The summer is all about the outdoors! Invite your friends and entire family over for the ultimate summer backyard bash for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any of the days in between.
There are so many different ways you could do this, but I’ve put together some of my absolute favorite recipes, activities, and decorations to help make it easy to host and make sure everyone has a fun time!
So whether you want to have a fun outdoor night with your neighbors, a full-on bash with your entire block, or a huge family reunion in your backyard, these backyard barbecue ideas are for you! I didn’t really get into if you’re doubling this as a pool party – I’ll get into those ideas in a different post!
I’ve split this guide into four different sections – delicious foods, things to do, decorations/themes, and hacks (like how to host backyard barbeques with small outdoor spaces) – everything you need for your next backyard bbq.
Now all you need is some warm weather, a picnic table (or any outdoor tables) or two, and the whole family (or friends)!
Click on each of the links in the guide below to be taken directly to that idea!
Outdoor Party Decorations & Themes
These fun party decorations work for any backyard barbecue, no matter what the theme! And of course, I have a couple of fun theme ideas in here too! And if none of these work, it’s always fun to add some tiki torches – although I typically reserve those for pool parties personally.
Yard Games & Activities
One of the toughest things about hosting an outdoor event, especially in the summer, is the heat. I’ve put together an entire post with beat the heat party ideas PLUS a full post with tons of water games, so I won’t rehash those here. But I do recommend incorporating some of them, if for nothing else to keep your guests cool! These are instead non-wet outdoor games, lawn games, DIY backyard games, and pretty much anything else you can think of to do in your backyard! They use hula hoops, bean bags, and even things normally just found in a kiddie pool for some summer fun!
BBQ Menu Ideas
A backyard barbecue isn’t called a barbecue for no reason – this type of get together is all about the food! So let’s finish it off with food! There are so many different things you could serve for a backyard barbecue, so I’m just going to share a handful of my favorites! Obviously something grilled up on a barbecue grill (or pellet grill or charcoal grill, you choose) plus sides, refreshing drinks, and summer desserts that won’t melt!
Main Dishes
I tried to include more creative and unique ideas than just the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs. I always like those two but if you’re looking for something really special, these recipes hit the spot!
Side Dishes
Now that we’ve talked about the main event, it’s time to talk about my favorite part of any backyard barbecue – the sides! These sides all make perfect additions to the typical meat, meat, meat part of a cook out! I recommend having other people bring side dishes to share or planning make ahead recipes so that you can focus on grilling!
Desserts
Now it’s time for desserts. When it comes to desserts, you want to make sure and serve things that are light, refreshing, and that won’t melt. Or if they will melt, serve them immediately from the freezer!
Drinks
Last but not least, you can’t forget the drinks! These are just a few drinks you can serve whether you’re having an event with kids, adults, or a mix of both!
Backyard Party Favors and Hacks
Alright, let’s add the finishing touches to this backyard blowout! These are some of my absolute favorite backyard ideas and hacks to just put it over the top – in a good way!
