The Cup is a fancy summer event featuring horse races, live music, art displays and more at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse in July each year.
In 2022 the event took place on July 23rd. It happened on the same weekend as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition, Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, a Fireworks Boat Party and a number of other major festivals and events.
The event in 2023 takes place on Saturday, July 22nd.
JAZZ FESTIVAL IN FORT LANGLEY
Happening on the same weekend as The Cup in 2023 is the Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival. It’s an awesome event! It features both well-known local and international musicians. Some of the concerts are ticketed, but many are also free!
Visit the fortlangleyjazzfest.com website for more details.
The Cup (Formerly the Deighton Cup)
Taking place in Vancouver each summer, The Cup is a stylish and adult-only event. Formerly known as the Deighton Cup, the event began in 2008 and has run most years since then. It’s a popular tradition that attracts over 10,000 people.
At the event people dress to impress and spend up to about seven hours at the venue. There are eight horse races that take place throughout the afternoon, and there are plenty of other things to see and do as well. Guests have the opportunity to take in local art, live music, craft cocktails and more.
About halfway through the event there is a fashion show and competition. It’s one of the reasons why everyone dresses so formally. The best-dressed guest wins a Styles Stakes cash prize and gets their name engraved on the event’s trophy.
When and Where
The Cup takes place at Hastings Racecourse at the PNE during the summer each year. The venue is located at 188 North Renfrew Street in the City of Vancouver.
The event celebrated its 11th anniversary on July 20th in 2019. It was scheduled to take place again in 2020. However, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 and it didn’t run in 2021 either.
The Cup returned to Vancouver on Saturday, July 23rd, in 2022. The festivities usually begin at 12:00 pm and they run until 7:00 pm. In 2023 the event happens on July 22nd.
TIP: Due to the limited amount of parking available at the venue, organizers of the event recommend using public transit, taxi or other riding services.
Admission to the Cup
In 2022 pre-sale tickets were available as of May 17th. General admission started at $55. After the pre-sale period ends, however, ticket prices increase to $95 each.
For folks wanting a more luxurious experience, there are different ticket packages available as well. Grandstand Private Boxes for four people cost $750 and come with a bottle of champagne. Trackside Private Booths seat 10 people for about $3,850. This option features amazing seats, suite branding and a large bottle of champagne.
For those wanting something extra fancy for a larger group, Rooftop Terrace Suites come with a BBQ lunch, personal bartender, private DJ and room for 25 people. Grandstand Private Suites, meanwhile, cost $6,000 and include admission for 30 people, plus 30 drink tickets, a private bar and more.
2022’s The Cup Schedule
In 2022 the doors opened at noon on Saturday, July 23rd. There were four races during the first half of the event. They started at approximately 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.
Halfway through the event an Emergence Fashion Show hit the main stage. The short runway spectacle was followed by the Style Stakes competition which is the part of the event where the best-dressed guest is awarded the grand prize.
In 2022 the Style Stakes winner received $10,000, their name on The Cup trophy and the chance to be a judge in 2023.
The second set of races began after the fashion competition ended. Start times were 3:55 pm, 4:25 pm, 4:55 pm, 5:25 pm and 5:55 pm. Everything finished and people headed home by 7:00 pm. (Note: Exact times and other details were subject to change.)
The schedule for the 2023 Cup is to be confirmed.
The Cup Event Activities
The Cup isn’t just a horse racing event. It’s an elegant affair featuring many other things to enjoy. Throughout the day, guests don’t have to watch all of the races. In fact, exploring the concourse is recommended.
In 2022 the art showcase component of The Cup featured many different art forms. There were murals, installations, performance pieces and even artists painting live in front of everyone. Featured artists as of mid-May in 2022 were Zac George and David Ullock.
Live music takes place on the Botanist Live Stage. 2022 headliners included k-os and Felix Cartal. Other pop-up festivities in 2022 included the Cigar Lounge, Rosé Garden and Risotto Party.
Other Information
To learn more about the event, visit the Come Get Fancy website.
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