Father’s Day Backyard Barbecue Ideas
By Jeff Bogle
Jun 07, 2024
From yummy recipes to fun outdoor games, and DIY backyard decorations, here’s how to throw an epic Father’s Day Backyard Barbecue this year.
It’s no accident that Father’s Day falls just as summer is set to begin because Dads love grilling and their backyard! So having an epic Father’s Day Backyard Barbecue with friends and family is one surefire way to let Dad know how much you love and appreciate him. But before you put out the plates and cups, there are a few things you’ll need to make sure your Father's Day Barbecue is a success. First, easy Father's Day grill recipes for a crowd that will leave everyone’s bellies full and fingers sticky are a must. And to protect your bottom line, budget-friendly backyard barbecue menu ideas will be super helpful. From there, it’s all about awesome party themes, cool decorations, fun outdoor games, and epic lighting tips to create a brilliant and picturesque atmosphere for your Father’s Day Backyard Barbecue.
Budget-Friendly Backyard Barbecue Menu Ideas
Whether he caught them while fishing on his boat or you buy fresh fillets from a local fishmonger, this grilled fish recipe with mango salsa is one of the best easy Father's Day grill recipes for a crowd! Here are some tips for how to get starting grilling fish for your Father’s Day Barbecue. Of course, burgers, both meaty and plant-based for your vegetarian friends and family, hot dogs, sausages, shrimp, and veggies deserve a home on the grill, too, but don’t forget about the chicken! The best marinades for grilled chicken wings often include soy sauce, vinegar, thyme, and onion. Be sure to add some hot sauce too if Dad likes to bring the heat to a party!
The main courses coming from the barbecue will take up the most space on the plate, but include some healthy and delicious side dishes for a summer barbecue, too. Sides like deli pickles, creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, mozzarella and tomato or a chickpea salad, and crispy roasted potatoes are just some of the healthy choices to pair with your hot and juicy proteins.
Creative Father's Day Party Themes
What does Dad love most? Soccer, freshwater fishing, pontoon boating, classic rock music, Star Wars? You can and should find DIY backyard decorations on a budget for parties, including printable backyard barbecue party invitations to set the scene and the expectations for guests. You can make it a costume party or just have amazing DIY backyard decor you find inspiration on Pinterest for, things that will make Dad smile when he sees that you see and appreciate his interests enough to transform the deck and/or backyard into a decorated playground just for him.
Fun All-Ages Outdoor Games
The best Father’s Day backyard barbecue party will not only have delicious food, side dishes, and drinks, but also be stocked with classic and fun outdoor games for all ages! From corn hole to ladder ball, a Wiffle ball and bat, Frisbees, and a soccer ball to have a kick around, mid-June is primetime for cheap outdoor summer activities with family and friends.
For this year’s Father's Day Barbecue, make upcycled DIY lawn games for a backyard party, like this ingenious bottle cap Plinko-style game that any Dad who grew up watching The Price Is Right will love!
Backyard Lighting
If the dad in your life is anything like me, he gets a little weak in the knees over string lights in the air creating a warm, welcoming outdoor dining space on a beautiful evening. For your memorable Father’s Day Barbecue, use some of these creative backyard lighting ideas for a festive atmosphere that will take his breath away as he gobbles up freshly grilled fish, burgers, hot dogs, and more with his kids by his side.
Have even more fun with dad this summer with these 9 activity ideas for Father’s Day!
