Discover what to bring to your next tailgate party with this checklist.

Tailgating is all about having food and fun before cheering on your favorite football team. But showing up unprepared can put a damper on the day for you and your group. If you’re new to tailgating or are just looking to take it to the next level, this checklist from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will ensure you have everything you need to plan the perfect tailgate experience. From food to entertainment and safety essentials, we’ll walk you through everything you need to pack.

Essential Gear

Your checklist might vary depending on the size of your group or location. But here is the essential equipment no tailgate is complete without:

1. Cooking Tools

• Portable Grill: This is one of the most important parts of your tailgate if you’re planning on cooking there.
• Fuel: Don’t forget the propane, charcoal, or lighter fluid to fuel your grill.
• Grilling Tools: Bring things like tongs, spatulas, and any other utensils you need for flipping and serving.
• Slow Cooker: This is great for keeping food hot.
• Bottle Openers: This is a commonly forgotten item that you’ll want to bring with for drinks.
• Disposable Dinnerware: You’ll need disposable plates, cups, and utensils to eat with.
• Paper Towels and Napkins: These come in handy to clean up any messes or spills.

2. Seating and Shelter

• Pop-Up Canopy or Tent: While not required, these can be great for providing shade and shielding you from rain when the weather is unpredictable.
• Folding Chairs: Bring enough foldable chairs for everyone in your group.
• Folding Tables: Having enough tables is helpful for preparing and serving food. Having smaller side tables for beverage can be nice, too!

3. Food Storage

• Cooler: You’ll want a large, heavy-duty cooler to keep your drinks and food cold.
• Ice: Fill your cooler with ice or reusable ice packs to help keep everything chilled.
• Food Storage Containers: In addition to the cooler, you’ll need airtight containers to store your food in.

4. Organization

• Tablecloths: It’s a good idea to bring tablecloths to keep everything clean.
• Trash Bags: You’ll need these for easy cleanup.
• Plastic Bins: These are great for organizing supplies.

Food and Drinks

The food and drinks you bring are arguably the most important parts of any tailgate. Here’s everything you should consider bringing:

1. Main Dishes

• Burgers, Hot Dogs, or Brats: These are classics for a reason. They’re easy to pack, cook, and serve. Just don’t forget the buns, condiments, and any other toppings you like.
• Marinated Meats: Another option is chicken wings, steaks, ribs, or veggie or meat skewers. We recommend marinating the food at home beforehand to save time.

2. Snacks and Sides

• Chips and Dips: Options like salsa, guacamole, or queso are always crowd-pleasers.
• Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, or Coleslaw: These side dishes are easy to make ahead of time and are served cold.
• Fruit or Vegetable Trays: These finger foods are great because they’re not messy and are easy to pack and eat.
• Desserts: It’s also nice to bring a sweet treat. Simple things like cookies or brownies are always a good option.

3. Drinks

• Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of options like beer and seltzers are classics. Just make sure to check venue regulations beforehand.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Stock up on a mix of things like soda, water bottles, juice, or sports drinks. If it’s going to be cold outside, consider bringing coffee or hot chocolate to help keep warm.

Entertainment and Games

A good tailgate should also include some sort of entertainment. Here are some items to bring along for some pre-game fun:

1. Games

• Lawn Games: Classic games like cornhole and ladder ball are tailgating must-haves. They’re easy to set up and great for playing in parking lots.
• Football or Frisbee: These are great for casually tossing around the parking lot.
• Cards or Board Games: These are a perfect downtime activity.

2. Music

• Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Bring one of these to help set the mood and get the group energized.
• Custom Playlist: It can be fun to make your own themed playlist for the occasion.

Safety Items

Don’t forget to prepare for any minor mishaps or emergencies, too! Here’s what you can bring that just might end up saving the day:

1. First Aid

• First Aid Kit: Stock this with bandages, pain relivers, and antiseptics just in case.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect yourself from the elements with these items.

2. Food Safety

• Fire Extinguisher: If you’re grilling, you should always have one of these on hand. And make sure you fully extinguish all flames before leaving your area unattended.
• Meat Thermometer: You’ll need one of these to make sure your food is cooked to the correct temperature and safe to eat.
• Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: If bathrooms aren’t easily accessible, these are great for cleaning your hands before handling food.

3. Weather Prep

• Blankets or Jackets: These are great to bundle up in if the weather’s colder.
• Rain Ponchos or Umbrellas: These are a good thing to have in case it starts raining.
• Fan or Portable Heater: These will help you stay comfortable if it’s extra hot or cold outside.

Each venue has its own tailgating rules, so make sure you do your research in advance to avoid any fines or issues.

With the right preparation, tailgating can be a fun, memorable experience. Use this ultimate tailgate accessories checklist to make sure you have all your bases covered, and make the next game day one for the books!

For more buying guides like this one, check out our other Parties articles.