This summer, take your movie-watching outside. Here is a guide to creating your outdoor movie theater in the backyard.
I’m sharing everything you need to know to create an outdoor movie night at home.
How To Create A Outdoor Movie Theater: Everything You Need For A Outdoor Movie Night At Home
The summer of 2020 has been quite the summer! With so many of us stuck at home, not being able to travel, go to the movies, or hang out with friends, we’re learning to find fun things to do at home.
This summer, we spent time upgrading our outdoor living space (affectionately named The W), and adding a movie theater was part of that plan.
We’re sharing how we put together our outdoor space for movie nights.
Outdoor Projector Screen for an Outdoor Movie Theater
When we initially created our backyard movie theater, we used a white sheet. However, this was a temporary solution for us since we wanted a screen that would give a clear and sharp picture. This projection screen came recommended by someone on social media. After checking the specs of the screen and reading the reviews, I purchased it for around $40.
{in this photo you can see the white sheet, our temporary screen}
If you don’t have time to build your own frame or screen stand, we considered this one: Elite Screens Yard Master 2, 120-inch Indoor Outdoor Portable Fast Folding Projector Screen with Stand.
If you don’t have a lot of space to store a projector, consider getting an inflatable projector.
Material List + Directions for our Outdoor Movie Screen
When we first started using our projector screen, we used screwed it to the back fence using deck screws. However, Derrick wanted a cleaner look and used leftover wood from our deck addition to make the screen.
Supplies:
- 8 2″x6″x8″ treated lumber boards
- One 120″ screen, Dimension 104″ x 58″
Directions: I built a solid frame by attaching the screen to 2 vertical support boards, then overlapping the top and bottom boards to the outside edge of the vertical boards.
There are a total of 18 holes, and at each hole, I placed a 4-inch shim and screwed it through the shim and the hole of the screen eyelets. I then sandwiched the remaining boards, two vertical and two horizontal at the top and bottom positions.
Affordable Outdoor Movie Projectors for an Outdoor Movie Theater
I spent several hours pouring through reviews and videos to find a budget-friendly projector.
I settled on a budget-friendly projector priced around $80. The reviews for the Zeacool Video Projector were good. Reviewers noted the price was right for a budget-friendly projector.
Once the projector arrived, we tested it out right away (initially with just a white sheet). I was pleased with the outcome. This projector was small and easy to move around. The movies played on the sheet (then later the screen) were clear.
Here are a few things to note about this movie projector:
- The sound quality is not great. If you go with this one, you’ll need to hook up an external speaker.
- While the picture is clear, the bottom of the screen was fuzzy.
- The quality was good, but not as sharp as what you would expect in a movie theater or an HD TV.
- It needs to be pitch black in order to get the best view. (Start the movie around 9:15-9:30)
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly price, this is it!
We recently upgraded our movie projector to a GooDee 2020 Upgrade HD Video Projector Outdoor Movie Projector. The specs on this projector were better than our budget-friendly projector.
The sound quality is great (we can watch movies without using the external speaker.) The movies are sharper and clearer. I saved comparison videos on our Instagram highlights.
Additional accessories you will need for your outdoor movie set-up:
A stand or cart. We initially used an outdoor bar cart. Then I ordered a projector stand. I decided to go with a projector stand since it can tilt up and is easily adjustable.
In the winter months, I can bring the stand to the house and use it for my laptop.
Speaker. If you love to have the best sound quality while watching movies, then I highly recommend getting a speaker. You can buy them as low as $50ish to several hundred dollars (depending on your budget).
We already had a speaker and connected it to our projector.
Our speaker: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3. We are considering getting a speaker just for outdoor use, and looking at the ION Audio Insta Sound.
Kindle Fire/Stick. You can hook up your Kindle Fire or Stick to the projector, or any other device via USB cable.
Outdoor Multi- Extension Cord/Plug. To hook up your projector, speaker, and streaming device, you’ll need to have an outdoor extension cord/plug. Here a few to check out: Budget-friendly price. Four 3-prong. Power Outlets.
Outdoor Movie Seating Ideas for an Outdoor Movie Theater
Now that you have the equipment, it’s time to think about seating.
Budget-friendly option. For a budget-friendly option, use what you have for outdoor movie seating. Bring out blankets and pillows to make the space cozy and comfortable.
If you have an outdoor rug, you can lay that down in the movie watching area first, then layer with pillows and blankets.
Do you want to feel like you’re sitting in the movie theater? Here are some options we recommend:
Your patio furniture can also work for movie nights. Just make sure it is spaced out across the yard, so you don’t block the view.
The way our backyard is set up, we can spread out and use the seating on the deck. These chairs purchased from HomeGoods are super comfy and perfect for us to watch movies from the deck area.
Movie Night Concession Stand
There are so many ways to set up a concession stand. I’ve seen some creative ideas on the Internet. One of the best parts about going to the movies is the snacks, so you gotta have them!
Here are a few snacks to add to your concession stand:
- Popcorn
- Slushies /Snow Cones
- Movie Theater Box Candy
- Water
- Pop/Soda
You can even add hot dogs, nachos, or have dinner while watching your movie. You can also make a popcorn grazing board like this one:
This popcorn grazing board has a mix of chocolate, popcorn, cheese, veggies, candy, and Lil’ Smokies.
If you’re having a themed movie night party, consider doing a theme board like our Minions Grazing Board or a Toy Story Candy Board.
You can also create a summer charcuterie board for a movie night party.
Another idea for movie night snacks is to create a s’mores grazing board!
Learn how to put together this board + everything we used to create the ultimate s’mores board!
For our concession stand, we used a bar cart to display candy and cold drinks.
We also have a beverage stand and cooler if we need to use them to keep the drinks cold. [see more ideas for a movie concession stand, and our game day concession stand idea]
Make your popcorn with a popcorn maker! We wanted to create a real movie experience, so we purchased a popcorn machine.
I decided to go with this one because of the positive reviews, brand familiarity, and style.
If you buy a popcorn machine, here is what you will need:
However, you can also just buy popcorn and pop in the microwave, as well as make popcorn on the stove.
Best Snow Cone Maker
Another gadget we added to our backyard movie theater is a snow cone maker. After reading reviews, I went with the Throwback (60048) The Big Freeze Hawaiian Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Maker, Chrome & Silver.
I also ordered Hawaiian Shaved Ice Syrup 10 Pack, along with a pack of black Free Flow Pourers.
This Snow Cone Maker is a quality machine. I wanted something we can use year-round and last for a long time. It’s very simple to use. Just add ice (we use crushed ice), and push the button. This is a big hit with the teens; they love snow cones!
{this is from our first movie night! Zayd’n is the only kid not facing the camera (roll eyes).}
Tips on hosting an outdoor movie night, social distance style:
We’ve hosted quite a few movie nights for Zayd’n and his friends. It’s the perfect thing for teens to do right now.
The movie theaters are closed, and they want to hang out. Our backyard is big enough for them to space out (although they love to be all over each other). We have enough seating for each person to sit 6 ft from the next person.
- Individual snacks are essential for hygiene purposes. We also have hand sanitizer out for each teen to use throughout the night.
- Have enough seating and space to allow for 6 ft apart.
- Encourage your guests to wear masks. {these photos were taken before masks were mandatory in our state}
- Encourage guests to bring their drinks/snacks. If not, use plastic water bottles and cans you can throw away.
- Have a trash bag out for guests to throw away their trash. [see more tips on hosting an outdoor party]
We usually start our movies around 9-9:30. However, with the newer projector, we can start the movie around 8:45.
Zayd’n’s friends are a social bunch, and they want to spend as much time together as possible. So we end movie night with s’mores around the fire.
We love our Outdoor Movie Theater!
Having an outdoor movie set-up has been a life-saver. We’ve been able to use this space to (safely) entertain our son’s friends (one of the twins also had a movie night with a friend), as well as our friends.
Plus, being able to watch some of our favorite movies on the big screen as a family has been a way to keep busy during this summer of quarantine.
More summer fun ideas to check out:
Tips On Hosting A Summer Pie Party
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