Backyard Barbecue Season is Finally Here!
Whether you will be picnicking in your backyard, at a local park, or going to a friend’s house, WISH 99.7 has the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue Party Guide to help you plan the perfect outdoor party.
We have some recipes, fun game ideas, and locations that will make the whole family ready for summer!
Presented by:
_______________________________________________________
Build the Perfect Backyard Barbecue Menu
A great barbecue starts with a menu that’s easy to serve, full of flavor, and offers something for everyone. Here’s how to build a lineup your guests will love—from the grill to dessert.
The Grill Stars (Your Main Event)
These are the must-haves that anchor your BBQ:
- Classic burgers (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- Hot dogs & sausages
- BBQ chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or grilled breasts)
- Ribs or pulled pork
✨ Tip: Offer at least one lighter or vegetarian option so everyone has something to enjoy.
Level It Up (Signature Add-Ons)
- Gourmet burger bar (brioche buns, avocado, bacon jam, specialty cheeses)
- Skewers (chicken, steak, shrimp, veggie)
- Grilled flatbreads or sliders
- Street corn or loaded baked potatoes
- House-made sauces (BBQ, spicy mayo, garlic aioli)
The Perfect Sides
- Potato salad or pasta salad
- Coleslaw (classic or vinegar-based)
- Fresh fruit salad
- Watermelon slices
- Chips & dips (guacamole, salsa, onion dip)
- Baked beans
✨ Tip: Mix make-ahead sides with a few fresh options for variety and convenience.
Fresh & Light Options
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, peppers, asparagus)
- Caprese skewers
- Garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Corn on the cob
Build-Your-Own Stations
- Burger or hot dog topping bar
- Taco or slider station
- DIY nacho bar
- Sauce & seasoning station
Sweet Endings
- S’mores station (fire pit or grill-friendly)
- Ice cream sandwiches or popsicles
- Brownies or cookies
- Strawberry shortcake
- Grilled fruit with whipped cream
Backyard Barbecue Games
Great food brings people together—but great games keep the party going. Whether you’ve got kids, adults, or a mix of both, these backyard barbecue games are simple to set up and guaranteed to add energy to your gathering.
Classic Lawn Games (Crowd Favorites)
- Cornhole – A BBQ staple that everyone knows and loves
- Ladder toss – Simple setup, surprisingly competitive
- Horseshoes – A classic with a laid-back vibe
- Bocce ball – Great for larger groups and longer games
✨ Tip: Set up a mini tournament with teams and a simple prize.
Fun & Interactive Group Games
- Giant Jenga – Builds suspense (and crashes loudly!)
- Charades or trivia – Keep it light and themed around music, summer, or pop culture
- Water balloon toss – Perfect for hot days
- Sack races or relay races – Great for kids and competitive adults
Cool-Off Games (Hot Weather Musts)
- Sprinkler runs for kids
- Slip ‘n slide fun
- Water gun battles
- Dunk bucket challenge (DIY or store-bought)
Family-Friendly Activities
- Sidewalk chalk art station
- Bubble station
- Hula hoops or jump ropes
- Coloring table or craft corner
Music + Movement
- Dance-off or freestyle dance area
- Limbo contest
- Freeze dance (great for kids)
Make It a Competition
- Create teams for different games
- Keep score throughout the day
- Offer a fun prize (gift cards, BBQ leftovers, or silly trophies)
Wind-Down Games (Evening Vibes)
- Card games or board games
- Storytelling around the fire pit
- Glow stick ring toss
- Outdoor movie setup
12 Backyard Barbecue Grilling Safety Tips
A backyard BBQ should be all about good food and great memories—not accidents. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or firing it up for the first time this season, these safety tips will help keep everyone protected.
- Choose the Right Spot - Place your grill on a flat, stable surface
- Keep it at least 10 feet away from your house, deck rails, or overhangs
- Never grill in enclosed spaces like garages or indoors
- Check for gas leaks before using a propane grill
- Open the lid before lighting to prevent flare-ups
- Use only approved lighter fluid for charcoal grills—never gasoline
- Keep raw meat separate from cooked food
- Use different plates and utensils for raw and grilled items
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- Keep a spray bottle handy and a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Long-handled grilling tools help keep hands away from heat.
- Turn off propane tank fully when finished.
The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Playlist + Party Vibe Guide
A great BBQ isn’t just about the food—it’s about the vibe. And nothing shapes the vibe more than music. The right playlist can take your gathering from casual cookout to unforgettable summer party. Here’s how to build the perfect soundtrack from start to finish.
- Start Easy: Arrival vibes light, welcoming. As guests arrive, keep things relaxed and upbeat—music that sets the tone without overpowering conversation. Play:
- Chill pop & acoustic favorites
- Light throwbacks
- Easy listening summer hits
- WISH 99.7!
- Mid-Party Energy: Upbeat, familiar, sing-along. Play:
- 80s & 90s throwbacks
- Feel-good pop hits
- WISH 99.7!
- Peak Party Mode: Turn It Up with high energy, dance-worthy music. Play:
- Dance hits
- Upbeat pop & party anthems
- Throwback jams
- WISH 99.7!
- Sunset Chill: Wind It Down with the music everyone knows. Play:
- Pro Tips for the Perfect BBQ Playlist
- ✔️ Keep It Familiar. Stick to songs most people recognize—
- this isn’t the time to experiment too much.
- ✔️ Mix Eras & Genres. Blend today’s hits with yesterday’s favorites (perfect for WISH 99.7’s vibe).
- ✔️ Avoid Too Many Slow Songs Early. Keep the energy up—
- save slower tracks for later.
- ✔️ Build in Waves. Think of your playlist like the party itself—start chill, build energy, then wind down.
