Outdoor Movie Night - FREE Printables

Summer is the perfect time to host an outdoor movie night, the kids have no school and the weather is warm. Many years ago when we lived in a cul-de-sac in Pearl City we’d have a neighborhood movie night in the middle of the loop! Our neighbor Jim would set up a big screen connect it to his Betamax (I said it was many years ago!) and speakers and we’d all bring out lawn chairs, futons, and snacks. It was usually planned in a day or two and wasn’t as elaborate as today’s movie nights have gotten to be, but we still had a great time.

Babble

These days the parks in our town sponsor a outdoor movie nights at parks and beaches around the island, they’re fun, but not at all like our old neighborhood movie nights. Parking is difficult, seating is crowded, and the “free” movie ends up costing more than it should with vendors hawking all kinds of food during the show. To avoid the crowds it’s still better to host your own movie night with family, friends, and neighbors. It’s also a great idea for summer birthdays, kids and adults will enjoy it!

It doesn’t take much or cost too much to host an outdoor movie night. You can have it in your backyard, cul-de-sac, garage, or roof top, and have guests bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and pillows. You can even have a pot-luck with everyone bringing their favorite snack or drinks. All you really need to provide is a big screen, projector and a movie, if you don’t have one borrow one or build one. The biggest obstacle may end up deciding what movie to watch! Here are some ideas on how to host an outdoor movie party. Enjoy!

Learn how to DIY a large screen from Hello Paper Moon!

Hello Paper Moon

DIY a projector too! Here’s a tutorial from Wonder How To.

Comfy seating. Bring out lawn chairs, blankets, futons, and pillows. If you don’t have enough don’t be ashamed to have guests bring their own!

Break out the popcorn machine and open up a concession stand filled with movie theater treats: hot dogs, candies, cracker jacks, popcorn, nachos, etc. You can get movie theater boxed candies from Walmart for about $1 a box. I love this idea, it’s fun!

Mommy Martina

I also love the idea of a DIY Popcorn Bar so guests can make their favorite treat combination. Mine is buttered popcorn with M& M’s, Reese’s Pieces, Rice Crackers, sprinkled with Furakaki (seaweed & sesame seed sprinkles). It’s salty, sweet, and pure yum!

Family Fresh Meals

Download Free printable labels from The Kitchn!

The Kitch

My Little Cottage in the Making

Here’s a cool idea, glow in the dark cotton candy. If you have a cotton candy machine or want to rent one you can make the spun sugar glow in the dark with lit up cotton candy sticks like they do at carnivals and amusement parks. You can by the special glow sticks from Etsy or order them online in huge bulks.

Like Mom and Apple Pie

Here are some great movie night party ideas from Like Mom and Apple Pie! There’s a tutorial for the banner and printable invitations on this blog as well. Click here!