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 2024 the event takes place on Saturday, July 20th. This is the same weekend as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition, Port Moody Ribfest, a Fireworks Boat Party and a number of other major festivals and events.
The first two of the above other events are both amazing and free. In addition to fireworks and barbecued ribs, they both also feature live music.
To learn about what else is happening this month, see our July Calendar of Events. To learn more about the Cup, continue reading.
This article contains the following information about The Cup:
When and Where | Admission | Event Schedule | Event Activities | Other Information
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. Unfortunately, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
The Cup returned to Vancouver on Saturday, July 22nd in 2023 and does so again this summer on July 20th. The festivities usually begin at 12:00 pm.
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.
JAZZ FESTIVAL IN FORT LANGLEY
Around a week after The Cup in 2024 is the Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival that takes place from July 25th to 28th. It’s an awesome event held most years! 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.
Admission to the Cup
Pre-sale general admission (typically sells out) starts at $65. You can purchase advance tickets at between $75 and $85. Thereafter, the regular admission price is $95.
For folks wanting a more luxurious experience, there are different ticket packages available as well in 2024. Grandstand Private Boxes for four people costs $750 and comes with a bottle of champagne. Trackside Private Booths seats eight to 10 people for about $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 last year was priced at $30,125. Grandstand Private Suites, meanwhile, cost $6,000 and include admission for 30 people, plus 30 drink tickets, a private bar and more.
The Cup Schedule
Doors open at noon on Saturday, July 20th, 2024. There are typically 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.
A couple of years ago, 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 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 for 2024 are subject to change.)
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 in 2022 included Zac George and David Ullock. Artists for 2024 are to be confirmed.
Live music takes place on the Botanist Live Stage. 2024’s lineup includes Brandi Cyrus, Young Bombs and DJ Johnny Jover. In past years, other pop-up festivities have included the Cigar Lounge, Rosé Garden and Risotto Party. 2024 will likely be comparable, although exact details are to be confirmed.
Other Information
To learn more about the event, visit the Come Get Fancy website.
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