Plan a Tailgate-themed First Birthday Party: Perfect for Fall!

We all know fall = football, right? But what if we add another super-special “f” to that equation—first birthday! And what better way to bring these all together in a party with that seasonal sports vibe than with a tailgate theme for your future quarterback turning one!

Whether you plan to celebrate out on your porch or backyard deck, or keep it cozy indoors, these 1st birthday party ideas we’ve gathered are sure to get you excited to kick off the occasion! So here’s the game plan: from crafty DIY decorations to football-themed food, snacks and desserts, and the easiest party favors! (*this post contains affiliate links)

Tailgate-themed Party Ideas for a Fall 1st Birthday

Thanks to these amazingly creative finds, check out these fun football-inspired ideas that  you can actually pull together for “game day”!

Tailgate 1st birthday for fall parties

Kick off the pre-game excitement with Touchdown Football First Birthday Party Invitations (1) like these by Amanda Creation, available on Amazon.Then, for instant impact, recreate that exciting football stadium atmosphere with the help of a Football Concessions Bar Decoration Kit (2), also from Amazon. It comes with a pennant-style banner, a concession stand sign, and pre-printed food tent cards.

A great buffet setup for serving Tailgate Chili Dogs (3, recipe from Hy-Vee) straight from a slow cooker, with all the fun, flavorful fixin’s on the side. Chilled drinks like this Tailgate Tea (4, recipe from The Baker Mama) ready to serve from an old-style dispenser into mason-jar mugs. And of course for the one year-old celebrant, a delightful Pull-apart Football Cake (5) we found via Wilton). It’s actually assembled from individual cupcakes, so no slicing needed!

And for a really clever snacks and favors table (6), grab this idea from Oh Yellow. Have brown paper bags with masking tape “football stitching” on standby to fill with peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels—both to enjoy as party munchies and to take home as favors. And speaking of favors, make Football Pretzel Sticks (7), an easy treat from She Saved.

How’s that for a Game Day-inspired first birthday?

Beyond a kiddie event, here are more fun ideas for partying with a tailgate or football theme:

10 Winning Appetizers for Your Super Bowl Tailgate Party

Stylish Super Bowl Party Ideas to Kick Off a Fun-filled Party

A Football Theme Goes Fab for a 40th Birthday Party!

Football Season Party Food & Drinks: Weekend Roundup

Super Bowl Party Snacks and Starters with a Gourmet Twist