Have I mentioned before how much I love the Dave Matthews Band? Every year my husband and I go see them on tour, and one of the best parts is the tailgate! Tailgating before a concert or sporting event is such a great time to be social and hang out with friends and family. It’s the time for food, games, and drinking.
Related: A DMB Kind of Summer
I also view it as a time to make new friends. In 2015 we saw the Dave Matthews Band in Wisconsin at Alpine Valley, the 2nd largest amphitheater in the country. We tailgated all day before the show and then after we decided to fire up the grill again (because it was going to take a while to get out of there). Well, the guys next to us saw us and asked if they could use our grill because theirs got run over. That sparked an instant friendship and they ended up tailgating with us the next day too. And then again in 2016 as well as at other shows.
Before I started going to Dave Matthews Band concerts 8 years ago, I didn’t really know much about tailgating. Now, 31 concerts later, I’d like to think I know a little bit more.
Tailgate Essentials:
Set Up
- Canopy
- Camping chairs
- Poncho
- Speakers
- Cooler
Related: The Perfect Summer Sundress
Food/Cooking
- Grill
- Gas/Coal
- Firestarter/ Lighter
- Table
- Cooking Utensils
- Solo Cups
- Paper Towels/Wet Wipes
- Paper Plates
- Trash bags
- Bottle Opener
- Eating utensils – forks, spoons, knives
Related: My Reverse Bucketlist
Top: 2018 Deercreek Camping/tailgate; Bottom: 2016 Alpine Valley – Nick & Jeff toasting to DMB probably
Game Options
- Beer Pong
- Corn Hole
- Cards
- Ladder Ball
- Football
- Frisbee
2015 Alpine Valley Tailgate – BBF Will celebrating Ladder Ball win 🙂
Don’t Forget
- Sunscreen
- Bottled Water
- Lots of Ice
I didn’t include any actual food items because I feel like that’s an entirely different, more extensive list. These are just the essentials and things to get you started for your tailgate.
What are your favorite tailgate items? Let me know in the comments below!
Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.
It sounds like everyone was having a good time! I have never tailgated before, but it is an experience I would like to try someday. I live near Chicago, so maybe if I get a chance, I would tailgate with some friends to watch the Bears. 🙂 I would also bringing sleeping gear (i.e sleeping bags, etc..) in case one stays overnight.
Oh yeah that’d be fun! I’ve never done it before a football game, only concerts. Camping gear like sleeping bags and tents would be good too if you can sleep overnight.
Really great tips. Wearing clothing that is light in fabric or light in color while you are out so you won’t overheat. I’ve never been to a tailgate, but it seems like fun.
Yes, definitely wearing something light because you’ll be in the heat all day, that’s a good one. Tailgating is so much fun but I’ve only ever done it for concerts. But I know a lot of people do it for football games and other sporting events. I feel like most people use it as a way to get drunk before an event but I just like to socialize.
You have thought of everything for a fantastic tailgate.
Okay girl! I am officially ready for my next tailgate thanks to you! I’m literally excited that I will finally be prepared! Thank you so much for this post! And by the way, I love the Dave Matthews Band as well!
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Yayy!!! That’s so awesome, a fellow DMB fan I love it! I hope you’re going to see them on tour and tailgate haha.
HOW FUN! I love a good tailgate!