Black cookouts are a staple of black culture in America. They bring family and friends together to enjoy good food, music, and each other’s company. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to find at a traditional black cookout.
The Menu
The food is arguably the main event at any cookout. Here are some classic dishes you’ll often see:
- Grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, and sausage
- Sides like potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, baked beans
- Fruit salad, greens, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob
- Cornbread, dinner rolls, sweet treats like cakes and pies
- Soul food staples like fried chicken, collard greens, yams
- Regional specialties like crab boils, BBQ, jerk chicken
The menu will vary by region, but you can count on tons of delicious, hearty comfort food at any black cookout.
The Drinks
Something to wash down all that tasty food is a must. Some popular drink options include:
- Iced tea (sweetened with lemon)
- Lemonade
- Fruit punch
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Beer
- Wine
Homemade iced tea and fruit punch are classics. And no cookout is complete without someone manning the grill with a cold drink in hand.
The Music
Music and dancing go hand in hand with cooking and feasting at a black cookout. A soundtrack of R&B, hip hop, soul, funk, and other black music keeps the party going. Some popular cookout artists include:
- Aretha Franklin
- Marvin Gaye
- The Isley Brothers
- Earth, Wind and Fire
- Zapp and Roger
- Michael Jackson
- Beyonce
- Drake
- Megan Thee Stallion
The older family members might even teach the younger ones some dance moves!
The Atmosphere
A laidback, joyful atmosphere defines the black American cookout. It’s a chance for families to reconnect, kids to play, teens to hang out, and everyone to have a homecooked meal. Other elements that create the friendly, festive vibe include:
- Lawn games like cornhole, basketball, frisbee
- People young and old hanging out, talking, laughing
- Kids running around playing tag, jump rope, football
- Good-natured banter and storytelling among loved ones
- A sense of celebration, love, community, and tradition
With all these sights and sounds, cookouts are treasured community and family gatherings.
Common Locations
Now, where do black families host these meaningful get-togethers? Common cookout locations include:
- Backyards
- Local parks
- Beaches
- Church grounds
- American Legion halls
- Campsites
- Farms
Part of the fun is loading up the car and heading out to grill, play games, and enjoy nature.
Popular Times
Cookouts happen year-round, but definitely see a spike when the weather is warm. Some top cookout seasons and holidays include:
- Memorial Day weekend
- 4th of July
- Labor Day weekend
- Juneteenth (June 19th)
- Family reunions in summer
- Church homecomings in summer
- Graduations and warm-weather birthdays
When the sunshine is out and school is closed for summer break, get ready for cookout invites!
| Food | Drinks | Music |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled meats | Iced tea | Soul |
| Salads | Lemonade | R&B |
| Sides | Fruit punch | Hip hop |
| Baked goods | Beer & wine | Funk |
The Takeaway
At their core, black cookouts are all about enjoying great food and company. They allow busy families to reconnect over relaxed outdoor fun. The tradition spans generations and regions, but always brings people together through hospitality. For a lively experience full of community, culture, and cuisine, few social gatherings compare to the classic black American cookout.