Gathering with friends and family to eat snacks and watch movies is a timeless tradition. Add the starry night sky as a backdrop and some cozy blankets, and you can create a truly magical cinematic experience for your next get-together. We’ll get you started with some unique ideas for planning an unforgettable backyard movie night.
Blockbuster Setting
Having a relaxing atmosphere is the key to any successful outdoor movie night. Start with the basics, including a screen, projector, and ample seating. Then add extra lights and unique decor to to create the perfect ambiance.
Plan the seating
Get creative with the seating for your outdoor movie theater. Bean bags, floor cushions, thick mats, and inflatables would be great for a movie under the stars. But be sure to provide some sturdier options for those who can’t sit on the ground. You can set up lawn chairs, move other outdoor seating to your screening area, or even bring out chairs from your house.
Put up the screen
Of course, you can’t have a movie night without a big screen! Your best bet is to buy an inflatable movie screen or rent a screen from a local company because they can provide outdoor projectors and sound equipment. But if you’re working with a smaller budget, you can set up your own projector and hang a sheet, use a plain side of your house, or build your own movie screen.
Hang the lights
Illuminate your outdoor space with fairy lights, lanterns, and candles for the ultimate movie experience. They not only set the mood but also add a touch of enchantment to the evening. String lights in the tree, scatter some LED candles on tables, and watch your backyard transform into a twinkling wonderland. You can even add a fire pit if you’re watching an outdoor movie during the colder months.
Add special touches
Sometimes it’s the little things that make an event truly memorable, so focus on the details. Send out official invitations to your backyard movie night. They can be designed like a movie ticket and/or tied into the chosen film. Add a “now showing” or movie night marquee sign and other movie-themed decorations for a more immersive experience.
🤩 Looking for movie-specific theme ideas? Check out our tips for throwing a Ken-sational Barbie party, a bewitching Hocus Pocus event, or a magical Encanto celebration for a family movie night with the kiddos.
Snack Attack
No list of backyard movie night ideas would be complete without some snack and drink options. Provide an assortment of tasty treats and refreshing beverages for your guests to munch and sip on as they watch the movie.
Create a concession stand
Stick with all your standard movie concessions. Set up a popcorn bar with a variety of flavors — classic butter, cheesy cheddar, and even some sweet caramel or kettle corn for those with a sweet tooth. Offer a selection of candy to go with it, from gummy bears to chocolate-covered pretzels. And don’t forget about savory options like nachos with all the fixings.
Choose your drinks
Soda and water are an easy choice for your outdoor cinema. Place them in tubs of ice so they can be easily grabbed and enjoyed. Homemade Icees would also be a huge hit, especially for a summer movie night. For something a little different, offer themed cocktails or mocktails based on the movie you’re watching.
Lights, Camera, Activities!
While the main attraction is the movie, you can keep the fun rolling with some pre-show and intermission activities. These backyard movie night ideas will keep guests engaged and entertained from the moment they arrive until the credits roll.
❓ Movie Trivia
Test your guests’ film knowledge with a round of movie trivia. Prepare questions related to the film you’re showing, or go all out with a general movie quiz. Be sure to offer some fun prizes for the winners!
‼️ Movie Bingo
Create bingo cards with common movie clichés or tropes and hand them out to your guests. As they watch the film, they can mark off the boxes when they spot these familiar movie moments. For the not-so-family-friendly events, you could turn it into a drinking game as well.
📸 Themed Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props and a backdrop related to the movie you’re screening. Encourage guests to snap some Instagram-worthy pics and share them with a unique hashtag for your backyard movie night.
With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of movie magic, you can plan the perfect outdoor movie night. So roll out the red carpet and enjoy an evening of cinematic splendor right in your own backyard! 🎬
Book something awesome for your backyard movie night! Find outdoor screens, photo booths, bartenders, and more on GigSalad.
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.