National Tailgating Day: 10 Ways to Create the Ultimate Steeplechase Tailgate
With National Tailgating Day coming up on September 5, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about one of the Steeplechase of Charleston’s favorite race day traditions. A great tailgate brings together good food, great company, and plenty of race day style, all while giving your group a place to gather throughout the day.
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up 10 tips to help you plan a tailgate that’s comfortable, memorable, and ready for race day.
1-Pick a Race Day Theme
Give your tailgate some personality with a theme. Think classic equestrian, Southern garden party, Lowcountry fall, or a color palette that coordinates with your group.
Carry your theme through table linens, flowers, serving pieces, signs, and simple decorations. You don’t have to go over the top. A few thoughtful details can transform your space.
Pro Tip: Choose decorations that are easy to transport and can be secured outdoors.
2-Plan a Menu Made for Tailgating
The best race day food is delicious, easy to serve, and easy to enjoy throughout the day. Think sandwiches, sliders, dips, grazing boards, bite-sized appetizers, and a few sweet treats.
Want to skip the cooking? Hamby Catering makes race day even easier with convenient catering pickup options. Order ahead, pick up your favorites, and arrive ready to entertain.
Pro Tip: Start with lighter bites and bring out heartier foods later in the day. Coolers and insulated bags are also helpful for keeping everything fresh.
3-Build a Grazing Board
A grazing board can double as your appetizer and centerpiece. Fill it with cheeses, crackers, fruit, vegetables, spreads, meats, and other easy-to-eat favorites.
Set everything out when your guests arrive so they can snack and mingle throughout the day without missing the action on the racetrack.
Pro Tip: Bring more napkins than you think you’ll need. Trust us on this one.
4-Don’t Forget the Kids
Race day is a family affair, and plenty of our youngest racegoers join us each year. Make sure your tailgate has something for them, too.
Pack kid-friendly snacks, plenty of water and juice, and foods that are easy for little hands to grab. Then make time to visit the Family Fun Zone, where kids can enjoy even more activities away from the racetrack.
Pro Tip: Pack a few simple activities for downtime at the tailgate between races.
5-Create a Signature Race Day Drink
Give your guests something festive to sip with a signature race day cocktail or mocktail. Lean into Charleston with flavors like peach, sweet tea, or a refreshing Charleston-inspired punch.
You can also turn your tailgate into a taste of the Lowcountry by offering a selection of beers from local Charleston breweries. Add plenty of water and nonalcoholic choices so everyone has something to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Make cocktails or mocktails in batches ahead of time so you aren’t playing bartender all day.
6-Make It Photo-Worthy
Your tailgate is part of the race day experience, so give everyone a reason to pull out their cameras.
Coordinate your hats, bow ties, dresses, and accessories with your décor. Add fresh flowers, an equestrian-inspired centerpiece, or a fun race day sign to create the perfect backdrop for group photos.
And remember, you’ll be spending the day outdoors on grass, so choose race day shoes that look great but are still comfortable.
7-Make Setup Easy
Want the tailgate experience without bringing all the equipment? Consider adding a Tailgate Tent Package to your reserved tailgate space. With your tent, table, and chairs taken care of, you can focus on decorating, setting out the food, and enjoying your guests.
Pro Tip: Plan and reserve everything early so race morning is as easy as possible.
8-Keep an Eye on the Weather
November in Charleston can bring beautiful fall weather, but conditions can change. Check the forecast before race day and plan accordingly.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, rain gear, and appropriate footwear can all come in handy depending on the forecast. Remember, you’ll be outdoors for most of the day, so a little preparation can make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Keep a small race day weather kit packed and ready. Sunscreen, a light layer, ponchos, and an extra pair of shoes can save the day.
9-Pack the Race Day Essentials
Make a checklist before you leave home. Cups, utensils, serving pieces, trash bags, coolers, ice, sunscreen, phone chargers, and other small essentials are easy to forget.
And don’t forget your binoculars! They’re perfect for getting a closer look at the action on the racetrack.
Pro Tip: Pack supplies in labeled containers so you can find what you need quickly without digging through the car.
10-Make It About Your People
The best tailgate isn’t necessarily the fanciest. It’s the one filled with your favorite people. Gather your friends and family, introduce the kids to the excitement of race day, take plenty of pictures, cheer on the horses, and enjoy a fall day together at the Steeplechase of Charleston.
Want Us to Do the Work?
If your idea of the perfect race day involves entertaining guests or clients while someone else handles the details, consider a Steeplechase of Charleston hospitality experience.
Hospitality options offer an elevated way to experience race day without worrying about planning your own tailgate setup, allowing you to focus on your guests, the racing, and enjoying the day.
Whether you create your own tailgate from the ground up or leave the details to us, there’s a raceday experience waiting for you at the Steeplechase of Charleston.
National Tailgating Day may give us the perfect excuse to start planning, but at the Steeplechase of Charleston, tailgating is part of the tradition.
Gather your crew, plan your menu, pack your race day essentials, and make your tailgate your own. Reserve your tailgate now!
We’ll see you at the races on November 15!