Step-by-Step to Planning an Epic Utah BBQ

There’s no party quite like an outdoor BBQ in Utah when it comes to gathering friends, family, or colleagues together. We live in a place where the pristine natural environment offers the ideal backdrop to gather and enjoy some good eats with good company. But for some people, planning a barbecue in Utah can seem overwhelming. The good news? LUX’s Utah BBQ catering is some of the best in the state, and we can help you make planning simple! Let’s break it down.

Step One: Put Someone in Charge

The key to any perfectly planned BBQ event is making sure someone is taking the reins. Put together a committee if it’s a work barbecue or call your cousins to help you plan the family reunion event. Either way, put one person in charge of organizing the details and then form a committee of sorts so that person can delegate tasks. No one can plan an epic Utah BBQ totally on their own.

Plus, if you work with a BBQ caterer in Utah like LUX Catering & Events, we can help you with all the logistics to make it easier.

Step Two: Choose a Fun BBQ Theme

Next up, time to pick a theme! The good part about BBQ themes is they’re pretty simple to dream up. This will help guide the menu selection, invitations, entertainment, and overall planning. Here are a few ideas:

• Old Western BBQ
• Brews & BBQ (bring in fun local beers for a tasting)
• Outdoor Movie Night BBQ
• Luau Tiki BBQ
• All-American BBQ

Or just keep it simple with a good ol’ backyard BBQ!

Step Three: Find a Perfect Outdoor BBQ Venue in Utah

When you think of BBQ, what do you envision? Many picture an outdoor venue surrounded by greenery and open space, while the smell of the smoker wafts throughout the party. Here are a few of our favorite Utah event venues for BBQ events:

Alta Peruvian Lodge | Salt Lake County | Capacity: Up to 100

This camp-like venue at the base of the Wasatch Mountains has a rich local history and is surrounded by mountains in every direction for a picturesque setup.

Utah State Fairpark | Salt Lake County | Capacity: 1,000+

The Utah State Fairpark would be the perfect backdrop for any BBQ theme with their expansive indoor and outdoor venue options!

This is the Place Heritage Park | Salt Lake County | Capacity: 300+

At This is the Place Heritage Park, you can treat your guests to an authentic western pioneer experience at one of the 11 incredible event venues.

If you need help selecting a venue, talk with our team of specialists. Simply share what you’re searching for and they can recommend an option from one of our incredible venue partners! 

Step Four: Create a Tasty BBQ Menu

Now for what we think is the most important part of a BBQ event in Utah – the food! We recommend working with a caterer, like LUX, that specializes in this tasty fare. A few options we really love for Utah BBQ menus are:

Shredded Pork Sandwich

Crafted in house with our smoked pork shoulder, housemade BBQ sauce, and served on a housemade potato bun. Don’t forget to add things like our housemade potato salad, seasonal sliced fruit, and kettle chips!

St. Louis Ribs

Our slow cookies ribs with housemade BBQ sauce. These ribs pair perfectly with our cornbread, roasted red potatoes, and harvest salad!

All American BBQ

Can’t forget the classics like our Niman Ranch beef hamburger, all-beef hot dogs, coleslaw, root vegetable chips, and fudge cake!

We can craft indulgent BBQ menus that incorporate traditional or non-traditional options. Guests will always be coming back for seconds (or thirds—that’s the ultimate compliment)!

Step Five: Add the Entertainment

Depending on the theme of your BBQ, add some entertainment! Fun options could be:

• Live band playing country music
• Outdoor lawn games like cornhole and ladder ball
• Western-themed photo booth
• A little friendly competition with sack races

Let your theme guide the way to make sure your Utah BBQ is one that’s talked about for how much fun it was!

Step Six: Enjoy Your Utah BBQ!

Bon appetit!

Need help planning your Utah BBQ catering? Let LUX Catering & Events help.

Our Utah BBQ catering prowess doesn’t stop at the menu. We can help you plan the whole event, from the venue to the butter knives! When planning a relaxed BBQ, you should feel at ease and enjoy the process—plus the event itself. That’s why we are Utah’s most award-winning and highest-rated catering and event company! Share your ideal BBQ vision, and we’ll help you pull it off without a hitch. Let’s get planning your Utah BBQ event, shall we?