While the sun starts to set and temperatures begin to cool, the nights at Meanwhile Brewing Co. have just begun. Every Friday, the Backyard BBQ Nights Summer Series takes place, an event including sizzling hot barbecue inspired by different regions of the world, live music, local vendors and restaurants and specialty beers and cocktails. 

The Backyard BBQ Night will highlight a new school theme starting Aug. 8, focusing on the new techniques and spices to which barbecue has adapted in Central Texas. Guests can enjoy food from local restaurants such as Distant Relatives, MUM Foods and Uptown Sports Club. Tickets are sold online or at the door for $59 plus taxes and fees. $20 per ticket and all proceeds from merchandise, specialty beers and cocktails will go to the Community Foundation of the Hill Country to support the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

“We’re trying to make sure that people feel seen and heard, and have a space to be themselves and slow down for a moment,” Conner Gilfillan, Meanwhile Brewing Co. general manager, said. “This event reflects the culture of Austin (while also showing) the support of local businesses for one another.”

This series is a collaboration between Meanwhile Brewing Co. and Uptown Sports Club that began last year. One of the goals for this series is to help local restaurants in the summertime since sales drop the most during the heat, Uptown Sports Club General Manager Matthew Pearson said.

“I don’t have restaurants that I love anymore, but I have people in restaurants that I love,” Pearson said. “I want to go support them. I want to support the ideas and the love that they have. Having the summer series helps us highlight those individuals and helps you spend time with (the chefs).”

Doors are open from 6 to 10 p.m., and each ticket includes an entrée and one side from each restaurant. During dinner, Gabe Chicoine (DJ Adult Themes) will play vinyls from the Northern African region, and to wrap up the night, there is live music by Markieth Bolan.

“I’m excited to DJ for the Meanwhile space,” Chicoine said. “Every time I go there, it’s generally busy. It’ll be a fun time having a lot of people and a lot of things going on and being part of all that.”

Split over four weeks and ending on Aug. 15, the series has included themes such as Asian, Asado, new school and will explore old school for the last theme next Friday. For the finale on Aug. 15, the event will showcase Franklin BBQ and Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar to highlight traditional barbecue. 

“Everyone who’s come out has been so positive and so excited to be there because they know that they’re not only having a great experience, but they’re also giving back, which is important,” Pearson said. “The chefs are excited to be part of something different and part of something fun during the summer. That’s, by far, the best part.”