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How to Host an Outdoor Movie Night on a Budget!

Blog | July 20th, 2020


Considering our current situation, movie theaters are probably not the best place to be. But oh, the craving for freshly popped popcorn and a big-screen movie is almost too much to bear. There has to be a solution!

Of course, there is! Here are simple, inexpensive ways you can host an outdoor movie night at home!



Chances are someone in attendance will have a projector, but if not you can purchase one right here on Amazon for not much more than it would cost to take the family to a theater. The best part is that you can use it over and over again for years to come.



If the projector doesn’t come with a screen, you or someone you know will surely have a big, white sheet. If so, perfect! Being careful not to cause any damage to the temporary screen, firmly tie string or twine between two trees. Use clothespins to hold the sheet securely on the line. Another possibility is securing it across a garage door. Viola, the big screen!



Next up is the concession stand! Head on over to your nearest 99 Cents only, Dollar Tree or Walmart for movie styled boxed candy and individually bagged snacks. Don’t forget your popcorn and soda! Using a folding table, layout the goodies in an organized fashion. Set up your temporary concession stand near an outlet so you can plug-in your choice of popcorn poppers. After all, it wouldn’t be a real movie atmosphere without the aroma of freshly popped corn drifting through the air.



Time to set the mood with seating and lighting. Luminaries add a beautiful touch to your outdoor space. Light the pathways with several inexpensive bug-deterring citronella candles or solar LED lights. Now for the seating area! You can get creative with the seating. Take several picnic blankets and throw some poufs on top for comfortable floor seating. Another option or addition to seating is having guests bring their own chairs, blankets, and pillows. Whatever will make them feel most comfortable!



It’s showtime! Whether your movie choice is a new release or a nostalgic memory, ask attendees to bring their own favorites. Bring back an old tradition and start with a cartoon before the main feature. The kids will love that! You could even wind up having a double or triple feature or an all-night movie marathon for the free price of one! What a deal! Now, take your seat, dim the lights, roll the camera, and let the action begin for a safe, outdoor, at-home movie night! Make it a tradition that could extend past the summer isolation of 2020 and into the cool, crisp nights of fall! A tradition you do not because you have to, but because you want to!


Related: 9 Affordable Hacks to Improve Your Outdoor Space