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How to Plan an Outdoor Movie Night: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that 70% of people want to watch movies at home rather than in a theater? With so many people eager to experience movies in a more intimate setting, there’s never been a better time to host a movie night. You can choose your movie and provide comfier seating.

Start getting the popcorn popping. Read on to learn how to plan an outdoor movie night!

Choose the Right Location

One of the first items on an outdoor movie night checklist should be the movie location. In other words, will you be hosting a movie night in a backyard or at a reserved space in a park?

Think about when and where the sun will set relative to your movie location. After all, you don’t want guests to be staring into the sun as it goes down. 

Look into the parking situation and make sure there are restrooms available. Finally, look for a place with level ground and enough space to accommodate your guests.

Select an Enjoyable Movie

As you consider genres for movies, consider your guest list, too. A kid-focused guest list means you should look at family-friendly movies that won’t contain offensive content. Aim for animated features or flicks that are G-rated to play it safe.

Find a movie with universal appeal. Even if guests have watched it before, they’ll enjoy doing so with some company!

Find a Good Projector

Traditional projectors can work well for a movie night, but you’ll need access to an electrical outlet. If that’s too much of a chore, look into getting a rechargeable portable projector. 

Look into outdoor movie screen rental, too, so you have a clean backdrop for your film. By renting a screen, you can offer a more professional viewing experience. And you’ll save time by not having the hassle of a DIY project. 

Invite Movie Night Guests

Once you have a movie night game plan, send out invitations. Give your guests plenty of notice so adults can find sitters if necessary.

Explain where the movie is, what will be shown, and what guests will need to bring. And offer an alternative date if you experience summer storms

Consider doing a thematic movie night. Or, if hosting a movie night during a holiday like Halloween, encourage costumes!

Decorate and Prepare Food

No outdoor movie night is complete without movie night snacks. If you can access a popcorn machine, rent it so you can keep the salty snacks popping. Use coffee filters as a cheap way to distribute the popcorn to guests or go with snazzy red and white paper bags.

You also can keep bags of chocolate candy and soda on hand. And if you really want to create a memorable night, serve some bubbly or other adult beverages. 

Learn How to Plan an Outdoor Movie Night

Plan an outdoor movie night as a fun way to enjoy time together with friends and family. Gather a projector, screen, and snacks to get started. And make sure you’ve secured a location where guests will have a good view and feel comfortable. 

When you need more tips to entertain your guests, check back soon for new articles!