How to Throw the Ultimate Tailgate Party This Football Season

Football season is finally here—and that means it's time to grab your girls, gear up in your cutest game day outfit, and throw the ultimate tailgate before kickoff! Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or turning your backyard into a football fiesta, we’ve got everything you need to host a tailgate that’s as fun as the game itself (okay, more fun if you ask us).

From what to wear to what to serve, here’s your all-in-one playbook for the perfect fall tailgate.

What to Wear to a Tailgate (The Katydid Way)

Tailgating is practically a fashion show—so don’t settle for a basic team tee. Game day is your time to shine, snap pics, and show off your personal style while repping your team spirit. At Katydid, we’re making game day fashion fun, cute, and totally Insta-worthy.

1. Game Day Tees

Start with a statement women's graphic tee from our Game Day Collection. Whether you’re rooting for the home team or just here for the snacks and the socializing, our women's graphic tees for game day are chef’s kiss. Pair slogans like “Game Day Social Club” or “Here To Yell At The Refs” with your fave denim or trendy boxer shorts for a relaxed but cute look.

2. Fall Fashion for Game Day

Layer up with fall-ready pieces like cute sweaters or lightweight quilted jackets that keep you cozy without covering up your outfit. Bonus: they’re cute enough to wear long after the final touchdown.

3. Gameday Trucker Hats = A Must

Top it all off with a Katydid trucker hat repping your favorite team color or slogan. Not only do they hide unwashed hair (guilty), but they instantly pull your whole look together. Think of them as the crown of your tailgate ‘fit.

• Pro Tip: Use our trucker hats as game day party favors! Set them out for your guests to grab as they arrive. It’s a cute keepsake and makes for an epic photo opp.

Easy Tailgate Drink: “Touchdown Tea”

You don’t need a full bar setup to serve something cute and refreshing—leave the fancy cocktails to the post-game party. At your tailgate, it’s all about keeping things easy, delicious, and aesthetic. That’s where a signature drink comes in. Try this simple, crowd-pleasing cocktail (or mocktail!) that’s perfect for fall weather, Instagram Boomerangs, and sipping from your tumbler while you cheer on your team. It’s low-effort, high-impact, and guaranteed to be a touchdown with your guests.

Touchdown Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sweet tea (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1/2 cup bourbon (or omit for mocktail version)
• Fresh lemon slices
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

Mix the tea, lemonade, and bourbon in a pitcher. Stir well. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices. Serve in festive game day cups with team-colored straws for bonus points!

Easy Tailgate Food: Mini Pretzel Dogs

No one wants to spend hours cooking before tailgate time, especially when you're busy perfecting your outfit, packing your cooler, and rounding up your crew. That’s why your game day menu should be simple, satisfying, and totally stress-free. Think finger foods, crowd-pleasers, and bites you can prep ahead of time or toss in the oven right before you leave. Whether you're feeding a full fan club or just a few besties, the key is keeping it easy—so you can spend more time tailgating and less time stuck in the kitchen.

Mini Pretzel Dog Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 pack cocktail sausages
• Baking soda
• Coarse salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Cut dough into strips and wrap each sausage.
2. Boil water with baking soda and quickly dip each wrapped dog.
3. Place on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with mustard, queso, or ranch for dipping. Touchdown snack success!

Final Tips for the Best Tailgate Party

1. Create a Tailgate Setup That's Totally Photo-Worthy

If it’s not on The 'Gram, did it even happen? Set up a photo corner that’s cute enough to stop traffic (or at least the tailgate next to you). Think football-themed props like foam fingers, mini pennant flags, and pom-poms—plus your party favors front and center. Our Katydid trucker hats double as the perfect photo prop and the ultimate keepsake your guests will actually want to wear.

2. Pack the Cozy Vibes

Between touchdowns and snack runs, everyone needs a place to chill. Bring along cozy blankets, fold-up chairs, or even an outdoor rug to create a comfy hangout zone. Bonus points for choosing team colors or fall prints that match your overall aesthetic. It’s giving Pinterest-worthy picnic meets game day.

3. Set Up a Sideline Touch-Up Station

Tailgating might be a pre-game ritual, but let’s be real—your look has to last through the whole day. Sun, wind, heat, or a surprise drizzle? Not today, frizz. Set up a Sideline Touch-Up Station stocked with all the beauty MVPs: mini hairbrushes, dry shampoo, blotting papers, setting spray, lip balm, and a few cute scrunchies or claw clips for a quick style refresh. Add a small mirror and a dish of hair ties in team colors for bonus points. It’s a glam-on-the-go moment that your girls will totally appreciate—because looking cute from kickoff to overtime is serious game day strategy.

Shop the Look Before Kick Off

Game day isn’t just about touchdowns—it’s about turning heads while you cheer from the sidelines (or the snack table). Whether you're coordinating outfits with your besties or curating the ultimate tailgate vibe, Katydid’s Game Day collection has everything you need to look the part and own the moment.

From cute game day graphic tees that are anything but basic to cozy-cute fall layers that keep you warm without sacrificing style, you’ll find pieces that are made for mixing, matching, and making memories. And don’t forget our iconic trucker hats—they’re the cherry on top of your tailgate ‘fit and double as the perfect party favor for your guests.

👉 Shop new arrivals now to score big on:

• Trendy game day graphic tees
• Comfy quilted jackets, sweaters, and shackets
• Must-have trucker hats in team-inspired colors and sayings
• Accessories to complete your tailgate-ready look

Trust us—this is your winning outfit lineup.