- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAmericanSports
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 1st Saturday of September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏈
National Tailgating Day fires up the grills every first Saturday of September. This day encourages sports enthusiasts to gather outside stadiums, enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie before the big game. Pack your cooler, fire up the grill, and celebrate your favorite team with fellow fans!
Want to sponsor National Tailgating Day? Learn how
Expected National Tailgating Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Tailgating Day brings out deals from major retailers and food brands. Expect discounts on grilling essentials from Weber and Kingsford, cooler deals from YETI and RTIC, and snack promotions from Frito-Lay. Beverage companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Coca-Cola often run special bundles. Apparel retailers such as Fanatics will likely offer discounts on team merchandise. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 4 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Tailgating Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTailgatingDay. Share your best tailgating setup, game-day recipes, and team spirit photos.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Tailgating. Film quick videos of your pre-game traditions, grill masters in action, or creative tailgating games.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TailgateParty. Share your favorite tailgating memories and invite friends to join your game-day celebration.
National Tailgating Day Hero
Joe Cahn
History of National Tailgating Day
National Tailgating Day was created by Luke Lorick in 2016. Currently the president of the Tailgating Challenge, he founded this holiday out of his love for tailgate parties. The best way to celebrate this holiday is to load up the truck, or whichever vehicle is available, with food, beverage, and other party essentials, and head out to the tailgate venue. Football fans often arrive a few hours early, get hyped up about the game, enjoy a meal, and have a good time.
It is uncertain when the first tailgate party took place, but there are several contenders to claim this title. Some suggest that the first tailgaters were the spectators at the Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Onlookers arrived with bottles of claret and picnic baskets brimming with food to watch the two sides face each other.
Today, tailgating takes place before football matches. The overall consensus is that the first football game to take place in the U.S. was between Rutgers and Princeton Universities on November 6, 1869. On the day of the event, fans reached the venue early to stir excitement and enjoy the company of their friends.
National Tailgating Day timeline
It is speculated that the first tailgate party is started by the Romans before and after chariot races.
Supporters of the Union Army show up with food and drink for the soldiers.
The first football game takes place in the U.S. on November 6.
The first National Tailgating Day is celebrated on September 3.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tailgating Day
Local restaurants and sports bars can host pre-game specials or offer catering packages tailored for tailgaters, featuring easy-to-transport snacks and drinks. Sporting goods stores can run promotions on grilling equipment, team apparel, and portable entertainment systems. Even car dealerships can highlight vehicles with spacious trunks or built-in tailgating features, engaging with fans looking for the ultimate game-day ride. Consider sponsoring a local team’s tailgate section or organizing a community-wide watch party.
National Tailgating Day FAQs
When is National Tailgating Day?
In 2027, National Tailgating Day will be observed on Saturday, September 4, marking the unofficial start of prime tailgating season. Fans can look forward to a full day of food, fun, and football festivities.
How many people participate in tailgating?
The passion for tailgating continues to grow, with surveys consistently showing high participation rates. Roughly 17% of American adults, or about 43 million people, reported attending a tailgate party in the past year, highlighting its enduring popularity.
What are the most popular tailgating foods?
While traditional grilled fare remains king, modern tailgaters are increasingly experimenting with gourmet sliders, smoked meats, and themed dishes. Portable appetizers like loaded nachos, wings, and creative skewers are also gaining traction for their ease of sharing.
What is the origin of tailgating?
Tailgating evolved from simple roadside picnics to the elaborate mobile feasts seen today. The term ‘tailgating’ itself likely emerged in the early 20th century, as fans began using the tailgates of their vehicles to serve food and drinks, solidifying a beloved pre-game ritual.
National Tailgating Day Activities
Play tailgate games
Plan some fun activities. There are many games you can play at a tailgate. The top three are beer pong, cornhole, and ladder ball.
Get ready for a tailgate
Pack your favorite food and beverages, carpool with friends, and head over to the decided up tailgate meeting point. Check you have your grilling accessories and make sure that you have all you need for a successful party.
Share on social media
You can’t have a great tailgate without showing it off. Share it online using the hashtag #NationalTailgatingDay
5 Facts About Tailgating You Probably Didn’t Know
It’s very common
Nearly 80% of the U.S. population tailgates.
There's an age bracket for tailgating
About 64% of tailgaters are between the ages of 25 to 44.
Tailgaters just can’t stop
Many fans tailgate at least eight times a season.
The big league
Reliant Stadium in Texas is the top venue for tailgating.
Food and beverage consumption are high
The sales from food and beverage for tailgates are estimated at $35 billion.
Why We Love National Tailgating Day
It’s a fantastic tradition
Tailgating is not your average get-together. It is a specific gathering before a football game when the air is crisp and cold, and the smell of autumn is present. Tailgating is memorable and we love it.
It generates excitement
Tailgating creates hype for the game, and the stakes become higher as bets are placed. It inspires fans to take pride in their teams.
It’s an All-American activity
Tailgating is all-American, and a rite of passage for many youngsters. Any holiday that encompasses the American spirit gets our vote.
National Tailgating Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 6 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 5 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 4 | Saturday |
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