The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington is one of those races where history and chaos just collide. It’s not just any race, it’s Darlington, “The Lady in Black,” and she always demands respect. That track is so narrow and slick it eats up even the best drivers, and over the years, the Southern 500 has turned into a highlight reel of some of NASCAR’s wildest, most iconic moments. From legends like Richard Petty to modern stars like Kevin Harvick, Darlington’s been the stage for epic battles that fans still talk about decades later.

When NASCAR brought back the throwback paint schemes for the Southern 500 in 2015, it revived something magical. Suddenly you had Kyle Larson running a Terry Labonte “Kellogg’s Corn Flakes” look, or Dale Jr. bringing back his dad’s gray Wrangler scheme. The racing’s been great, but the vibe of those throwback weekends is what made the Southern 500 must-watch again. It’s like stepping into a time machine where the past and present of NASCAR get to party together.

Take the 2019 race, Erik Jones shocked everyone by holding off Kyle Busch to grab his second career win. That night was all about grit, with Jones surviving multiple late restarts to prove he belonged. Or 2020, when Kevin Harvick slipped through chaos to win after Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. tangled late.

Darlington’s like that, sometimes it’s not about being the fastest, but about outlasting the madness. For fans heading to the 2025 Southern 500 on August 31, here’s the ultimate guide to making the most of the weekend, from tailgating to camping to what you can (and can’t) bring through the gates.

Tailgating

If you’re heading to Darlington, the Turn 2 Tailgate Zone is where it’s at. Picture a big backyard party, but with race cars screaming by in the background. Porta Bars are slinging drinks, food vendors are dishing out grub, and TVs are set up so you don’t miss a second of the action. Fans can roll in with coolers and chairs, setting up their own slice of NASCAR heaven. It’s got that football tailgate energy mixed with the raw buzz of a race weekend, making it the perfect spot to kick things off before the green flag drops.

Camping

Darlington’s camping scene is a tradition all its own. Gates usually swing open early in race week, like Tuesday at 9 a.m., and fans start pouring in with RVs, campers, and even tents. You’ve got options: infield camping puts you right in the heart of the action, surrounded by the track’s chaos, while outside spots like Petty or Pearson RV campgrounds give a bit more breathing room. Quiet hours are technically midnight to 6 a.m., but let’s be real, the campgrounds stay buzzing with stories, laughs, and maybe a few extra beers. It’s tailgating stretched over a whole week, and it’s as much a part of the Darlington experience as the race itself.

Events

Darlington doesn’t just run a race, it throws a full-blown festival. The weekend’s packed with can’t-miss events like Track Laps for Charity, where fans can actually drive their own cars around the hallowed track. There’s also concerts, the Southern 500 Kickoff Party, a hauler parade rolling through town, and family-friendly stuff like the NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Fun Day Festival. It’s the kind of schedule where you’re just as busy off the track as the drivers are on it, soaking up every bit of that throwback Southern 500 vibe.

Cooler Policy

Here’s some good news: Darlington lets you bring a cooler. NASCAR’s fan-friendly vibe means you can pack your own drinks and snacks, and the rule at Darlington is one soft-sided cooler per person, max size 14″x14″x14″. Glass bottles are a no-go, but canned drinks, water, and pre-packaged food are all fair game. You can also toss in a small bag for extras like sunscreen or merch. It’s a budget-saver, letting you skip the pricey track food and keep your favorite beverages close for the long race day.

Parking & Prohibitions

Parking at Darlington is spread out with both free and paid options. If you’ve got a camping pass, you’ll roll through specific gates, like Gate 40 for infield campers. On race day, get there early, those country roads into Darlington clog up fast when 50,000 fans descend. As for what’s banned, leave the glass bottles, hard-sided coolers, umbrellas, drones, scooters, and anything resembling a weapon at home. Confederate flags are also off-limits. Collapsible strollers are fine, but big wagons or oversized chairs won’t make it through the gates. Keep it simple, and you’ll be cruising into the track with no hassle.

The Southern 500 is more than a race, it’s a celebration of NASCAR’s heart and soul. From tailgating in Turn 2 to camping under the stars, Darlington delivers a weekend where fans live and breathe the sport. Pack your cooler, plan your parking, and dive into the events, but don’t mess with “The Lady in Black,” she’s ready to steal the show.