Wichita summer = cookout season. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day you’ll throw or attend half a dozen of them. Here’s the cheat sheet β what to grill, how much to buy, what sides actually disappear, and when to order ahead.
π Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)
Vibe: Kicks off summer. Crowds of 10-30 at most backyard cookouts. Casual.
What to grill: Hot dogs + hotlinks (everyone), burgers, occasionally ribs if someone’s serious.
Quantities (15 adults): 30 hot dogs/links, 20 burgers, 2 racks ribs (optional), 5 lbs sides x 3 varieties.
Order ahead: Buy meat by Friday. Bigger ribs orders β Wednesday.
π Father’s Day (June 21)
Vibe: Family-only, intimate. Often outdoors. Dad’s grilling but YOU bought the meat.
What to grill: Whatever dad loves. Often: ribeyes, ribs, brats. The food matters less than the gesture.
Gift angle: See our Father’s Day gift guide β tackle baskets, hotlink coolers, custom baskets.
π 4th of July
Vibe: Biggest cookout of summer. 20-50 people not unusual. All-day grazing.
What to grill: The whole spread. Hotlinks, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, sausage. Variety wins.
Quantities (30 adults): 60 hot dogs/links, 40 burgers, 4 racks ribs, 6 lbs sides x 4 varieties.
Drinks: Triple your normal drink count. Hot weather + long day = empty cooler by 6 PM.
Order ahead: 4th of July is HEAVY at every grocery store. Order by Sunday for Wed/Thu pickup.
πΊπΈ Mr. Mc’s is Open on the 4th
While many shops close, we’re open 9 AM to 9 PM. Grab forgotten ice, lighter fluid, hotlinks, or that one side dish someone bailed on bringing.
π Random Summer Weekends (JuneβAugust)
The casual “had a few friends over” cookouts. 6-15 people. Throw together in a few hours.
What to grill: Whatever’s in the freezer + a quick run to Mr. Mc’s for fresh hotlinks and ice. Brats + sauerkraut is a chef’s-kiss easy throw.
π Labor Day (Early September)
Vibe: Closing summer down. Mixed feelings. Often a bit smaller than 4th of July but with more reflection.
What to grill: Last-burst-of-summer specialties. Smoked brisket. Whole chickens on the rotisserie. Fancy sausages.
Order ahead: Specialty meats (brisket, whole birds) β 5+ days. Hotlinks and basics β day before.
Cookout-Long Survival Tips
- Buy 50% more ice than you think. Wichita summer + outdoor cooler = ice melts twice as fast.
- Cooked food stays out max 2 hours. 1 hour if temps are above 90Β°F. Refrigerate or toss.
- Pre-cook ribs at home, finish on the grill. Best for big crowds β less stress, better consistency.
- Always have a vegetarian option. Even if it’s just grilled veggies on a foil pack. Hosts who forget look thoughtless.
- Hotlinks are the universal favorite. If you only buy one meat, buy hotlinks.
Want Someone Else to Handle It?
Fat Boyz catering does cookout spreads β full BBQ trays delivered hot or take-and-bake. Saves the host from spending 12 hours over a grill.
Related
Visit Mr. Mc’s Market
π 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214
π (316) 265-9930
π Open 9 AM β 9 PM, 7 days a week