Getting people out of their homes in this heat requires a particularly appealing attraction – and a Backyard BBQ special event series is exactly that attraction in my opinion.
Austin, Texas, stalwarts Uptown Sports Club and Meanwhile Brewing Co. have announced a four-part summer barbecue series, bringing together chefs, Meanwhile brewmasters and live music to deliver a casual, approachable culinary experience reminiscent of the classic summer party. The limited series will take place on August 2, August 23, September 6 and September 20, with the event location alternating between the two. The mood of the poster really says it all:
“Community is everything to us at Uptown, and we’re excited to partner with our friends at Meanwhile Brewing Co. and talented chefs to bring this backyard barbecue series to life,” said Aaron Franklin, co-owner of Uptown Sports Club. “We just want to bring Austinites together through great food, great beer and great music, and we can’t wait to do just that.”
Tickets for this Craft Beer Marketing Idea of the Week are $39 per person and can be purchased here . Each ticket will include two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), two entrees, and a dessert from Bésame and Tiny Pies. Additional tickets for food and beverages can be purchased onsite.
BBQ Beer in the Garden
Meanwhile, Brewing Co. will also release a limited-edition can of its Custom Lager — a one-of-a-kind beer crafted specifically for Uptown and served on tap since its opening in March 2023. The American Premium Lager offers a melody of lemon, dough and spice, pairing well with Uptown staples like gumbo, shrimp po’boys and oysters on the half shell.
Barbecue talents
The series will feature unique off-menu bites featuring a range of flavors from well-known local culinary talents including:
Franklin, the legendary barbecue master behind Uptown Sports Club and Franklin Barbecue;
barbecue master Evan Leroy of Leroy & Lewis Barbecue, who recently announced the launch of his cookbook, “New School Barbecue,” slated for publication in 2026;
Davis Tuner of the coastal fast food truck Huckleberry;
and chef Fiore Tedesco of neighborhood Italian restaurant L’Oca d’Oro and pizzeria Bambino.
The Uptown Sports Club team will also be offering additional grilled and cold dishes at each of the four events. Desserts will be provided by Bésame’s homemade ice cream truck and Tiny Pies Bakery.
Additionally, each event will feature live music from local bands. Meanwhile guests can enjoy the beer garden and dog-friendly outdoor event space. Patrons of the Uptown Sports Club, which has its roots as a neighborhood bar dating back to 1893, can soak up the hustle and bustle of East Sixth Street from the dining room or back patio of the historic building.
“We’ve always wanted Meanwhile Brewing Co. to be a space where the community can come together to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and we’re fortunate to share that feeling with Uptown Sports Club,” said Meanwhile Founder Will Jaquiss. “We’re excited to serve Custom Lager, our bespoke beer created for Uptown Sports and the summer, along with great food from some truly talented chefs.”
The full schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, August 2 at Meanwhile Brewing Co. – Evan Leroy of Leroy & Lewis Barbecue
Friday, August 23 at Uptown Sports Club – Davis Turner of Huckleberry
Friday, September 6th at Meanwhile Brewing Co. – Aaron Franklin of Uptown Sports Club and Franklin Barbecue
Friday, September 20 at Uptown Sports Club – Chef Fiore Tedesco of Bambino and L’Oca d’Oro
