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Ways to Celebrate National Eat Outside Day

September 10, 2026

With fall right around the corner, don’t miss out on National Eat Outside Day on August 31, which is the perfect opportunity to make the most of the dwindling days for outdoor dining! From backyard burger bars to beachside burritos, exploring the many ways to celebrate this day is just part of the fun. Keep reading for suggestions on how to enjoy National Eat Outside Day this year, including what the Freddy’s near you offers for this occasion and others.

 

How to Celebrate National Eat Outside Day

 

By the end of August, you may have taken advantage of outdoor dining at home or a local restaurant whenever possible. For National Eat Outside Day on August 31, you may be looking for options beyond the usual dinner on the patio. Here are 5 ideas to consider!

 

1. Breakfast with the birds!

 

Instead of hurrying through a bowl of cereal at the kitchen counter or munching on a protein bar on the way to work, take a little extra time to enjoy your breakfast and some time outdoors in the morning. You might make or order a bagel or breakfast wrap and then enjoy it while watching the sun rise from a blanket on the beach or surveying the birds flying around your own flowers.

 

2. Plan a picnic on your own lawn.

 

Even small shifts on National Eat Outside Day help make the day feel more festive. Instead of the familiar indoor dining spots, grab a cooler and fill it with portable meals, like sandwiches or one of Freddy’s new bowls. Bring a blanket to your favorite sunny or shady area of the yard and enjoy a little sun and fresh air while savoring a tasty meal of your choice.

 

3. Make your lunch break an outdoor occasion.

 

For lunch, find a bench in a nearby park or even in your building's courtyard. Outdoor mealtime not only enables you to celebrate National Eat Outside Day but also offers health benefits, such as potentially reducing stress, as highlighted by Eating Well.

 

4. Find a food truck.

 

For a little adventure, National Eat Outside Day offers the perfect opportunity to explore food trucks in your area. You may even find that live music or other activities are available in the same location as these outdoor dining options.

 

5. Cater an outdoor feast!

 

For National Eat Outside Day and many other occasions, you don’t have to do all of the work. Instead, opt for catering for such celebrations. With choices like prepared lunches and build-your-own hot dog bars, these catering ideas and many others invite diners to enjoy tasty meals outside and make it easy for them to do so!

 

Catering Menu Ideas from Freddy’s to Enjoy Outside

 

Freddy’s extensive menu of savory steakburgers, sandwiches, sides, and sweet frozen custard treats is available for carry-out, delivery, and dining in, making it easy to enjoy your order at your favorite outdoor oasis. In addition to our regular restaurant menu, our catering menu lets you serve a crowd on this fun August date or any other occasion. Here are three catering ideas for delicious outdoor dining.

 

1. Chicken Tender Trays

 

Utensil-free meal ideas work particularly well in outdoor settings. Chicken tenders with a choice of dipping sauce are one tasty option. Each chicken tender tray from the Freddy’s catering menu comes with 25 crispy tenders and an assortment of sauces including Freddy’s Famous Fry Sauce®.

 

2. Build-Your-Own Bars

 

For a fun and interactive experience on National Eat Outside Day and in general, consider a build-your-own bar approach. Freddy’s offers burger bar catering, hot dog bar catering, and even sundae bar catering! Our burger and hot dog bars include everything you need to build your own burger or hot dog, such as buns, burgers or hot dogs, and assorted toppings, plus a side of Freddy’s Kettle Chips for each of the 10 included servings of your chosen dish. Similarly, the Create Your Own Sundae Bar is designed to serve 10 and includes two quarts of Freddy’s frozen custard (one vanilla and one chocolate), as well as toppings such as hot fudge, chocolate chip cookie dough, strawberries, and assorted candy and cookie pieces.

 

3. Individual Bagged Lunches

 

Want a variety of meals for your catered outdoor event? With 10 different bagged lunches to choose from, you’ll be able to offer your guests options like steakburgers or veggie burgers, as well as chicken sandwiches or hot dogs. Plus, since each lunch comes with chips and a brownie, you’ll have sides and treats covered with this catered meal idea too!

 

Helpful Tips for National Eat Outside Day

 

Don’t forget to bring extra silverware and napkins or even wipes! Especially if you are heading to a different destination for National Eat Outside Day, ensure that your outdoor dining enjoyment isn’t foiled by a dropped spoon or fallen glob of mayo.

 

Review best practices for food safety when eating outside, as shared by the FDA. From packing recommendations to guidance about leftovers, these tips can help you enjoy outdoor dining safely on August 31 or any other day of the year.

 

Remember sun and bug protection! Ensure that this year’s National Eat Outside Day memories are more about the delicious food, wonderful scenery, or company, rather than the sunburn or itchy bites.

 

On National Eat Outside Day and year-round, order from your local Freddy’s and enjoy a scrumptious selection of steakburgers, frozen custard treats, and other incredible menu items. To make someone else’s day on August 31 or any day, buy a Freddy’s Gift Card today to give to that person!