How to Host the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Night

If you love movies, you’ll probably love watching movies outside, especially if you have family members or friends to watch alongside you. These days, there are plenty of gadgets and items that can make this more possible and more comfortable.

But what exactly does it take to plan and host the ultimate outdoor movie night?

Setting Up Your Backyard

Backyard movie magic awaits

First, you’ll need to take some time to set up your own backyard. There are a few different strategies you can employ to screen movies in your own backyard, and each has advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, you could simply take a TV outside and use streaming apps to play whatever movie you want. However, the quality may not be ideal, it may be hard to find an outlet, and if there’s even a slight sprinkle of rain, your TV could be ruined.

It’s more common for people to set up some sort of projection unit. You can use an inflatable screen or something similar as a backdrop, then set up a projector to project the movie onto that screen. There are many models of projector available, catering to a wide range of different budgets, so get the unit that offers the best quality for whatever your spending limit is. You may also want to supplement your projector with a sound system or other peripherals to dial in the quality of your screening.

You’ll also need to think about seating in the overall experience your guests are going to have. Again, there are numerous options here. If you want something simple, nostalgic, and fun, you could simply lay out blankets or towels and sit on the grass. But if you’re looking for a more comfortable and relaxed experience, you might invest in some comfortable pieces of outdoor furniture. If you’re hosting a number of guests, consider having multiple options available, so people can choose the experience that’s right for them.

Dreamy nights await you

If you want to go the extra mile, you could build an outdoor kitchen – especially if you plan on having outdoor movie nights in the future. An outdoor kitchen is a significant investment, but it’s one with lots of potential benefits, especially for outdoor movie nights. This is your opportunity to cook, prepare, and serve food outdoors, which is especially valuable if you want your group of movie watchers to have access to the best-quality snacks. This would also prevent you from having to run inside every time you need something minor. And practically speaking, outdoor kitchens have a tendency to significantly increase the value of your home, so you’ll see a decent return on your investment in the future.

Another way you can prepare your backyard is with the integration of cozy outdoor lighting. If you’re projecting the movie, you’ll need to watch it after the sun goes down; accordingly, you’ll need some form of lighting so that people can see what they’re doing, but you obviously won’t want to eclipse the brightness of the movie you’re watching. Gentle string lights could serve your purpose perfectly.

Inviting the Right People

Gather your perfect crowd

Next, you’ll need to invite the right people. Choose people you know you’ll get along with, and people who might be able to add to the experience. Some people prefer watching movies in silence, while others prefer a more engaging experience; keep this in mind when inviting guests.

Selecting the Right Movie

Almost any movie could be fun to watch outside, but some simply fit the vibe better than others. Movies that focus on adventure, excitement, and high energy outdoor activities are typically a better fit than movies that are more artistic or low energy.

Unforgettable flavors await you

Snacks and Drinks

No outdoor movie night is complete without an assortment of snacks and drinks to keep your guests entertained and refreshed. Popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, and candy are always excellent movie staples, but you might want something more substantial to keep your guests full. Pizza, for example, is never a bad idea. And depending on the crowd that you’ve gathered, you might offer a mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Planning for Inclement Weather

Plan for the unexpected

Bad weather can ruin almost any outdoor event – if there aren’t any precautions in place to deal with it. If you want to make sure that your guests have a great time no matter what, put together a plan for inclement weather. Are you going to try to reschedule? Are you simply going to watch the movie indoors?

Feedback and Improvements

After the event, consider gathering feedback from some of your guests. Were they able to see and hear the movie well? Did they enjoy the snacks and drinks? If you’re willing to keep making improvements, your next movie night will be even more fun!