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Home ‏‏‎ ‎/‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Holiday Party Ideas ‏‏‎ ‎/‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ 60 Best Backyard BBQ Ideas

60 Best Backyard BBQ Ideas

By:

Britni Vigil

03/14/2025

This post may contain affiliate links. Privacy policy.

Use these awesome backyard bbq ideas to make hosting your own backyard party easy this summer! Everything from the perfect backyard bbq menu to decoration ideas and of course outdoor games to play!

Title of 60 Brilliant Backyard Barbecue Ideas

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!

Table of contents

  • Outdoor Party Decorations & Themes
  • Yard Games & Activities
  • BBQ Menu Ideas
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
  • Backyard Party Favors and Hacks

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.

DIY s'mores bar with a s'mores bar sign
DIY S’mores Bar
If you have a firepit or can light a few s’mores candles, this DIY s’mores bar is the perfect way to let people make their own dessert and enjoy the outdoors! And all you need are some graham crackers, chocolate bars, and of course, marshmallows!
Check it out!
Farmer's Market birthday party table
Farmer’s Market Party
Is there anything better than going to a farmer’s market for fresh produce on a summer morning? Bring that feel to your backyard bash with a fun farmer’s market themed party like this one! Serve fresh produce, baked goods, and use baskets and bags (maybe even a bar cart) like they’d give you at the market! This is one of our family favorites!
Check it out!
Table with salads with a grass background
Salad Station
Setup a grab and go salad station in glass jars with lids (to keep out bugs). Choose salads like the strawberry spinach salad in this post that will stay good throughout the party! Or you could just do a big jar of salad and put your favorite toppings in smaller jars to make your own salad!
Check it out!
Popcorn bar
Popcorn Cart
Setup a DIY popcorn bar for snacks throughout the event! Even better if you’re planning on showing an outdoor movie when it gets a little darker! This is a great option to setup away from your main bbq area as a little snack station.
Check it out!
burger bar setup with all the toppings
Burger Bar
Setup a little burger bar for people to top their burgers! It can double as both food and decorations! This is a great idea if you’re serving burgers or also a great option if you’re doing hot dogs or chicken sandwiches that require toppings!
Check it out!
Table with hamburgers and hot dogs
Checked Table Setup
Go all in on the red checked look like you would get if you ordered burgers or hot dogs at a diner! This fun party setup uses plastic baskets, basket liners, and even plastic condiment containers to give you the true barbecue feel!
Check it out!
hot dog toppings in cups on a wood stand
Hot Dog Toppings
Plate your toppings in a fun way by adding some height and layers like she did in this hot dog bar! And don’t forget the printable labels, they just add the final touch to any event!
Check it out!
Juice bar setup on a red table
Drink Station
Setup a drink station with drink tubs full of ice and grab and go drinks. And then have various punches and mix-ins so everyone can pour and mix their favorite drink!
Check it out!
Rustic BBQ
No one said you have to grill at a backyard barbecue. Buy or make the food ahead of time and just serve it in fun serving dishes like these rustic containers! This is a great option if you have less time and want to enjoy each other’s company instead of cooking!
Check it out!
Backyard Picnic
Do a backyard bbq picnic where everyone can choose from typical picnic foods but barbecue style – pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken sliders, etc. Then have people grab their eats and sit on picnic blankets (or eat at picnic tables) for a fun crossover theme!
Check it out!

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!

Corn hole board and other outdoor games
Outdoor Games
This is the ultimate list of outdoor games, 36 different games to be exact! There’s everything from DIY yard games to traditional games you probably played growing up. They’re great for kids, teens, and adults! Pick one or five to keep your guests entertained!
Check it out!
Nature scavenger hunt held in someone's hand
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Let kids explore the yard and see how many of the items on this nature scavenger hunt they can find! It’s an easy way to keep them from saying I’m bored at any backyard bash!
Check it out!
Two neighborhood scavenger hunt lists with toy houses
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Or get the entire party involved by splitting into teams and seeing who can find all of the items on this neighborhood scavenger hunt first! Just don’t forget to leave someone at the house to man the meat on the barbecue! The winning team gets first dibs on the food!
Check it out!
Girl bowling a baseball at bowling pins
Ball Games
Want to mix things up? Try one of these silly ball games that use sports skills in a fun and silly way! They’re perfect for playing in the backyard, plus every party needs a little competition!
Check it out!
DIY Kerplunk game
Giant Kerplunk
This DIY project gives you a super fun life-sized version of the game Kerplunk! It’s a blast for both kids and adults, plus super colorful too!
Check it out!
Pool noodle bowling lane
Pool Noodle Bowling
Have extra pool noodles lying around? Use them to form an outdoor bowling lane then play beach ball bowling with cans, bottles, or plastic bowling pins!
Check it out!
Team Relays
Break into teams and play through a series of games and challenges like this blanket pull, a three-legged race, potato sack race, etc. Crown the champions at the end of the challenge! Need more ideas? These Olympic party ideas have tons of other games too!
Check it out!
Kid hitting a water balloon hanging on a string
Field Day Activities
Pick and choose some of these hilarious field day games to work for your backyard BBQ. There are tons of water based ones, obstacle course ones, and ones that are good for the entire family!
Check it out!
DIY Ring Toss
Create your very own ring toss game with some old bottles, a little paint, and some rings! It’s easy and a great passive game that people can play as they want!
Check it out!

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!

Sliced baked balsamic chicken on a white plate
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Forget just basic grilled chicken recipe and go with this balsamic alternative instead! Flavorful, moist, and the perfect pairing for a delicious summer salad! Plus, it’s easy for your grill master to cook this chicken breast to perfection!
Check it out!
Pulled pork sliders with red cabbage slaw
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders
It’s not a backyard barbecue without a little barbecue! Serve up some pulled pork with this delicious cabbage slaw for a total winner! This goes well with any of your favorite side dishes like potato salad!
Check it out!
Three eggplant rolls filled with arugula and bacon
Grilled Eggplant Rolls
Try something totally different by grilling up a little eggplant then stuffing it with a little arugula, bacon, and cheese. This is one of those menu items that will have your guests coming back for more!
Check it out!
Pork Spare Ribs
These fall off the bone spare ribs are cooked on a gas grill and slathered in barbecue sauce. They’re the ultimate feast for your next bbq! Plus, the post has simple ways to make them as tender as possible.
Check it out!

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!

A bowl of baked macaroni and cheese with a spoon in it
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This is the ultimate comfort food and makes a great side dish for pretty much any event! The best part is that it’s good served hot or at room temperature so makes a great dish to enjoy all day long! Plus, it’s super creamy and delicious – win win!
Check it out!
Individual portion of strawberry fluff
Strawberry Fluff Salad
This strawberry fluff salad is cool, refreshing, and highly addicting! It combines strawberries, whipped cream, and other flavors in a to die for barbecue side dish!
Check it out!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
If you’re more of a traditional strawberry salad kind of person, this salad is for you! It combines spinach, pasta, and fruit all with one truly phenomenal dressing for a salad people will be coming back for seconds of!
Check it out!
Watermelon Salad
If strawberries aren’t your thing, try this fresh watermelon salad with cucumber and feta. It’s the perfect refreshing salad on a hot summer day!
Check it out!
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Corn
Is it really a barbecue without corn on the cob? The summer season is easily the best time to have corn on the cob, so it’s a good thing it’s been deemed a barbecue staple! This corn is cooked on the grill to perfection.
Check it out!
Slow cooker baked beans
Baked beans are a traditional side dish for barbecue and cooking them in the slow cooker makes for an easy way to not only cook them but also keep them warm!
Check it out!
Best spinach artichoke dip in a bread bowl
Spinach Artichoke Dip
You really can’t go wrong with serving some sort of chip and dips! Pick a tortilla chip that you love and serve it up with a classic dip like this spinach artichoke dip!
Check it out!
white bowl with Mexican street corn pasta salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This non-traditional pasta salad combines all the best flavors of Mexican street corn in one delicious side dish perfect for a backyard BBQ!
Check it out!

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!

A chocolate brownie cake square on a white plate with a sheet pan of cake in the background
Chocolate Brownie Cake
These old-fashioned cake brownies are super simple to make and great for serving a crowd! They’re topped with a chocolate frosting that won’t melt but that will stay super creamy and soft regardless of the heat! Serve with vanilla ice cream if you can or just serve on their own!
Check it out!
Piece of striped delight with a bite out of it
Striped Delight
My go-to dessert recipe for any occasion! Four layers of absolute goodness that you get in every single bite. If you like chocolate, this takes it to the next level of good!
Check it out!
Strawberry poke cake with whipped cream on top
Strawberry Poke Cake
Vanilla cake filled with strawberry flavor then topped with fresh whipped cream and strawberries – it doesn’t get more summer or more delicious than this!
Check it out!
top view of a s'mores board
S’mores Characuterie Board
If you’re planning to make s’mores at your backyard bbq, this is the best thing ever! It’s a great way to put out a bunch of s’mores options in a beautiful presentation!
Check it out!
stack of slutty brownies on a white plate
Cookie Oreo Brownie Bars
Three layers of chocolately goodness make these a fun idea for any party from a birthday party to a end of year backyard blowout!
Check it out!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
The ultimate summer dessert! These are one of my favorite things ever to make for parties because of all of the layers of amazing flavor!
Check it out!
slice of raspberry jello poke cake on a purple plate
Jello Poke Cake
This raspberry jello poke cake is easy to make, refreshing, and the perfect summer dessert when topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries!
Check it out!
Oreo Ice Cream Cake
This is one of those desserts that needs to stay in the freezer until you’re ready to serve but when you are ready to serve, be ready for all the compliments. This one’s as tasty as it is gorgeous.
Check it out!

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!

Blueberry Lemonade
If you don’t want strawberry lemonade, you can try this blueberry version as well! This is best earlier in the summer when blueberries are the freshest!
Check it out!
A glass or raspberry punch with lime garnish and a colorful napkin in the background
Raspberry Summer Punch
This summer punch is the perfect complement to any backyard meal! It’s a bit tart, a bit sweet, and full of yummy flavor!
Check it out!
Glass of fruit punch in front of a pitcher of fruit punch with fruit all around
Homemade Fruit Punch
Forget the artificial Hawaiian stuff and serve this delicious homemade fruit punch instead! And as a bonus, it’s even better if it sits for a day or two to let the flavors of the fruit juices mingle so you can make it ahead of time! Serve in a large jug so people can pour their own throughout the barbecue!
Check it out!
Glass of creamy lemonade with a lemon slice garnish
Creamy Lemonade
This lemonade went viral on TikTok for a reason! It’s a quick and easy 3-ingredient recipe that has no added sugar! It’s creamy and delicious.
Check it out!
two glasses of homemade limeade
Homemade Limeade
A super easy homemade limeade recipe that’s just a bit more tart than a traditional lemonade! A great option if you want something to balance out the sweet lemonade options.
Check it out!
This sparkling water watermelon juice is the perfect summer drink for a hot day or a great girls night drink!
Sparkling Watermelon Juice
This deliciously refreshing drink combines watermelon, sparkling water, and a little sweetness!
Check it out!

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!

Sunscreen and bug spray in a tin hanger
Sunscreen Station
Put out sunscreen and bug spray people can use and keep them accessible with a cheap tin hanger! I can guarantee at least a few people will have forgotten to apply before they came!
Check it out!
paper towels on a flag holder
Paper Towel Holder
Make sure to have plenty of paper towels on hand for guests – summer food is messy! These Dollar Store flag holders make a great place for paper towels without taking up space on your table!
Check it out!
Red white and blue drinks in a tub full of water balloons at a 4th of July party
Water Balloon Ice Cubes
Forget regular ice cubes in your drink tubs that melt quickly and use frozen water balloons instead! When they melt, they still hold shape and keep drinks cold longer! And once they’ve thawed, you can use them as an activity as well!
Check it out!
Paper Goods Station
Store paper goods in metal buckets away from the food so people can grab them as they want without having to get back in line! Plus, napkins are much more likely to stay in a bucket than just sitting on a table!
Check it out!
Wheelbarrow Drinks
Embrace the outdoors by putting all of your drinks and ice in a wheelbarrow! It’s a great way to hold more than a cooler ever would!
Check it out!
Serve it on a stick
Serve anything you can on a stick like these watermelon pops! Or make individual servings for people to grab and go!
Check it out!
wood games with barbecue tags
Take Home Games
Send guests home with their own individual wood games to remember all the fun backyard games you played! Add little grill tags for the perfect sendoff!
Check it out!
Bags with gummies and printable tags
Thanks for Grilling with Me Gifts
Grab some gummy hot dogs and burgers and add these cute printable tags for the perfect sweet treat to send home with party goers!
Check it out!
Three candles stacked on top of each other
Mosquito Candles
Use candles to keep mosquitos and other bugs away then send the candles home with guests to keep using them at home!
Check it out!

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I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

  1. Mona
    05/27/2024

    Love taking our parties to the next level with your creative ideas. Love your site. Thank you for sharing your talents.

    Reply
    1. Britni Vigil
      06/04/2024

      Aww, thanks!

      Reply

Hi I’m
Britni

I love sweet treats, my family, games, and anything fun!

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