How to Throw the Ultimate Tailgating Party

A killer tailgate starts with the right setup. It’s about function, flow and comfort. You’ll want to get to your spot early so you can claim a prime location and have ample time to arrange your space before guests arrive. The key components? Tailgate tables, folding tables and plenty of camping chairs. Bonus points if you can bring a few oversized camping chairs or padded outdoor chairs—they go a long way in keeping guests comfy for hours.

Pop-up canopies or portable shade structures are crucial for sunny days or unexpected drizzle. Consider the direction of the sun and the wind when setting up—those little choices can make or break your comfort level throughout the day.

And don’t forget about power. A reliable tailgating power supply is a game-changer. The best tailgate generator will be compact, quiet and powerful enough to run a small cook station, music setup and lighting if needed. Supplement with battery power packs for charging phones, small appliances and powering fans or lights if your party extends into the evening

You don’t want to be the one asking your neighbor for a bottle opener or scrambling for paper towels mid-burger flip. Tailgate party supplies should be on a checklist before you leave home. Bring:

• Trash bags (and recycling bags)
• Paper towels and wet wipes
• Disposable plates, utensils, cups, and napkins
• Condiment caddies
• Cooking utensils (tongs, spatulas, grill brush)
• Food storage containers
• Bottle openers and corkscrews
• Hand sanitizer and sunscreen

Keep these organized in stackable plastic bins or crates so they’re easy to pack, unpack and transport.

Let’s be honest—the food is half the reason we tailgate. Your cooking setup should reflect your crowd’s appetite. A portable tailgate BBQ grill is the standard, but there are so many great options now. From a compact stainless steel table top BBQ grill to a portable folding barbecue grill, you can scale your setup based on the menu.

For serious grillers, a tailgating smoker brings a tasty touch to game-day eats. Want something a little more low-key? A gas grill single burner gives you the flexibility to heat up sides, sauces or even make breakfast burritos if you’re starting early.

And let’s not forget tailgating food ideas. Keep things easy to eat and hearty. Sliders, skewers, brats and pulled pork sandwiches are always winners. Add veggie kebabs or foil-wrapped corn on the cob for balance. Sides like pasta salad, baked beans and chips with homemade dips are filling and travel well.

Tailgate desserts deserve love, too. Think brownies, cookies, mini pies or anything that won’t melt or crumble during the haul. If you want to impress, bring themed cupcakes or football-shaped treats.

Tailgating without drinks is like a game without a crowd. Whether you’re stocking up on water, sodas, cocktails or local brews, make sure they’re cold and abundant. Invest in solid outdoor coolers or portable coolers that can hold ice all day.

Pro tip: separate coolers for drinks and food. It helps reduce how often you're opening the lid on your food cooler, keeping perishables colder longer.

Tailgate party decorations are the easiest way to infuse fun and personality into your setup. Flags, banners, tablecloths and themed props create a festive vibe and show off your team pride. You don’t need to go overboard—just a few well-placed items can set the tone and make your space feel intentional and inviting.

If it’s a college football tailgating event, rep your alma mater hard with school colors and mascots. For a football tailgate party, consider goal post drink holders, mini pennant banners and matching tailgate attire. If it’s a baseball tailgate party, you can lean into classic Americana themes—think red, white and blue with old-school ballpark snacks.

When you’re hours from kickoff, you need things to keep people engaged. Classic tailgate activities like cornhole, ladder toss and beer pong never get old. If you’ve got space, bring a football or frisbee to toss around. And any number of classic outdoor games are great for keeping the energy up.

Want to bring something new to the table? Try trivia cards, team bingo or even setting up a mini bracket-style game tournament using table games or card games. Having a few low-effort but fun activities on hand keeps the energy up and gives guests something to do between bites and sips.

One of the most important parts of throwing a great tailgate is the teardown. Pack smart—bring plenty of garbage bags, paper towels and storage bins. Use collapsible tailgate tables, portable folding barbecue grills and stackable coolers to make cleanup and transport easier.

Don’t forget to do a sweep of your space before you leave. Being a respectful tailgater means cleaning up after yourself and leaving the area better than you found it.

Tailgating is about more than the game—it’s about people, passion and creating unforgettable memories before the first whistle even blows. Whether you’re keeping it chill or going full-out with an ultimate tailgate setup, the key is planning ahead and putting love into the details. With the right tailgate party supplies, delicious food, spirited tailgate party decorations and good company, you’re guaranteed to host a tailgate that feels like a home away from home—just with a lot more BBQ.

So gather your gear, fire up that portable grill and get ready to raise your game-day experience to epic levels.