Watching movies has always been a fun activity, whether you head to the cinema to see the latest one or just stream your favorites for a movie night with your family. There are some people who prefer heading to the mountains on their trucks, setting up a campfire, and then having a movie night under the starry lights – now that’s something!
If you’re excited by this idea and want to make that kind of arrangement, then we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing a complete guide on how you can make an outdoor movie night possible! So, ready your popcorn because the show’s about to begin!
● Choose a Feasible Venue
Just because it’s an outdoor arrangement doesn’t mean you should head to whatever place you want. Especially if it’s the mountains you’re aiming at, you should really pick a place where you can be safe.
Having a movie night in your backyard is a good idea but if you want a bigger space, you can also consider hanging out at the local parks. You also need to check some restrictions around those places, such as noise or light pollution.
● Find Your Audience
While you’re deciding on the location, make sure to pick the right audience too. Is it your getaway a fun time with your partner or a family event that you are arranging?
We won’t recommend kids on such events since they won’t let you set things up and you’d probably have to look out for them. For more than two people, it’s a hassle since you’ll have to coordinate everything.
The food, the place, the setup (tents, etc.) vehicles (if you’re headed to a remote location), and other items; you’d need to coordinate everything. The best option is to go solo or on a two-partner trip.
● Get a Good Projector
Well, this one’s a no-brainer – of course, you’d need a projector to run the movie. However, the thing to consider here is the kind of projector to get. Since it’s an outdoor event and you’re going to stream it at night, you need to choose the kind of projector that facilitates these needs.
In addition, the projector you’re choosing should have:
● Long battery
● Good display
● Resistant to dust/ water
● Compatible with smartphones, USBs, etc.
Here are some options to consider:
● Anker Nebula Mars 3
● Vankyo Performance V700W
● Samsung The Freestyle Gen 2
● Choose the Right Projector Screen
If you’re picking a reliable projector, then a projector screen should not be off your list. Instead of putting up a cloth and trying to fix it again and again, you can easily go for a projector screen. Not only it’s can be fixed and work like a normal screen, but you can set it up anywhere you go.
These outdoor projector screens come with a sturdy frame that allows adjusting the height while keeping the screen intact and in place. Some notable options include:
● Elite Screens Yard Master Plus
● Gemmy Airblown Inflatable Deluxe Movie Screen
● Target Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set
You can also check out Amazon to find various screens that are available at affordable prices. If you plan such activities often, then investing in a good screen is recommended. Otherwise, you can pick a cheaper one too.
● Make Sure the Internet’s Steady
While you may have your movie titles ready on a USB drive, there’s no point in going off the grid completely. That’s why you need to get an internet source too.
If you’re setting the movie night in your backyard, then you can simply connect to your home’s network. For that, you can get a Wi-Fi extender that can extend the range of your Wi-Fi network, making it easier to stream without getting signal issues.
If you’re headed to the outdoors, then perhaps you can get prepaid satellite internet to keep you connected.
● Make Seating Arrangements
You have to make sure that the seating arrangement is comfy because if you’re having a movie night; you don’t want yourself or others sitting to be in an uncomfortable position for hours. Plus, you need to make sure that everyone gets the view of the screen without blocking anyone or tumbling over the equipment.
You can go for sleep bags used for camping sites or inflatable beds that are easy to carry and can be set up in no time, given you’re carrying an air pump. Next, make sure you have blankets and pillows to have good support as well as cover yourself in case it gets cold (definitely going to happen in mountains/ campsites).
● Bring All Supplies
From food to fuel and goods, you need to make a checklist of everything you need. DIYing a campfire can leave you in a mess and let’s not get started on what would happen if the food runs out.
Here’s a list of items and supplies that are a must to carry:
● Portable stove
● Camping lights and batteries
● Insect repellants
● Can opener
● First aid kit
● Portable freezer
● Lighters
● Cutting board
● Toilet paper
● Trash bags
● Cooking utensils (disposable plates, cutlery, etc.)
● Clothes (be prepared for weather changes)
● Camping chairs
● Fuel for the vehicle
● Protein bars
● Medication
● Military/cutting knives
In terms of the food, if you’re staying for one night, then carry canned or ready-to-cook foods that you can prepare on your portable stove. If you want to have melted ice cream, then pack that too.
The abovementioned list isn’t final and you can always add more items to it. But given you’re going out in the open, you need to at least keep these items with you.
While an outdoor movie session is a great idea and it can really revitalize your hectic routine, make sure you’re prepared. Afterward, get the goods ready, get weather and safety updates for the venue, and once you’re sure, go on this adventure for a great experience.
