7 Reasons Fall is the Perfect Time for Outdoor BBQs

Feeling that post-summer slump? You’re not alone. As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s easy to pack away the patio furniture and call it quits on outdoor fun. But before you say goodbye to your BBQ for the season—hear us out. Fall is actually one of the best times to grill, gather, and enjoy the outdoors.

Here’s why you should keep that grill going just a little longer this autumn.

1. Savor the Last Moments of Warmth Before Winter

There’s a sweet, fleeting beauty to this in-between season — when your garden is giving its last hurrah, the air smells like leaves and woodsmoke, and the kids are finally back into their routines. If you’ve been feeling that end-of-summer dip, firing up the grill might be exactly what you need to lift your spirits.

Think of it as your way to reclaim those outdoor moments — without the heat, the bugs, or the rush. Wrap yourself in a blanket, pour a mug of hot cider, and throw something simple on the grill, like apple-glazed chicken or maple-roasted veggies. It’s not just dinner — it’s an act of slowing down and soaking up the season before winter sets in.

When you make the choice to linger outside a little longer, you’re giving yourself space to breathe — to enjoy the warmth that’s still there, in the air, and in the company you share it with.

2. Cooler Temperatures

“Unlike summer’s searing temperatures, fall’s mild weather makes standing before a hot fire a pleasure” (The Washington Post, 2013).

The crisp autumn air makes grilling far more comfortable than the sweltering summer heat, especially when you’re standing over a hot grill (The Washington Post, 2013).

Grilling in cooler temperatures can actually make the experience more relaxing—you’re less rushed, more able to savor the smells and sounds of cooking outdoors.

3. Seasonal Produce

Now’s the perfect time to explore garden markets and local shops for fresh fall harvest produce. Common harvest goodies include cabbage, potatoes, onions, beets, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, garlic, Hatch chilies, squashes, tomatillos, and, of course, apples and pears (The Washington Post, 2013). Squash, apples, root vegetables… are ideal for fall grilling, and many caramelize beautifully, just like in a regular oven. You’ll also find corn, spinach, kale, and more. Using seasonal produce adds variety to meals and can make simple dishes feel special.

4. Fewer Bugs for Peace of Mind

As the mosquitoes and flies fade away, fall becomes an ideal time for outdoor grilling. Crisp air, colorful leaves, and fewer bugs make enjoying time outside with friends and family all the more comfortable and inviting.

Without insects constantly buzzing, you can really enjoy the moment and the flavors of your meal.

5. Potentially Calmer Time of the Year

There’s a gentle calm to fall, a moment to breathe and enjoy life outdoors before the holiday season sweeps us into its busyness.

Just because the weather is getting colder doesn't mean you have to stop grilling. You can extend your grill season well into fall with the right tips and techniques (American Made Grills, n.d.).

This calmer time of year can make outdoor cooking feel more peaceful, letting you enjoy not just the food, but the season itself.

6. Gatherings

Autumn is the season of harvest festivals, Thanksgiving, and tailgating — a time when the grill brings people together around warmth, rich aromas, and shared food.

Tailgating is another popular social activity, usually done in a parking lot before a sporting event, concert, or festival, where people gather around the open tailgate of a vehicle to eat, drink, and socialize (The Spruce Eats, n.d.; Smithsonian Magazine, n.d.).

“Portable grills let you turn any parking lot into a kitchen. Grilling makes tailgating easy, fast, and fun” (Food Network, n.d.).

7. Opportunity to Connect with Those You May Not Normally Connect With

While fall is enjoyable for many, it can be a challenging season for others. The falling leaves, shorter days, fewer outdoor social events, and increased cloudy or rainy weather can affect those struggling with mental health.

When planning your autumn outdoor grilling, consider reaching a little beyond your usual circle—perhaps inviting someone at school, work, or even within your family or friend network who might be feeling lonely.

In honour of World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10, 2025, we encourage nurturing real social connections. Texts and calls are wonderful, but nothing compares to the warmth of face-to-face connection. This year’s campaign highlights the critical importance of supporting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of people impacted by humanitarian crises (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025).

Humanitarian crises take a heavy toll on mental health, with one in five people affected. Cooking is an essential need in times of crisis, and sharing a meal—even from a Soapstone Pros grilling stone—can bring comfort and connection. Maybe think about teaming up with friends to pool resources and donate a grill or grilling stone—bringing warmth and support to those in need (United Nations [UN], n.d.).

As the crisp air of autumn arrives, gatherings around the grill are more than just seasonal fun—they can also support mental well-being. Sharing food, laughter, and warmth with friends or family strengthens social bonds, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of community, all of which are essential for mental health (WHO, 2025).

This World Mental Health Day, consider hosting a cozy outdoor grill gathering. Savor seasonal flavors like roasted vegetables, pumpkin, and hearty autumn dishes while connecting with family, neighbors, colleagues, or anyone in your community—a simple, meaningful way to nurture mental wellness and strengthen bonds in everyday life (WHO, 2025; The Spruce Eats, n.d.; The Washington Post, 2013).

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References

American Made Grills. (n.d.). 12 fall grilling tips to extend your grill season. American Made Grills. https://americanmadegrills.com/blogs/grilling-tips/12-fall-grilling-tips-to-extend-your-grill-season

Family Style Food. (n.d.). Seasonal vegetable recipes. Family Style Food. https://familystylefood.com/resources/seasonal-vegetable-recipes/

Food Network. (n.d.). Tailgating. Food Network. https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/tailgating

Smithsonian Magazine. (n.d.). The history of tailgating. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-cult/the-history-of-tailgating-511140/

The Spruce Eats. (n.d.). What is tailgating? The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-tailgating-334934

The Washington Post. (2013, September 23). Fall’s the best season for grilling. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/falls-the-best-season-for-grilling/2013/09/23/1c6d87cc-1a6e-11e3-82ef-a059e54c49d0_story.html

United Nations. (n.d.). World Mental Health Day. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/healthy-workforce/world-mental-health-day

World Health Organization. (2025). World Mental Health Day 2025. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025

Tents & Events. (2021, September 13). The Ultimate Autumn Occasion: How to Throw the Perfect Outdoor Party This Fall [Blog post]. Tents & Events. https://www.tents-events.com/blog/the-ultimate-autumn-occasion-how-to-throw-the-perfect-outdoor-party-this-fall/