What is a Tailgate Party?

American readers may be familiar with the concept of a tailgate party, but for people around the world, tailgating may be less familiar. Closely associated with Western culture and sports traditions, tailgate parties are an all-American tradition hosted around the tailgates of open vehicles like pick-up trucks and cars. Originally named for the hinge on the back of trucks that were used at these kinds of parties, it’s now a more general phrase referring to hosting parties and celebrations in open air with vehicles.

Tailgating is a great way to get friends and family together around major events, like sports games, concerts, festivals, and rodeos, and has been a key part of American celebrations for a long time. With the growing interest in Western and cowboy culture all around the world, we’re also seeing more and more tailgate parties in Europe too. 

There’s no barrier to who can get involved and how creative you can get with them. We uncover the history and culture of tailgating, as well as what to wear to a tailgate party.

History of Tailgate Parties

Tailgating began with early college football games beginning in the late 1800s. In fact, when the first ever college football game was played in New Jersey in 1869, there were spectators at the game with food to eat alongside the action.

With the introduction of concession and snack stands at most major sporting events and even at concerts and rodeos, enjoying delicious food alongside all kinds of entertainment has become inextricably linked. Tailgating is one of the purest forms of this, with groups of people banding together to enjoy great food alongside entertainment events.

What to Bring to a Tailgate Party?

Tailgate parties are all about getting together, enjoying big events, and having fun, so the most important thing to bring is a positive spirit to make special memories together. Tailgating parties are also known for their refreshments, so whether you’re bringing hot dogs and burgers to grill, a prepared salad, or baked goods – make sure to bring something tasty for everyone to enjoy. Accompanied by beverages, from your favourite sodas and iced tea for the drivers, to beers and punch for the non-drivers.

Although tailgate parties tend to be centred around major events like rodeos and sports games, it is always a good idea to bring along some party games to keep everyone entertained. Whether you play card games on picnic tables or bring beer pong to get the party started, or even horseshoes or ring toss, tailgates are all about spending time together outdoors.

What to Wear to a Tailgate Party

Tailgate parties are seriously fun and often go on for a long time, so the best plan is to keep it casual and dress comfortably. Tailgates are a great place to show off your best Western style, so we recommend reaching for your denim jeans and cowboy boots as a foundation for any tailgate outfit. But we also recommend a casual and comfortable outfit so you can enjoy the relaxed fun atmosphere. We’ve pulled together our guide to dressing for tailgate parties.

Men’s Tailgate Style Guide

For a summer tailgate party, a great men’s style option is a Western shirt and denim jeans. Why not pair Ariat’s Herschel Retro Fit Western Shirt with our M7 Rocker Legacy Stretch Boot Cut Jean for a classically Western look? The Western shirt brings classically American flair while the slight stretch of the denim allows for long-lasting comfort. Finish the look off with our Sport Stratten Western Boot’s bold shaft design, perfect for a party.

If you’re tailgating in the winter, the Crius Hooded Insulated Jacket is sure to keep you warm throughout the fun.

Women’s Tailgate Style Guide

At tailgate parties, show off your casual style by pairing Western denim and cowboy boots with your favourite top. For the perfect foundation, grab Ariat’s R.E.A.L. High Rise Daniela Boot Cut jeans that offer feminine shaping and an elongated leg to look and feel your best at the party. Pair with the Jukebox Western Boot for a pop of colour.

Look your best in the Ariat Delta Poncho, designed to keep you a little bit warmer whilst also offering classically American styling. For a lighter look, Ariat has a wide range of t-shirts in comfortable, stylish cotton to keep you casual and cool all day and night.