A Summer Bucket List Item to Remember: Outdoor Movie Night!

Movie nights are a win for both kids and caregivers! This year, add an outdoor movie night to your summer bucket list! You won’t regret it. These tips will help you create a magical movie night in your backyard.

Don’t forget – you can talk to our team at Wood Country Building Services to make sure your theatre comes to life without a hitch!

#1: Technology and Equipment

The first step to creating your outdoor theatre is to decide what technology you need to purchase. Simply moving a television outside is an option, especially if you’re on a budget, but you need to ensure there is no glare and that the screen is large enough for everyone to see it.

A more popular option is to purchase a small projector that you connect to your phone or laptop. A projector like this allows you to broadcast media from your device to a wall or other surface, which is ideal so everyone can see the screen and get the movie theatre effect. To ensure the picture quality is the best it can be, it’s recommended to project your picture against a white background. You can purchase projector screens specifically for outdoor movie viewing, or make your own. You can accomplish this by hanging a white bed sheet on a fence or the side of your house, making sure the fabric is pulled taut.

Since the sound of the movie can easily get lost in an outdoor space, a speaker will help everyone hear much better.

Don’t forget extension cords, if needed. It’s also a good idea to have an elevated surface (like a box) to prop up your projector.

#2: Keeping Critters at Bay

When night falls, pesky insects like mosquitoes are a reality. To keep you and your guests from being bitten, make sure to have mosquito repellent on hand. You can also burn citronella candles or torches, which creates a calming firelit atmosphere. While adding lanterns and string lights creates a lovely ambience, they can also attract moths and other insects, so be sure to keep them away from food tables, or doors and windows that might be opened and allow moths into your home.

If you’re planning to offer food, ensure that plates are covered to prevent insects from landing on the food. Similarly, serve drinks in bottles with lids.

If you’re in an area with wildlife, try not to keep open food out as it can attract creatures like raccoons. If you are keeping food outside, ensure it’s on a table and sealed.

#3: Snack Time!

It wouldn’t be a movie theatre experience without popcorn! To make your movie night extra fun, try setting up a popcorn bar! Set out different flavours of popcorn, and various types of candy and chocolate. Pretzels, caramel sauce, melted chocolate, or popcorn seasonings are also great to have. Give everyone a bowl, and let them customize their popcorn treats.

If you’re serving canned beverages, can coolers are great to offer guests to keep drinks cold. Ensure all pitchers of drinks have lids to keep insects or pollen out of the beverages. To prevent drinks and snacks from spilling, set up trays with feet on the ground for guests to put their snacks on.

#4: Creating Comfy Seating

A cozy setup is the key to a successful movie night! Lawn chairs or dining room chairs brought outside will do the trick for adults who don’t want to sit on the ground, but a comfy nest of pillows and blankets is great for kids! Simply lay a tarp or picnic blanket on the ground, and pile on lots of pillows and blankets for kids (or youthful adults!) to snuggle up in. 

Other options are bean bag chairs, reclining lawn chairs, or foldable lawn chairs. Make sure to have lots of blankets available, as even summer nights can be chilly.

Your backyard theatre is now ready for birthday parties, cookouts, family movie night, or a neighbourhood bash! Get ready to be the talk of the town, and stop by our store today to get started on putting your setup together!