Vancouver Date Idea: Go to the Races at the Deighton Cup

Last year, I visited London in June, and was really hoping to go to the Royal Ascot races. I love the glamour of the event, the over-the-top fancy hats, and the glitterati (including the Royal Family) in attendance. Alas, logistically, it wasn’t meant to be.

Fortunately, I have the opportunity to don my finery and watch horse races at one of my favourite Vancouver events of the summer! My boyfriend, who usually lives in jeans and a t-shirt, will also be transformed. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t own a top hat and waistcoat, but we’ll find some, I’m sure.

This year, The Deighton Cup (the 8th annual) is set to take place Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the Hastings Racecourse (188 North Renfrew Street) from 11am to 6pm.

For those who’ve never been, The Deighton Cup is truly one of the most stylish events in the city. Put on by Droski/Turner and The Social Concierge (who are also responsible for other cool happenings, like Le Dîner en Blanc, Harvest Haus, Dinner By Design, and The Keltic Landing), expect an afternoon of gorgeously elaborate outfits and a fun, mingly crowd.

If you don’t own hats or fascinators, there are a bunch of stores (eg Granville Island Hat Shop, Hastings Hattery, Dressed in Thyme) in the city that either rent or sell them. Vintage stores are also a good bet, as are relatives. I would recommend you don’t leave your costume purchasing to the very last minute, since stock runs low close to the time of the event.

Organizers do an excellent job of creating a celebratory atmosphere. Costumed performers on stilts roam the site, and there are live music performances on the Bulleit Bourbon sound stage. The Marquee and Concourse areas will be a fully integrated VIP experience, which will also include a picnic area, leisure sports, cigar lounge, and the Miles End Motors Field of Dreams.

You or your date might also win one of the two titles for best dressed (Gallant Sartorialist and Belle du Jour). Or maybe you’ll both win!

Besides taking in the pretty crowd, you two will also enjoy a Southern/Pacific Rim lunch (included in the ticket price), and have the chance (requires a ticket upgrade) to watch the 4th annual cocktail jockey mixology competition between top bartenders in the city ($1,000 cash prize).

And, of course, the main event will be eight horse races, starting at roughly 1:20pm. Choose your horse wisely, and then cheer your pick on!

Early bird tickets ($65) are now available on-line, with partial proceeds going to Variety – The Children’s Charity. See you at the races!