Tailgate Party Ideas: Best Tips, Food & Games for the Perfect Tailgate

Planning the perfect tailgate? Whether you are outside the stadium, setting up at the office, or throwing a backyard game day celebration, these tailgate party ideas will help you put on the ultimate event. From food and drinks to decorations and games, we have you covered. Use the Fetch app to earn rewards on every tailgate receipt and fund your next party with gift cards.

Check out our tips for how to host a tailgate party below, and remember to snap every receipt for your tailgate party supplies in the Fetch app. Before long, you’ll be paying for your next tailgate with points from the last one.

Turn your tailgate party into a points party with Fetch

You know you should be snapping each receipt in the Fetch app. That is the first step toward points and rewards. Each tailgate party idea piles up points when you stock snacks and drinks, and there are many more ways to earn:

• Fetch Offers: Find extra points on featured products or at specific locations. Tap the favorite button to build a list of point boosters.
• Boosted Brands: Look for the flame icon in the app. Products from these brands earn extra points, and a bigger flame means a bigger boost.
• Fetch Shop: Need food, drinks, or a grill. Open Fetch Shop from the shopping cart icon and earn points on nearly every dollar.

History of tailgating

Many modern tailgates trace their spirit to ancient harvest celebrations in Greece and Rome, where food, drink, music, and community were central before winter. Centuries later, spectators picnicked during the first Battle of Bull Run. By the early twentieth century, alumni gathered around college football games and drove in to celebrate. The ritual grew with car ownership and the rise of portable coolers and grills. Today you will find tailgates across many sports, with college and professional football leading the way.

Best tailgate party ideas

If you want the quick hit list of winners, start here. These best tailgate party ideas help nearly every host:

• Portable chairs and tables with durable coolers for ice and drinks
• Team themed decorations and simple signage so guests find you
• Easy tailgate food ideas like burgers, dips, and finger foods
• A rotation of games such as cornhole, beer pong, or bocce
• Backup batteries, a rechargeable speaker, and spare chargers
• A signature pitcher cocktail and a self serve drink station

Fetch’s top 7 tips for hosting a great tailgate party

These timeless tips show up at many winning tailgates. Use them to make hosting simple:

1. Portable is best. Choose transport friendly food storage and decorations. Prioritize durability for supplies.
2. Stake out a spot. Most tailgates happen in the lot outside the venue. If you live nearby, scout ahead and arrive early to hold the space.
3. Bring furniture. Extra chairs keep guests comfortable.
4. Label food. Help guests with allergies and preferences, and cut down on questions about the spread.
5. Bring games. Cornhole, beer pong, and bocce fill time between grilling and kickoff.
6. Stay charged up. Pack phone batteries, a Bluetooth speaker, spare AA or AAA batteries, and a power strip with a few extra phone chargers.
7. Pick a theme. Stand out from other tailgate party ideas with a theme. Find party favors in Fetch Shop or make your own so guests remember where to meet next game day.

Office tailgate party ideas

Bring the game day spirit to work with an office friendly plan:

• Potluck snacks. Ask coworkers to bring favorites like Tostitos tortilla chips with salsa, Stacy’s pita chips with Sabra hummus, Cheetos, and Chex Mix.
• Decorate the breakroom. Use streamers and plates in team colors to set the mood.
• Mini games. Try trivia, a desktop cornhole board, or a football squares pool.
• Work friendly drinks. Offer sparkling water, mocktails, or themed sodas.

Snap those receipts with Fetch to earn points before kickoff.

Tailgate party ideas for adults

Plan a grown up tailgate with simple upgrades:

• Pitcher cocktails. Mix a batch of André champagne and Simply Orange Juice for mimosas or make an easy sangria.
• Self serve stations. Set out mixers, canned drinks, and alcohol so guests can pour for themselves. Bulleit Crafted Cocktails make bartending simple.
• Theme nights. Coordinate jerseys, décor, and a playlist.
• Adult games. Run a beer pong bracket, set up bocce, or bring a travel friendly card game.

Remember to snap your receipts in Fetch and turn the celebration into rewards for the next party.

Football tailgate party ideas

Most tailgates revolve around football, so plan for energy and crowd pleasers:

• Hearty menu. Burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, chili, and smoked meatballs keep guests satisfied.
• Game day vibes. Play classic fight songs and a pump up playlist.
• Screen time. A portable screen makes pre game coverage easy.
• Yard games. Keep competition going off the field.

Easy tailgate food and drink ideas

The best tailgate food and drink ideas are usually the easiest. If you make simple snack and drink plans, you will spend more time having fun. Try these:

• Finger foods and dippables such as Tostitos tortilla chips and salsa, Stacy’s pita chips with Sabra hummus, Cheetos, and Chex Mix.
• Put that slow cooker to work. Make pulled pork sandwiches, chili cheese dip, smoked meatballs or sausages. Set it and keep it on warm for the game.
• Cook pre made burgers. Fresh or frozen, it is easier when you can open a container and toss patties onto the grill.
• Pitcher cocktails. Mix once and pour all day.
• Self serve. Set out mixers and alcohol so guests can make their own drinks.
• Canned drinks. Stock classic sodas and beer, and consider a pack of Bulleit Crafted Cocktails for ease.

Fetch gift cards to fund your next tailgate party

Whatever tailgate party idea you try, there is a gift card to help you fund it. Redeem your points for a gift card to these retailers and your next tailgate party could be funded by Fetch:

• Albertsons
• Amazon
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Sam’s Club
• Target
• Walmart

Plan your party with the Fetch app

Open the Fetch app to start your tailgate party plan today. Browse offers to build your shopping list, check your points balance for your next gift card, and line up guests for game day.

We are your tailgate party partner with the best tailgate snack and drink ideas and an easy way to earn rewards every step of the way.

FAQs about tailgate party ideas