70 of the Best BBQ Songs to Soundtrack Your Summer Cookout

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy the longer days and warmer nights than with a cookout! Cookouts are about more than just the food though — the perfect cookout playlist is an essential part of the experience.

Whether you’re looking to get hyped up or feeling so laid back you’re horizontal, we’ve got something for you. With everything from tailgating anthems to classic hip-hop, throwback rock to the latest country hits, we’ve collected the best songs so you don’t have to.

Fire up the grill and crack open a cold one, because your perfect summer cookout soundtrack is here. And if you don’t feel like playing DJ and queueing up the music all night, tune in to one of our expertly curated BBQ channels to hit all the right notes with none of the work.

Classic Rock BBQ Songs

If there’s one genre guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, it’s classic rock. With some of the most recognizable riffs of all time, these timeless classics are sure to get every generation singing along — just watch out for a surprise air guitar!

• “Summer of ’69” — Bryan Adams (1985)
• “Dreams” — Fleetwood Mac (1977)
• “Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles (1969)
• “One Way or Another” — Blondie (1978)
• “Walk of Life” — Dire Straits (1985)
• “Edge of Seventeen” — Stevie Nicks (1981)
• “Bad Moon Rising” — Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
• “With A Little Help From My Friends” — Joe Cocker (1969)
• “The Boys of Summer” — Don Henley (1984)
• “Layla” — Derek and the Dominos (1970)

Country BBQ Songs

We all love classic country, but how about a little bit of modern country to fuel your fire? With all the fun of your old favorites, these songs bring the best of country and mix it with everything from pop to rap — and the results are sure to keep all your cookout guests entertained!

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Shaboozey (2024)
• “Knockin’ Boots” — Luke Bryan (2019)
• “World on Fire” — Nate Smith (2023)
• “I Had Some Help” — Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen (2024)
• “Tennessee Whiskey” — Chris Stapleton (2015)
• “Memory Lane” — Old Dominion (2023)
• “Miles on It” — Marshmello, Kane Brown (2024)
• “Bathroom Floor” — Maddie & Tae (2020)
• “Bad Decisions” — Dylan Schneider (2024)
• “We Ride” — Bryan Martin (2023)

Classic Hip-Hop BBQ Songs

To keep the vibes up, we’d say it’s very vital to rock a rhyme that’s right on time — and with a playlist like this one, it’s definitely not tricky! It’s time to get your grill on and get your chill on with the help of some classic hip-hop and rap favorites. No matter how hot it gets out there, these tracks will keep your summer cookout cool.

• “Big Poppa” — The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
• “It’s Tricky” — Run-D.M.C. (1986)
• “Insane in the Brain” — Cypress Hill (1993)
• “Summertime” — DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (1991)
• “Bust a Move” — Young MC (1989)
• “Shoop” — Salt-N-Pepa (1993)
• “So Wat Cha Sayin'” — EPMD (1989)
• “Baby Got Back” — Sir-Mix-a-Lot (1992)
• “Gangsta’s Paradise” — Coolio (1995)
• “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” — Dr. Dre ft Snoop Dogg (1992)

Country-Rock BBQ Songs

Picture the scene: you’re soaking up the sunshine, cold beer in hand, grill fired up and sizzling… The only thing that could make it any more perfect is a bit of country rock!

• “Listen to the Music” — The Doobie Brothers (1972)
• “Little Miss Honky Tonk” — Brooks & Dunn (1994)
• “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” — Bob Dylan (1973)
• “Wild Horses” — The Flying Burrito Brothers (1970)
• “When Will I Be Loved” — Linda Ronstadt (1974)
• “Highway Headin’ South” — Dolly Parton (1974)
• “Rock This Town” — The Stray Cats (1981)
• “Hotel California” — Eagles (1976)
• “Gimme All Your Lovin’” — ZZ Top (1983)
• “Runnin’ Down a Dream” — Tom Petty (1989)

Tailgating Anthems

It’s game day! Well, it might not be, but with a playlist like this, it will definitely feel like it. Grab your red Solo cup and turn up the volume, because these well-known hype songs are guaranteed to result in a sing-along — who could resist a summer cookout soundtrack like this?

• “Red Solo Cup” — Toby Keith (2011)
• “The Boys of Fall” — Kenny Chesney (2010)
• “Margaritaville” — Jimmy Buffett (1977)
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” — Journey (1981)
• “Highway to Hell” — AC/DC (1979)
• “Parking Lot Party” — Lee Brice (2013)
• “Wagon Wheel” — Old Crow Medicine Show (2004)
• “Brown Eyed Girl” — Van Morrison (1967)
• “Sweet Caroline” — Neil Diamond (1969)
• “Seven Nation Army” — The White Stripes (2003)

Country Bar Anthems

Who says these songs are only for the bar? If you ask us, they also make a great soundtrack for your cookout. Even if fried chicken (or should we say “Chicken Fried”?) isn’t on the menu, these country bar anthems will keep your guests entertained long into the evening!

• “I Love This Bar” — Toby Keith (2003)
• “Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
• “When The Sun Goes Down” — Kenny Chesney, Uncle Kracker (2004)
• “Chicken Fried” — Zac Brown Band (2005)
• “Dirt Road Anthem” — Jason Aldean (2011)
• “All Summer Long” — Kid Rock (2008)
• “Chug-A-Lug” — Roger Miller (1964)
• “Beer Money” — Kip Moore (2012)
• “Down to the Honkytonk” — Jake Owen (2018)
• “Dang If We Didn’t” — The Cadillac Three (2017)

Yacht-Rock BBQ Songs

Aaaaand… relax. If your BBQ is all about chill vibes, it’ll be smooth sailing with these soft rock tunes. With a playlist like this, we just know today is going to be a “Lovely Day”!

• “Too Hot” — Kool & the Gang (1979)
• “Love X Love” — George Benson (1980)
• “Lovely Day” — Bill Withers (1977)
• “Ride Captain Ride” — Blues Image (1970)
• “Amie” — Pure Prairie League (1972)
• “Never Too Much” — Luther Vandross (1981)
• “Lowdown” — Boz Scaggs (1976)
• “Afternoon Delight” — Starland Vocal Band (1976)
• “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” — Daryl Hall & John Oates (1980)
• “I Will Be Your Friend” — Sade (1984)