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There’s nothing like an outdoor movie night with friends and loved ones watching a cinematic masterpiece under the stars!
Creating the ideal atmosphere is part of your role as the host, but it takes more than setting up a few lawn chairs in the backyard. You need lights, a projector, and more! Being prepared with all the necessary gear can help your movie night go off without a hitch for an event that all your guests will talk about for some time!
Ready to set the stage for a memorable evening? Follow these tips to host an incredible outdoor movie night!
How To Host an Awesome Outdoor Movie Night
There are a lot of aspects of the movie-watching experience that you’ll want to consider when hosting an occasion like this!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your upcoming event:
1. Prepare the Space
First and foremost, prepare the space! This might involve mowing your yard, raking, cleaning up after your pet, clearing debris or branches, and more. If mowing is necessary, do this the day before the event to avoid triggering allergies.
Find a flat space for your cinema station. Clear the area of any items like grills or yard decor.
Also, check the weather beforehand to confirm that conditions should be well-suited for a movie night. Make sure it’ll be dark enough outside at the time you’ve planned your movie to begin so that everyone can see the screen.
2. Set Up the Equipment
Next, you’ll need to set up your movie screen, projector, and power source. Test everything beforehand, including your projector, screen, speakers, and Wi-Fi signal. Also, ensure you have reliable access to the film you plan on watching!
An outdoor power source is essential. A portable power station such as EcoFlow DELTA 2 is an excellent option. You can plug in your devices without worrying about outlet availability or extension cords. It can power multiple devices, including lights, the projector, speakers, and other electronics.
3. Make Things Comfy
Create an inviting environment for your guests by setting up cozy seating. Whether it’s lounge chairs, patio furniture, or ground cushions, you want comfortable seating and arrangement so that everyone can see the film.
Pull out all the stops with rugs, blankets, pillows, and the like! These help the space to look extra inviting to lounge on and provide tons of comfort for your guests. Opt for woven outdoor textiles and rugs. They’re comfortable while still equipped to stand up to the outdoors.
You might also have to adjust for the weather and season. Evenings can get chilly, even in the summer! You might want a patio heater, fire pit, or other outdoor heating or cooling source nearby.
The EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent solution whether it’s too hot or cold outside. Its heating and cooling capabilities keep you comfortable all year round.
4. Provide Snacks
Create an authentic movie experience by providing snacks! A beverage station and snack bar with options like candy, chips, or popcorn will bring your event to the next level.
Don’t forget to include a place for trash, napkins, and hand sanitizer!
5. Set a Great Atmosphere
You can create a memorable scene by decorating the space with outdoor string lights, candles, and more—just be sure to take necessary precautions if you use real candles with open flames.
For a festive atmosphere, decorate the space with banners or balloons. It can be a real treat for celebrating a special occasion like a birthday.
6. Pick a Movie Suited to the Crowd
Of course, the entertainment for the evening revolves around the movie you choose—so make sure it’s a good one! Consider your audience and ensure it’s a movie that is well-suited to the crowd to ensure everyone has a good time.
What You Need To Make an Outdoor Movie Night Run Smoothly
You don’t want to end up problem-solving on the fly and fiddling with your gear at the time the movie is supposed to begin!
To make sure you are prepared, here are a few things we recommend having:
A Reliable Off-Grid Power Supply
With a reliable off-grid power supply, you don’t need to worry about any power flickers or being limited in where you can set up your screen. You don’t need to be close to an outlet or have a long enough extension cord.
A portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel powers multiple devices and lets you tap free, renewable energy with solar. For a compact solution, consider the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station.
Solar generators and power stations offer a convenient way to power outdoor string lights, speakers, projectors, etc. You can even let guests charge their phones—just be sure to remind everyone to put their phones on silent!
Projector and Screen Setup and Necessary Cables/Accessories
You’ll need a projector and screen to watch the movie. Ensure you have everything necessary to operate them smoothly. It is highly recommended that you test all of this beforehand so you’re not troubleshooting in the middle of the event in front of your guests.
If necessary, ensure you have any HDMI cables, audio cables, etc., for your setup to function correctly!
Speaker Setup
Ensure you have a suitable speaker setup that provides enough sound so your guests can hear the movie. Be careful about cranking up the volume too loud, though — you don’t want to disturb your neighbors!
Again, test this gear ahead of time in conjunction with the rest of your devices to ensure that everything will go smoothly on the night of the event.
Extension Cords (If Necessary)
Depending on your setup, you may need extension cords to supply the required power to your devices. If you do, use an outdoor extension cord, not an indoor one.
Indoor extension cords aren’t rated for temperature changes and moisture, leading to potential fire hazards or electric shock.
Comfy Seating
You need somewhere comfortable for your guests to sit with a good view of the movie screen. Bring things to the next level with comfort items like blankets, pillows, and more.
Decor and Lighting
Decorate the space to fit the theme. You can even use the movie you’re watching to guide your decor. Items like mood lighting are also a great option to set the scene.
Snacks and Beverages
Have a variety of beverage and snack options for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. This could include candy bars, chips, water bottles, and more. And, of course, don’t forget the popcorn—a movie staple!
If you need a cooler to keep food and drinks cold, consider a portable refrigerator like the EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator—it can even make ice!
Also, don’t forget plates, napkins, and hand sanitizer to go with these items.
Bug-Repellent
You want your guests to remember your event — but not because they brought a bunch of bug bites home with them as souvenirs! Consider bug spray to keep the pests at bay.
The Movie
Ensure you have reliable access to play your movie and that it works before guests arrive!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like a relaxing evening watching a movie with friends and loved ones! Make the night one to remember by pulling out all the stops and ensuring the event goes off without a hitch.
Want to beat the summer heat at your next movie night? Keep cool with the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner.
Don’t run the risk of a power interruption. Check out our portable power stations for a reliable source of energy that will bring you peace of mind during your next outdoor movie night.