For most people across the country, Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer. By early September, the kids are back in school, fashion icons say you can no longer wear white, and it’s the last major grilling holiday of summer before tailgating season kicks-off. So if you’re like us and grill whatever the season, then we've got just the thing to help you celebrate another holiday to grill. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect Labor Day cookout!
Your Labor Day Cookout Ideas Checklist at a Glance
- Set your guest list and menu – plan for a few extra plates
- Tune up the grill and stock up on propane with our Propane Finder or Blue Rhino Delivery+.
- Marinate meats a day ahead if the recipe calls for it.
- Keep a meat thermometer on hand to serve everything at a safe temperature.
- Set the scene, then sit back and enjoy.
Make a plan, but stay flexible
Any great party planner will tell you that foresight is one of the keys to throwing a great get-together. Take some time to figure out who you’re inviting, what you’ll be grilling, whether you’re going with a theme, and how you’ll handle cleanup afterward.
Need some inspiration? Our Guide to Budget-Friendly Backyard Cookouts has ideas for stretching your dollars without skimping on flavor. Stuck on the menu? Try a dish from our 20 Most Popular Summer Grilling Recipes, or turn your party into a potluck so guests can bring a favorite side or dessert.
Keep your plan in the back of your mind, but be flexible throughout. We’ve all been there when a few plus-ones tag along and eat a little more than their fair share, so be prepared for any situation and have plenty of food and beverages for everyone.
Getting ready to grill
You may have Labor Day off from your job, but that shouldn’t stop you from putting in work on the grill. Depending on when your party will start, you’ll want to get your food and grill ready well in advance so you don’t have to go through the hassle of searching for stores open on Labor Day.
This means tuning up your grill by cleaning off the grates, and having plenty of propane on-hand to last you throughout your cookout. Use our Propane Finder tool to search for the closest location that carries Blue Rhino, or make it easy on yourself and have it delivered with Blue Rhino Delivery+, which is available in select markets.
Next, begin to marinate any meats that may require it. Some marinades call for up to a day’s worth of preparation, so make sure you give yourself enough time to let the flavors soak into your food. Once all the food is sliced, diced, and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill. Start by preheating your grill to get a nice, even heat across the surface.
Turn your grill to a medium heat and close the lid. After keeping it closed for about 15 to 20 minutes, open it back up and start placing your food on sections of the grill. Don’t be afraid to utilize all parts of the grill and the accessories that come with it.
Serving at a safe internal temperature
The last thing you want to do at any barbecue is serve undercooked meat. If you don’t have one already, invest in a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of your meat. While beef and a few other meats can be served at different doneness levels, remember that poultry, like chicken and turkey, needs to be cooked all the way through. Consult our grilling temperature guide for the safest internal temperature to serve all your meats.
Enjoy your backyard in the company of friends and family
At this point of your cookout, stomachs are full, the story-telling is getting larger than life, and plans are underway for your next party while this one winds down. You’ve managed to throw a fun and exciting Labor Day party as the last hoorah of summer. Take this moment to enjoy a few drinks with friends and family and leave the cleaning for someone else. You deserve it!
Head on over to our website for more recipes and details on how you can be the hero of this year’s Labor Day festivities!
Published: 2019.08.08 | Updated: 2026.08.21
