A tailgate party is a social gathering held in parking lots before and often after an event. The event might be a concert, football game, baseball game, or other attraction. Participants use open tailgates for impromptu seating and access to ice chests, food, folding chairs, and other tailgate party necessities.

A tailgate party is a way for people with similar interests to socialize and celebrate the event they’re attending. The tailgate party might be localized in a certain area of the parking lot where people spontaneous gather around vehicles that are tailgating. At other events, the tailgate party virtually encompasses the entire parking lot.

For events with an established history of tailgating, tailgate partygoers might arrive hours before the event is scheduled to start. Participants might bring miniature grills for barbecuing, and many pack ice-chests with their favorite libations. Enthusiastic tailgaters might even choose to bring a recreational vehicle for access to a kitchen, refrigerator, and convenient bathroom.

In some cases, a recurring tailgate party connected to an event can grow to develop a reputation over the years that rivals that of the event itself. Such was the case with the longest touring band in history, The Grateful Dead. For decades, dedicated fans or Deadheads followed the band throughout the United States, many making the ongoing tailgate party home. Deadheads that followed the band supported themselves by selling wares, jewelry, tie dye, incense, food and a variety of other items during the tailgate party, which resembled a massive traveling show.

A tailgate party is a great way to celebrate with strangers that fast become friends, if only for the day. Some events do not allow tailgating, as the management company that controls the parking lot might forbid alcohol or loitering. This can result in a stiff fine, so be sure to check rules before deciding on a tailgate party. It is also wise to limit any alcohol consumption to the tailgate party that precedes the event, unless a designated driver is available for the drive home.