the 5 off Via de la Valle. It’s a big event, spread out, with rows and rows of food, wine, and beverage stalls. Unlimited food, and really good food. I really like this event because the lines are much shorter than at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival (a great event, just longer lines) so if eating a lot of gourmet food and drinking a lot of premium wine is one of your objectives at an event like this, Del Mar Food and Wine Festival nails it.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Which Day is BEST for the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival?

Ideally you would go for both days and I met a number of people who did just that. They sauntered around, grabbed a bite here and there, sipped some wine in the shade, totally chilled out knowing they had two days to see and taste it all. And in past years some of the vendors changed so it’s not a total repeat - but even if the vendors are same both days this chill concept is a good one…. if you can afford it.

How much does the del mar food + wine festival cost?

You can get one day tickets for $205 for the standard admission, early entry an hour early is $265, and access to the VIP tent is $465. Honestly, the standard ticket is probably all you need but if you can afford the splurge I won’t hate you for that. The VIP tent in the past was great one year with caviar and that sort of thing, but there’s honestly enough food, great food, at the main event so only do this if you’re wallet agrees. And see that sandwich below?

That’s just one “sample” from the Brandt Beef area that is yours for the taking, as many as you want. This was a grilled smoked pastrami if I recall, super delicious and I hope they have it again. But my point here is unlike some food festivals where you must upgrade to get the good stuff, at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival there’s good stuff everywhere so the standard ticket won’t disappoint if that’s your pick.

The Big queer food festival zone

Look, this isn’t a political statement but I LOVE that Del Mar Food + Wine Festival isn’t shying away from celebrating everyone. The Big Queer Food Festival Zone is all about providing a safe, welcoming and lively place for queer and allied voices to express their pride through food, drink, and sustainability. This year, we’re including some incredible tastes you won’t want to miss out on.

• Common Stock – Casual, but sophisticated where it matters, Hillcrest’s home for good, old fashioned hospitality and great Old Fashioneds.

• Es Okay – A winemaker that gives you permission to have a little shameless fun. It’s just fruit juice with attitude after all. So live your truth. ¡Es okay!

• Cary Q Wines – This woman-owned, small-production Cuban-American winemaker highlights terroir, sustainability, and community through vibrant, expressive wines.

• Gossip Grill – A place where chosen families, bouncing booties and colorful drinks collide to make incredible memories. Add some classic American comfort food for a safe space that always feels like home.

• Fierce & Kind Spirits – A minority- and woman-founded spirits brand that believes ethical consumption is the key to lifting the human spirit.

• Lalo Tequila – Honoring tradition with a modern focus, these third-generation tequila makers from Guadalajara produce pure tequila blanco as an expression of their Mexican heritage.

• Lia’s Lumpia – This mother-and-son duo have been bringing the flavors of their traditional Filipino upbringing to festivals all over the region and now a brick and mortar restaurant serving modern fusion street food.

• Pique Wines – A San Diego based distributor that spotlights boutique and underrepresented producers. Their curated selection invites everyone to discover and celebrate the richness of diversity in winemaking.

• T’Maro Brands, Inc. – A woman-owned sustainable liqueur brand with a vision of a deliciously beautiful world. 

• The LGBT Center – Find out how to get involved with this organization that enhances and sustains the health and wellbeing of San Diego’s broader queer community, to the betterment of our region and everyone in it.

MORE EVENTS AT THE DEL MAR FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

Celebrity chefs, fancy dinners, you can stretch this out for days if you are so inclined and every event looks to be a standout with great food and a great experience. You can check these out for yourself by clicking the ticket info below for event description and pricing and availability.