How to Turn your Backyard into an Outdoor Theater

In most areas of the country, the drive in theater is a thing of the past. Gone are the days when you could enjoy the cool summer evenings and the newest flick. If you are missing the fun lazy days of eating fresh popped popcorn and want to share the experience with your own family, making a backyard theater is one of the best ways to relive this fun time. Here are some tips for setting up yours!

How to Turn your Backyard into an Outdoor Theater

A backyard theater is best done when you have a fenced in yard that is not often disturbed by passing vehicle’s headlights. You can either set up the movie on the fence itself, a shed or even just the side of your home.

Make signs that showcase what movie will be playing. If you have kids, have them create it on poster board or chalkboard. Hang a bunting or some string lights for added effect and ambiance at the entrance.

The biggest expense for an outdoor theater is the projector. Renting one can get expensive as many places charge up to $100 a day. Some public libraries rent projectors out for a deposit that is much cheaper but you often have to reserve them weeks or months in advance. Another option is to buy a low cost used one online or on a site like eBay. If you intend to show movies all summer, this is often the cheaper option. You can sometimes find them for the $300 range or less. To cut costs, consider asking neighbors to chip in if you plan on inviting them. You will also need some basic sound and a DVD player. Many people use their lap tops.

For your screen, don’t get talked into an expensive blow up option. A plain, wrinkle free white sheet works just fine as a screen.

If bugs will be a problem, make sure to make your movie area a bug-free zone with citronella candles and spray. They even sell these neat bracelets that have no odor that promise to keep bugs away. The last thing you need is bugs ruining your fun night!

Don’t worry about providing some fancy setup for seating. If you have beanbag chairs, these are great! If you are inviting neighbors, ask them to bring lawn chairs and blankets for themselves.

For added fun, print off some fun “movie tickets” and get your kids involved in ushering. It will be loads of fun for them to run their own theater!

For a cheap and fitting snack, use an air popper and buy bulk popcorn and pop it. Have a fun topping bar set up for guests to choose their own flavors. Offer salt, pepper, cheese powder-anything that sounds fun!

Another fun snack to try is setting up a candy bar. Place some fun treats in plastic jars or bowls with scoops and allow guests to make a mix of their favorites.

Keep the lighting low. Just like in a real theater, bright lights make it hard to see the screen. Have guests bring flash lights if they need to get up to use the restroom.

If you will be having guests arrive before the dark, make sure to have something to entertain them with. If you have a backyard fire pit or grill, offer a simple dinner of hot dogs and burgers.

Have you ever hosted a backyard theater night?