Labor Day weekend is the unofficial send-off to summer, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a backyard BBQ cookout. Whether you're firing up the smoker, grilling burgers and dogs, or going all out with ribs and brisket, a little prep goes a long way. Here are 10 essential tips to help you host a stress-free, flavor-packed Labor Day BBQ your guests will talk about until next summer.

1. Plan Your Menu Around Your Guests and Gear

Before you load up the grill, take a moment to think about your guest list and your equipment. Are you cooking for a big group or keeping it small? Do you have a gas grill, charcoal setup, or smoker? Pick a menu that works with your timeline, tools, and crowd.

• For quick cooks: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken skewers, or grilled sausage.
• For low and slow: Ribs, pulled pork, or brisket—just be sure to start early.
• For vegetarians: Don’t forget grilled veggies, meatless burgers, and fresh salads.
  

Pro Tip: Have 1–2 no-cook items like chips, dips, or fruit trays to save time and fridge space.

2. Prep Ahead and Keep It Simple

Labor Day is for relaxing, not scrambling around like a contestant on a cooking show. Prep as much as you can the day before:

• Marinate meats overnight.
• Chop veggies and store them in labeled containers.
• Pre-assemble skewers, burgers, or kebabs.
• Make sides and desserts in advance: coleslaw, pasta salad, brownies—done and chilling.

You’ll thank yourself when you're not rushing around with tongs in one hand and a side dish in the other.

3. Use the Right Seasonings (Don’t Sleep on the Rubs)

The best BBQ flavor comes from the foundation—your rubs and seasonings. Whether you're going sweet, smoky, or spicy, a good BBQ rub creates a flavorful crust and keeps your meat juicy.

Some all-time Labor Day favorites from Big Poppa Smokers include:

• Sweet Money – for pork, chicken, or ribs.
• Double Secret Steak Rub – for beef and burgers.
• Desert Gold – for chicken, seafood, and veggies.

Don’t forget to season your sides too—grilled corn, potatoes, or even watermelon can benefit from a light dusting of rub.

 

4. Keep Hot and Cold Zones on Your Grill

Grill control = cookout success. Use two zones when possible:

• Hot zone for searing burgers, steaks, or getting a nice crust on your ribs.
• Cooler zone for cooking slower or keeping food warm without burning it.
  
  

This also lets you move food around if the flames flare up or if something’s cooking faster than expected.

5. Invest in a Good Thermometer (and Use It!)

The difference between perfectly grilled chicken and a dry hockey puck? A thermometer.

• Beef steaks: 130°F–135°F for medium-rare.
• Chicken: 165°F at the thickest point.
• Pork ribs: Around 190°F–203°F for that tender finish.
• Burgers: 160°F for ground beef.

A simple digital thermometer (or an instant-read ThermoWorks) is a game changer—don’t trust your guesswork.

 

6. Create a Signature Drink (And Hydrate!)

Labor Day heat can sneak up on you—especially if you're grilling all day.

• Signature drinks like a spiked lemonade, sangria, or mocktail bar add fun without too much effort.
• Keep plenty of water and non-alcoholic options on hand.
• Add fruit-infused water to a cooler for a refreshing twist.
  
  

Pro Tip: Freeze water bottles ahead of time to double as cooler ice and backup hydration.

 

7. Make Sides that Shine

Sure, the grill is the star—but don’t underestimate the power of a killer side dish lineup. Great sides balance your meal and keep everyone satisfied while the meat finishes cooking.

Labor Day Side Must-Haves:

• Smoked mac and cheese
• Street corn casserole
• Bacon-wrapped jalapeños
• Avocado Cucumber Salad
• Peach cole slaw

Make a few in advance, then focus on the meat and your guests.

 

8. Set Up for Easy Serving and Clean-Up

Organization keeps your cookout from turning into chaos. Set up a serving station with:

• Paper towels, napkins, utensils, plates
• Condiments and sauces (don’t forget BBQ sauce!)
• Trash and recycling bins
• Bug spray and sunscreen if you’re outdoors
• Use coolers for drinks instead of cramming your fridge, and label items if needed (“Spicy,” “Gluten-Free,” etc.) to save on questions.

Bonus: Put out a small container for bones and used skewers—your trash bags will thank you.

9. Don’t Forget Dessert on the Grill

That’s right—your grill isn’t done when the meat is. Fire-kissed desserts are a summer showstopper.

Easy grilled dessert ideas:

• Grilled peaches with honey and whipped cream
• Banana boats with chocolate and marshmallows
• Pineapple slices with cinnamon sugar
• Griddle cinnamon rolls (especially if you have a flat top!

They’re simple, unexpected, and help you squeeze out every last ounce of summer.  Make sure to check out our Summer Dessert Blog.

10. Make it Fun and Celebrate the Moment

At the end of the day, your Labor Day BBQ isn’t just about food—it’s about bringing people together. Don’t get so caught up in cooking that you miss the fun.

• Turn on music.
• Play lawn games or set up a kid zone.
• Ask your guests what their favorite BBQ dish is or what rub they want to try next.
• Take a group photo—it’ll be a great memory come winter.

And if something burns? Laugh it off and pass the chips. The best BBQs aren’t perfect—they’re personal.

Final Thoughts

Labor Day is your last big grilling hurrah of the summer—make it count. Whether you're a pitmaster or a first-time griller, a little planning, great rubs, and relaxed vibes go a long way.

From all of us at Big Poppa Smokers—have a safe, tasty, and fun-filled Labor Day weekend. Fire it up, keep it flavorful, and make it one to remember.