Summer in the DMV just hits differently. The days get longer, the evenings are breezy, and suddenly every park, patio, and backyard is calling your name. There’s a certain energy in DC, Maryland, and Virginia when the weather turns warm. Porches fill up, laughter gets louder, and the unmistakable scent of barbecue drifts through the air. Let’s be honest, nothing says “summer cookout” quite like good, old-fashioned BBQ.
If you’re dreaming up your next outdoor bash, Rocklands Catering is the name you want to know. We are the BBQ experts around here, bringing smoky, saucy, finger-licking goodness to the DMV. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back gathering with the neighbors in Arlington, planning a family reunion at Cabin John Regional Park, or throwing a big bash in your own backyard, Rocklands knows the local scene and brings the party right to you.
So if your guest list is five or five hundred, here’s how to plan a cookout everyone will remember (and actually enjoy).
Catering Options for Every Summer Event Size
For Intimate Gatherings
Backyard BBQs, family reunions, or a tight crew of friends, these are the moments where you want the good stuff without going overboard. Rocklands offers smaller, customizable catering packages perfect for close-knit celebrations. You can opt for convenient drop-off catering or a simple on-site setup, letting you focus on relaxing with your guests.
Imagine this:
Trays of pulled pork or chicken, a few racks of baby back ribs, and our classic sides. Think tangy coleslaw, creamy mac and cheese, and baked beans that taste like summer itself. The portions are perfect, the setup is easy, and you don’t have to touch a grill.
For Large Celebrations
Maybe you’re organizing a block party, a community festival, or a sprawling family reunion that needs serious food power. Rocklands shines with our larger catering packages. We offer buffet-style service, on-site grilling, or we can even bring our food truck right to your event.
For big groups, you can go all out with a whole roasted pig, multiple side stations, and dessert spreads to satisfy everyone. We’re pros at handling large guest counts, making it simple for you to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
It’s BBQ—There’s Something for Everyone
Worried about picky eaters or a wide age range? BBQ is the great unifier, but it’s even better when you have options. Rocklands Catering menus are built for variety. For the kids (and kids at heart), go for freshly grilled hot dogs, pulled chicken sliders, mac-n-cheese and fruit salad. For the traditionalists, brisket and ribs. And for those with dietary needs, we’ve got vegetarian and gluten-free options such as vegan sausage, grilled portabella mushrooms and a spinach and strawberry salad that has all the summer feels. Nobody gets left out.
Signature BBQ Meats
Rocklands is known for our slow-smoked pulled pork, tender brisket, juicy ribs, and perfectly grilled chicken. The secret? Quality ingredients, careful smoking, and just the right spice blends. Whether you like your BBQ sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky, there’s a sauce (or three) to match.
Side Dishes That Steal the Show
You can’t have BBQ without the sides. Classic picks like potato salad, Texas corn pudding, and baked beans hold court, but there’s more: minted cucumber salad, corn on the cob, and even gluten-free or vegan options like our Chipotle chickpea salad and grilled seasonal summer vegetables .
Customizable Packages
Every event is different. Rocklands lets you build the menu that fits your crowd and your budget. Want appetizers or extra desserts? Need drinks and beverage stations? We’ll help you mix and match until it’s just right.
Tips for Planning Fun Summer Parties
Setting the Scene
The best cookouts are all about the vibe. Prep your outdoor space with plenty of seating, shaded areas, and simple decorations (think string lights and checkered tablecloths). Create zones for food, games, drinks, and eating. This will help everyone know where to go for what.
Want to be a little more creative with your backyard barbeque? Try a fun theme: tropical luau, classic Americana, or backyard Olympics with games for all ages.
Entertainment and Activities
Keep it simple. Lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga are always a hit. Set up a playlist with summer anthems, or bring in a Bluetooth speaker for some background tunes. If there are kids, a DIY craft table or bubble station goes a long way. Rocklands offers cornhole, yard pong, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, and ladder toss!
Keeping Guests Comfortable
July in the DMV can be hot. Set up fans or misters, make sure there’s plenty of shade, and offer sunscreen and bug spray. Hydration stations, big dispensers of lemonade or iced tea, keep everyone cool and happy.
Streamlining with Catering
Here’s the best part. With our full-service catering, you don’t have to sweat the food. We handle setup, service, and cleanup, making it easy for you to actually enjoy your own party. We can also take care of securing all of the necessary rentals for your party. Our team can help with everything from tables and chairs to lighting and fans. Trust the experts and spend your time hanging out, not grilling or setting up.
Catering for Specific Summer Events in the DMV
Summer isn’t just about weekends, it’s packed with special events that call for great food.
Company Picnics and Summer Events
Barbeque is a crowd-pleaser for corporate gatherings, whether it’s team building or showing some love to the staff. Rocklands has experience with company picnics across the DMV, and we’re pros at accommodating dietary restrictions and even adding custom touches (like branded desserts or color coordinated linens ).
Need menu ideas? Think hearty BBQ sandwiches, fresh salads, and a cookie tray for dessert. Or maybe a throw back to basics with hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill and an ice cream cart!
Fourth of July Parties
I still remember tearing around DC in 2005, right when I started at Rocklands. My job was to make sure every party on our list had everything they needed, and if something was missing, it was on us to fix it. We were weaving through roadblocks and holiday traffic like pros, and all we had were printed maps.
Ever since, nothing feels more like the Fourth of July to me than a good barbecue. Rocklands is the go-to for July 4th catering. Offering festive desserts, seasonal menus and enough food to keep everyone happy through the fireworks. We’re used to handling big crowds, so you can relax and enjoy the show instead of worrying about the grill.
Make Your Summer Cookout a Success
Summer cookouts should be about fun, not fuss. With Rocklands Catering, you get years of BBQ know-how, a menu that makes everyone happy, and a team that loves bringing people together over great food. Whether you’re celebrating big or small, Rocklands has you covered.
This is one of the busiest times for Rocklands, so book early!
Get in touch with us for a personalized quote. Let the BBQ experts handle the rest allowing you to focus on making memories!
Contact Rocklands Catering to start planning your summer event!
BBQ and Cocktails Are a Match Made in Summer Heaven