Category Archives: Events

Planning a BMW Tailgate: 6 Tips for a Memorable Party

Fall brings the changing of leaves and the return of football. The gridiron is America’s favorite sport, and hundreds upon thousands of people tailgate outside NFL stadiums and on the campuses of their favorite college teams. 

One of the best ways to tailgate is by driving your BMW and sharing your team spirit with friends and family. Here are six tips for planning a memorable party.

1. Find a Good Spot

Knowing the general area where you’ll set up your tailgate is essential before entering the grounds. Many stadiums allow and encourage tailgating in the parking lot, but others may have moved these activities to a designated area. Do your research beforehand and see what the tailgate policies are for the stadium. You should also clarify the guidelines for open flames and containers. After all, food and beverages are the stars of the show.

2. Set up the Menu 

Fans tailgate for the love of football and good food. What’s a tailgate without an assortment of barbecue and tasty sides? Ask whoever’s coming along what they like so you know what to cook. America’s two favorite tailgate foods are burgers and hot dogs, so sticking with these classics won’t hurt. Veggie trays with tasty dips like hummus, Buffalo ranch or pimento cheese work well, and chips are a popular hit. 

3. Pour the Beer

Football and cold beer go together like Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. If you plan on tailgating, alcohol is a popular option no matter the game’s time. Ask your friends what they like to drink so you can gauge what kinds of drinks you should bring. Tailgates provide an excellent opportunity to share fun times with friends. The only difficult choice is selecting what beer to get.

Picking which beer to bring is as tricky as choosing your favorite child. If you have a crowd of beer lovers coming to your tailgate, consider IPAs. These pale ales are becoming popular as more breweries have hopped on the IPA train. According to Drizly, they have seen a 761% growth in sales year over year. Hazy IPAs made up nearly 21% of all IPA sales, so consider them when packing the brews. 

4. Decorate the Tailgate

Team spirit is something you wear as a badge of honor. Even if your team hasn’t won a Super Bowl, you’ll still don the jersey as if you’re one of the 11 players on the field. A terrific way to show your pride is to decorate your BMW and show up to the tailgate in style. You’ll leave no doubt about what team you support when driving around town.

There are numerous routes you can take for decorating. BMW trunks are spacious, so you have a lot of room to work with. You can hang up banners and flags and place other team items there. Decorative helmets, mascots and anything representing your team colors will also add to the party. You could make custom designs for games like cornhole, horseshoes and ladder toss.  

5. Set Up the Speakers 

Tailgating is fun, but you made the trip to the stadium for the game itself. If you plan to stay on the grounds all day, ensure you and your guests can watch the game on TV or listen to the radio. Either way, you’ll need a good pair of speakers so everybody can follow what’s happening. BMWs typically have quality sound systems, but you can upgrade to speakers from JBL or Pioneer if you want something extra. 

6. Protect From the Weather

Unfortunately, being outdoors can leave you in sticky situations. Weather is difficult to predict even for meteorologists, so you’ll want to be prepared in case a storm hits. The prime football months of September, October and November are prime time for hurricane season, so those in the Southeast especially should have a plan in case the weather affects the tailgate.

There are ways to protect your BMW if unexpected storms arrive. You can use a moving blanket as a quick way to cover your vehicle and protect it from heavy rains, hail and other damage. Another option is to get a mobile car tent. These covers are multifunctional because you can use them during your tailgate as shade for your guests and serve as shelter for your BMW if a storm comes.

Planning a BMW Tailgate

Americans love football. Every week in the fall, millions of people tune in to watch their favorite team play. Many of these fans head to the stadium and get an interactive experience with other fans by tailgating. Be prepared to throw a memorable party if you’re taking your BMW to a tailgate.

Putting Together a BMW-Themed Birthday

If someone you know loves their Bimmer like a child, it only makes sense to include their passion in all their celebrations. That includes when you recognize yet another trip around the sun. 

It doesn’t take extraordinary effort to design a celebration that honors the one you love and their favorite ride. Here are eight tips for putting together a BMW-themed birthday party. 

1. Choose a Unifying Palette 

You already have somewhat of a party theme, but a car alone is not enough. This rule holds even if you have a new one wrapped in a bow waiting in the driveway. You want to showcase your sophistication from start to finish at this event. 

Your color scheme unites everything from your decor to your invitations, making them classy and tasteful. You can coordinate your color choices with the birthday girl or boy’s favorite ride. Alternatively, shades such as gold, silver, deep burgundy and purple make an elegant statement. 

2. Plan Your Party Menu 

The food is the highlight of any event — you want something both elegant and convenient. As a considerate host, you must also bear in mind that some people have food allergies. As such, it pays to educate yourself. 

It isn’t sufficient to pick nuts out of a salad or use the same spoon in more than one dish if cross-contamination may occur. For example, those with celiac disease can become severely ill from even a small amount of gluten, a protein found in wheat. 

Try to find easy and elegant dishes that cater to multiple dietary restrictions. For example, look for appetizers that are both vegan and gluten-free or nut-free yet paleo-friendly. 

3. Select the Ideal Venue 

There’s nothing wrong with hosting the party at your place. If you decide to do so, keep accessibility in mind if you have guests with mobility issues. You might not want to install grab bars, but a toilet riser can make it less awkward to transfer from a wheelchair to the seat. 

You can investigate outside options if you anticipate a large crowd. The best locations come complete with a scenic drive. If choosing between two venues, this feature might be the deciding factor. 

4. Amass Your Guest List 

How many people should you invite? Does the intended recipient enjoy a large bash, or would they prefer a smaller, more intimate affair? Consult with them first before you begin planning. Then, amass your guest list, reviewing it together — unless you are keeping it a surprise. 

5. Arrange Your Schedule of Events 

The best parties don’t include mixing and mingling exclusively. You want to plan a schedule of events to keep things active and exciting. 

If you’re hosting your venue at a place like a public park, take advantage of amenities like sand volleyball courts. If you’re throwing your bash at home, break out the games such as cornhole and badminton. 

Please remember the most important feature of this party — that sweet BMW. Perhaps your guest of honor can take folks for a spin and let them experience the impressive handling and performance for themselves. 

6. Design Your Invitations 

Invitations are a must if you want people to RSVP. Doing so allows you to get a headcount and plan your food portions. 

Keep your guests in mind — what might they need to know? For example, if you plan on having a pool party, your invitees need to bring their swimsuits. Are you planning on hiring a sitter so that guests with children can relax and enjoy some adult company? Be sure to inquire how many little ones you can expect to get all the help you need. 

7. Provide Entertainment for All Ages 

Even if you don’t go the sitter route, it’s wise to have something to occupy the little ones so that the adults can get a break. If you have children of your own, you might have a playset and toys. 

However, if you are child-free, consider getting a few games for the little ones. You could even hire a pro, such as a clown if you expect a large group. 

8. Plan a Sunset Send-Off 

As your party winds down to a close, it’s time for a sweet send-off. If you planned on giving them a BMW as a gift, now is the time for the big bow-wrapped reveal. 

If they already have their Bimmer, find a way to send them off in style. If they have children, perhaps you could offer to sit while they take off for the most scenic drive in your state. 

Throw the Ultimate BMW-Themed Birthday With These 8 Tips 

If your loved one’s ride is their pride, why not incorporate it into their celebration? Throw the ultimate BMW-themed birthday bash with the eight tips above. 

15 Upcoming Bimmer Events You Can’t Miss

Events for BMW enthusiasts — races, social meet-ups, contests and more — are held all across the country. Whether you’re planning a BMW-inspired vacation or want to try something local, there are plenty of events you can attend year-round.

1. GVC Autocross at Pineview Run

Date: July 27, 2019

This fun driving experience event, located in Lafayette, New York, features a 1.1-mile track with twists and elevation changes. The first session of the day starts with orientation laps, followed by a timed lap, an in-lap and more. The event begins at 8:30 am with an entrance fee of $50.

2. August Autocross SE Lot

Date: August 3, 2019

With a $70 ticket price, this all-day event at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego allows you to explore your car’s full potential in a safe environment. You’ll even have access to a professional instructor. The ticket also includes unlimited beverages, snacks and lunch.

3. Boston BMW CCA Concours d’Elegance

Date: August 11, 2019

Compete in the famous Concours d’Elegance located in the hills of Brookline, Massachusetts. Bring your car, talk with like-minded enthusiasts and maybe even win best recognition and a t-shirt. Enter your vehicle in the competition for $20 by pre-registering online. Or pay $30 if you register at the gate.

4. M Performance School

Date: August 24, 2019

Put your driving skills to the test as your whip around race tracks in M2s, M3s and M4s at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina. For an entrance fee of $900, you’ll have a full day of access to the best driving instructors, one-on-one training and dedicated track time.

5. Wisconsin Dells BMW Rally

Date: September 7-9, 2019

Head to Camp Wawbeek in the Wisconsin Dells to join the 49th Annual Dells Rally. Costs include $39 for pre-registration or $50 at the gate. Each ticket comes with two nights of camping, beverages, snacks, field events, rally mugs, an awards ceremony and more.

6. Yankee Beemers “Back to Jamaica” Fall Event

Date: September 13-15, 2019

Head up to Jamaica State Park in the heart of Vermont’s mountains. Join other BMW enthusiasts as you explore the twisty dirt roads and end the night by the campfire. The $35 entry fee includes camping and coffee. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a dish for the Potluck dinners on Friday and Saturday.

7. Auto-X at TD Bank Ballpark

Date: September 15, 2019

Attend the Auto-X event in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, for a chance to run at least eight timed laps around the course. Each orange cone knocked down equals a two-second penalty. Your best time goes towards the final competition. Pre-registration is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.

8. Thunder Mountain Rendezvous

Date: September 20-22, 2019

Spend your weekend with like-minded BMW enthusiasts in the high mountains of Hotchkiss, Colorado. The entrance fee, $50 at the gate, includes two dinners, a pancake breakfast, coffee, entertainment and more. You’ll also be entered for a chance to win special door prizes.

9. Annual Hoosier Beemer Rally

Date: September 27-29, 2019

With a rally fee of $30, you can camp alongside fellow BMW-lovers for two nights. The ticket also includes two dinners — including a gourmet hot dog roast — door prizes and awards. It’s also the perfect time-of-year to explore the roads of scenic southern Indiana.

10. 2019 NCC Autocross Points

Date: October 5, 2019

This beginner-friendly event offers in-car instruction, guided courses and a staff of experts available to answer any questions. The registration fee of $55 — or $65 for non-members — guarantees track time on Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland. Free loaner helmets are also available to those in need.

11. BMW CCA Petit Le Mans

Date: October 9-13, 2019

Don’t miss the 2019 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. When you join the BMW CCA Peachtree Chapter, you’ll gain exclusive parking, a hospitality tent, meet and greets with race teams, raffles and more. The event tickets range from $70 to $90, depending on the number of days you wish to attend.

12. Annual BMW CCA Oktoberfest

Date: October 15-19, 2019

The Annual BMW Oktoberfest, now in its 50th year, is a well-known festival referred to locally as O’Fest. Come to Greenville, South Carolina, to celebrate everything BMW. The schedule is packed full of events like charity hot lap rides, car control clinic, rallies, tire rack autocross and more.

13. Fall Tour to Monticello

Date: October 26-27, 2019

Join the National Capital Chapter of the BMW CCA for an overnight journey down to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Visit an architectural marvel dating to the late 18th century while bonding with BMW enthusiasts. The tour costs $10 per car, and drivers are encouraged to bring along walkie-talkies for easier group communication.

14. SoCal Vintage BMW Meet

Date: November 2, 2019

This event, the largest independent vintage BMW meet in the country, is open to all BMW models from 1989 and back. BMW owners from around the country, including Nevada, Washington and even Florida, drive in to meet other enthusiasts and check out the turnout of more than 400 cars.

15. Autocross Points Event 8

Date: November 2, 2019

Held at Moore Airfield in Ayer, Massachusetts, this all-day event is open to all BMW CCA members. Attend the morning tech inspection and meet with other drivers. Then pilot your own car through a timed obstacle course with confusing turns and twists.

Don’t miss out on some of the most highly-anticipated BMW events coming up. Attend social events to chat with other enthusiasts. Show off your car in a competition. Or try your hand behind on the wheel on a well-known track.