The Cup at Hastings Raceway

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 2025 the event takes place on Saturday, July 19th.

To learn about what else is happening this month, see our July Calendar of Events. To learn about the Cup, continue reading.

This article contains the following information about The Cup:

Music Venue at The Cup

The Cup (Formerly the Deighton Cup) in 2025

Taking place in Vancouver each summer, The Cup is a stylish and adults-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 can attract up to 10,000 people or more.

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.

Horse Racing at Hastings Raceway

When and Where

The Cup takes place at Hastings Racecourse at the PNE during the summer each year. The venue is at 188 North Renfrew Street in the City of Vancouver. In 2025 the event happens on Saturday, July 19th. Festivities usually begin at 12:00 pm and run until 7:00 pm.

Due to the limited amount of parking available at the venue, organizers of the event recommend using public transit, taxi or other riding services.

Note: Horsepower 4 Horsepower is held at the same venue in September. It’s a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House that features luxury cars, horse races and more.

Race Day at The Cup

Admission to the Cup

Pre-sale general admission (which typically sells out) starts at $65 in 2025. You can purchase advance tickets after that for $95. The regular admission price was $95.

For people 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 Suites seats eight to 10 people and sell at around $3,850. This option features amazing seats, suite branding and a large bottle of champagne.

For those who want something extra fancy for a larger group, Silks Stadium Club hosts up to 200 guests and includes private tables for guests and private betting tables. This exclusive option is priced at $19,750. Grandstand Private Suites, meanwhile, cost around $6,000 and include admission for up to 30 people, plus drink tickets, a private bar and more.

Crowds of People at The Cup

The Cup Schedule

Doors typically open at noon. There are usually four races during the first half of the event. They start at approximately 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.

Halfway through the event an Emergence Fashion Show hits the main stage. The short runway spectacle is followed by the Style Stakes competition which is the part of the event where the best-dressed guest is awarded the grand prize.

The Style Stakes winner receives $1,000 and their name on The Cup trophy. Sometimes the winner gets to be a judge the following year!

The second set of races begins after the fashion competition ends. Start times are usually 3:55 pm, 4:25 pm, 4:55 pm, 5:25 pm and 5:55 pm. Everything finishes and people head home by 7:00 pm.

(NOTE: Exact times and other details are subject to change. The exact schedule for 2025 has not yet been released as of early April.)

Horse Racing at The Cup

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.

The art showcase component of The Cup usually features many different art forms. There can be murals, installations, performance pieces and even artists painting live in front of everyone.

Live music takes place on the Botanist Live Stage. 2024’s lineup included Brandi Cyrus, Young Bombs and DJ Johnny Jover. Last year there was also a special dining experience featuring the Michelin Star restaurant Kissa Tanto, and a fashion market with other 20 vendors. 2025 details are TBC.

Music Stage at The Cup in Vancouver

Event Video

For an idea of what to expect at The Cup, watch the video below. It features DJ music and dancing from a previous year, which was only one highlight of the full event.