14 Backyard Movie Night Ideas for the Perfect Summer Evening

Seating Setup

Scatter cushions and seats around the backyard for the adults while little ones grab smaller pillows and blankets. If you're setting up in the grass, you can even bring out a few sleeping bags for the kids to get extra cozy during the movie! Storage containers keep everything organized. Oversized balloons are a fun backyard movie night idea that adds a pop of color and make the night feel more special.

Concession Stand

Assemble a grab-and-go concession stand on a long table. For an extra fun touch, wheel in a theater-style popcorn maker or popcorn cart (you may be able to rent one for the day if you don't want to invest in buying one). Sparkling twinkle lights are a must for lighting that won't compete with the movie.

Set the Scene

Save money with this backyarad movie night idea; don't buy extra seating for your movie showing. Instead, turn your backyard into an outdoor theater with a scattering of adorable tents, beach chairs, and blankets. Keep the seating close together and set up the snacks near the screen for easy mid-movie munching!

DIY Movie Screen

When the lights go down, it's showtime! Stream a movie from a laptop or projector with the help of an extension cord or outdoor outlet. You can make this DIY outdoor movie screen made from a few PVC pipes and a drop cloth or splurge on one that lasts many summers.

Ticket Garland

This silver screen-inspired garland is a fun and easy backyard movie night idea and perfect for decorating your cinema concession stand.

To make one:

1. Grab a roll of paper tickets and rip off multiple strips of tickets to the desired length (we used four tickets per strip.)
2. Cut a piece of jute rope to the desired length and layout straight.
3. Fold top ticket or two over jute rope; hot-glue in place to secure.
4. Repeat across jute length, using a measuring tape, if desired, to evenly space ticket strips.

Mix and Match

Let everyone create their own custom snack blends. We chose a variety of popular movie theater candies, but you could swap in nuts, dried fruits, and crackers if you're looking for something a bit healthier.

Colorful Centerpiece

Stack colorful ticket spools for a fun, low-cost centerpiece. Stack the rolls on a tray and finish the display with a vase or jar of colorful cut flowers. We like the look of multi-color ticket rolls for a display that really makes a statement.

DIY Snack Cones

Even if it's just a casual gathering of friends, neighbors, or coworkers, it's easy to turn your backyard movie night idea into the ultimate summer movie-viewing event! Since no movie night is complete without popcorn, pop enough for the whole crew just as the guests arrive. Create a clever snack stand with wire pigtail stakes (available at the hardware store) and scrapbook paper.

To make:

1. Use pliers to widen the circle at the top of each wire spiral.
2. Bend each stake stem to a 90-degree, L-shaped angle. If desired, spray-paint stakes.
3. Roll scrapbook paper into cone shapes; secure paper cones with tape or glue stick.
4. Stand stakes in a bucket or vase filled with sand or decorative rock.

Popcorn Toppers

Butter is good, but these homemade popcorn seasonings are better. Try our favorite blend: dried basil, garlic salt, Parmesan, and red pepper. In the mood for something sweet? Try sprinkling on a mix of cocoa, cinnamon, and sugar.

Cinema Snacks: Burgers x2

Two kinds of burgers mean there's something for everyone! We whipped up a batch of lentil veggie burgers and our best-ever hamburgers. Set out a DIY toppings bar with all your favorite burger fixings while you wait for the grill to heat up.

Cinema Snacks: Hot Dogs 8 Ways

If hamburgers aren't your style, go with hotdogs instead! These dogs are all about the toppings. We've got eight creative ideas for our backyard favorite including a Hawaiian dog, a Reuben dog, and a melty mac and cheese dog.

Cinema Snacks: Rolling Root Beet Floats

It's time for a brief intermission! Wheel a DIY root beer float bar around and prepare for a round of applause for this sweet backyard movie night idea. Fill a galvanized party tub with ice, and place ice cream and root beer bottles in it. Don't forget a scoop and opener.

Cinema Snacks: DIY S'mores

Paper berry baskets corral classic s'mores ingredients in individual servings for each family member. Prepare them beforehand so each person can grab them at intermission before heading to the fire pit to roast their tasty treats. Since this can get a bit messy, keep paper towels or cleaning wipes on hand so moviegoers don't have to run inside to wash up.

Silver Screen Sweets

It wouldn't be a movie night without popcorn and candy! Set out a mix of classic favorites and small cups for mixing. Try a sweet-salty blend of homemade popcorn, chocolates, and gummy candies.