Your 2025 Tailgate Guide is Officially Here
Football Season is officially here in TWO WEEKS!
Even though the countdown is on, it’s not too late to gear up for your best football season yet. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just there for the tailgate, there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting Raleigh’s local businesses! From unbeatable food and drinks to lively watch parties, we’ve rounded up the best game day selections in town.
Football Beef (and we’re not talking about rivalries)
Don’t drop the ball on game day. Your local BBQ joints and markets have the hail mary you need for a winning tailgate spread.
The Butchers Market: Across Wake County, their locations offer curbside pickup so you can swing by for your favorite tailgate bites and meats en route to the game.
Sam Jones BBQ: Sam Jone’s makes tailgaiting simple. Pick up some of their dishes or even party packs to feed your hungry crowd!
Calling All Flavor Fanatics
Don’t forget to pair your favorite dishes with local flavors that are sure to make them a fan favorite. From smoky to tangy, hot to sweet, these local sauce brands have everything you need for a winning tailgate season.
Oak City Hot Sauce: Their wide variety of sauces, rubs, and hot honey will be sure to turn up the flavor. You can find their products at Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, Publix, and other local stores!
Slick’s BBQ Sauce: A two-time NC State Fair Blue Ribbon winner, Slick’s BBQ keeps it classic with their signature BBQ sauce. You can find their sauce at these locations.
Cherry’s Products: From mild to scorchin’, these hot sauces will bring sweet and spicy flavors to your tailgate table. You can find their products here.
RJ’s Sauce: They serve up a staple trio of sauces: Original, Sweet Mustard, and Gold. Find your favorite RJ’s sauce at these locations.
Mythical Inferno: Taste your wildest flavor dreams with their bold hot sauces. Although the flavors are mythical, you can still find them in stores near you!
Get Your Snack Game On!
Girl dinner? More like #1 fan dinner!
Every tailgate needs the balance of something sweet and savory. So fill up your plates with local snacks while supporting your favorite local team.
Snarky Snacks – Flavorful crackers that will leave you wanting more.
Zulia Roll Ups –Â Savory and sweet rolled breads that are sure to be a hit.
Gotta Be Penelopes – Hot pepper jams perfect for charcuterie.
Burney’s Sweets & More – Raleigh – Baked goods and sweets, perfect for those early tailgates.
Lil Reggie Cookies – Nostalgic desserts flavors but in handmade, gourmet cookies.
Freshly Baked by Meg – Tasty gluten-free baked goods.
Durham Toffee Company -Handmade toffee that is the perfect combo of salty and sweet.
Sugar Snap Treats – Your favorite sweets reimagined as irresistible freeze-dried candy.
Cookitos – Unique cookie flavors that are filled with gooey goodness.
Cheers to Your Team
Kick off your tailgate with the drinks sold locally and made locally. Raleigh has a huge selection of wine, beer, and spirits to celebrate your team taking home the W or dulling the pain of your team taking a L.
Tailgate Like a Pro
Professional tailgaters KNOW what it takes to throw the best football pre-game. Look and feel like a pro with supplies you’ll need from local stores in the Triangle
Murphy’s Naturals: Begone bug bites! Check out their selection of natural bug repellents and bug bite remedies.
Great Outdoor Provision Company: Visit their various storesfronts to find the perfect foldable chairs and tables for your tailgate setup!
Little Details Boutique: Check out their selection of game day gear, accessories, and bags. Heading into the stadium? They have the perfect clear bags!
Find Your Teams 2025 Home Game Schedule
