Summer is here, and for me, this means a few things – stocking up on sunscreen so I don’t turn into a lobster, going camping any chance I get, and getting in the car at 8:30 on a Sunday morning to head down to the Pittsburgh Pirate’s beautiful PNC Park to get my tailgate on.

There are three key components of the perfect tailgate: the activities, the food, and the beer.

The Activities

Look for games that you can play without having to put your beer down, and without totally disturbing other tailgaters (I’m looking at you CanJammers). Here are a few of my favorites:

Ladderball (or testie toss as one of my friends calls it) – Downside: The golf balls on the rope bounce, so if you miss, be prepared to run for it.

Cornhole – Downside: If you want a good cornhole set, you really have to make one.

Beer Pong – Downside: You need a table, and also, you’re gonna lose a few balls.

Ring toss – Downside: No one plays ring toss any more… but they should.

The Food

If you tailgate often, I recommend investing in a portable gas grill. Try making some hot beer mustard or if you’re really ambitious, make your own hot dog buns with a nice amber ale.

If you don’t have a grill, never fear! Try a make-ahead tailgate classic like pulled BBQ chicken. All you have to do is throw 3 pounds of chicken breasts in a crock-pot with spices (onion powder, paprika, and garlic), 3 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (my favorite is Dinosaur BBQs original if you can find it) and a bottle of beer (I usually go for a pale ale but stouts make the chicken super rich!) Put your crock-pot on low for 6 hours and you’re golden! Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and enjoy!

The Beer

When it comes to tailgating, I prefer cans – you don’t have to worry about glass breaking, and they take less space in your cooler. Try these summertime favorites:

Anderson Valley Summer Solstice – One of my summer go-tos. The heavy mouthfeel of this cream ale is balanced by its light, crisp body. It has high carbonation and is thirst-quenching. Perfect for a tailgate.

Sly Fox Helles Golden Lager – Sweet, grassy malts in this hazy yellow gold gem balance nicely with citrus leaning hops. The can that this brew now comes in is really cool. The whole top comes off!

21^st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon – I was super skeptical about this fruit beer, worried that it would be too sweet, but it tastes more like the white part of the watermelon – a little sour and super refreshing.

Bonus Pro Tips

Make sure to pack sunscreen and hand sanitizer.

If you want to be the coolest person at the tailgate with the coldest beer, invest in a double walled tumbler like the Brew2Go (I just got mine in the mail yesterday). Stay tuned to American Craft Beer for my product review and a promo code for our loyal readers!

Happy Tailgating!