Create the ultimate movie night party in the great outdoors with these Backyard Movie Ideas. Tasty recipes, comfortable seating hacks, movie décor tips, snack bars and more.

Backyard Movie Night Ideas

It’s impossible for me to think about the movies without singing the song “Let’s All Go to the Lobby…” While the lobby isn’t found in this list of Backyard Movie Ideas, concession stands are! Plus you can snuggle closely with these comfortable seating hacks and relax in a comfortable ambiance of theater movie décor and lighting, only outdoors!

To get ourselves a treat. Treat yourself and your audience with this list of ultimate outdoor movie party ideas. Decorate with string lights, marquees and even glow stick balloons. Create a memory they won’t forget!

Outdoor Games

Before screen time, enjoy these Backyard Games PDF. Perfect for gatherings, youth groups, neighbors ,birthday parties and more. It will tire the kids out, so cuddle up and enjoy an  outdoor movie!

These 18 Outdoor Games Printable Set includes directions and supply list and  a blank Scavenger Hunt Template. Supplies include household items like spoons, balls, frisbees, hula hoops and more.

Backyard Outdoor Games Printable

How do you host a movie night outside?

To host a backyard movie night is like hosting any other party only outside. Transform your backyard into a movie theater by creating a DIY concession stand using a table top. You can even make your own DIY movie screen using a white flat sheet. Provide comfortable theater seating. This can be done with spare seating you have on the patio or invite guests to bring their own seating. Adding rugs to the grass not only create a cute party ambiance, it can keep party guests from getting itchy and provide a layer of flooring.

What should I bring to an outdoor movie night?

When getting ready for an outdoor movie night, pay attention to the weather. Light coats and blankets are important for when the weather drops. You also want comfortable seating. Lawn chairs, inflatable pools, or even blow up mattresses provide comfort. Add your pillow and you might even find yourself falling asleep under the stars. If you aren’t hosting, don’t forget a cute hostess gift like a Thanks a Latte coffee gift card for the morning. The hostess might appreciate that Starbucks coffee run.

What are good snacks for movie night?

It’s important that you serve individual party food at an outdoor movie night. Typically your seating will not include a table so you want handheld food and snacks that guests can eat on the go.

Stay with the traditional movie night food. Delicious things to eat; The popcorn can’t be beat. Tasty recipes to keep your audience fed include popcorn, cupcakes, concession candy boxes, and more. You can also twist up your traditional movie theater food and offer movie night party food include popcorn bars, watermelon on a stick, individual boxed meals and more.

Easy Movie Night Ideas for Outdoors

Get inspired by these do it yourself easy Movie Night Party ideas.

Make your own beverage station with this DIY Party Beverage Tub. Comes with two SVG File options you can personalize.

For easy Movie Night Party food, grab your chips, bagged popcorn and cotton candy. How adorable is this upcycled DIY palette concession stand?  | Hijacq Your Party

Have a popcorn bar with all the fixings and seasonings… nuts (be aware of allergies), Reese’s Pieces, Swedish Fish, gummy bears and M&Ms. See our Popcorn Recipes. | Unoriginal Mom

Speaking of popcorn, these Popcorn Cupcakes make a really nice treat and the perfect addition to a backyard movie party food table.

For easy movie night seating, pull out the air mattress and the pillows – it’s a bed in the back yard which makes very comfortable seating. | A Girl and a Glue Gun

Good with a tool? Make your own DIY backyard movie night seats using patio furniture cushions! | Not Just a Housewife

Set the ambiance with lights. This is a very easy tutorial on how to string lights from natural elements like tree limbs using galvanized buckets and concrete. | Ida klipper och klistrar (in English)

There more ideas for seating. Use an inflatable pool as a place to lounge! No ants, no itchy grass, easy movie night seating! | My Frugal Adventures

Using a felt letter board, have a DIY movie marquee annoucing the showing and free popcorn! | In Honor of Design

Follow this DIY Backyard Movie Screen or pick up an outdoor movie screen for your evening. | Simply Sprout

If this is a frequent activity, or if you have a rather impression garden, turn an arbor into a movie screen! So impressive and beautiful, the directions are very detailed. | The Horticult

Movie Tickets paper chains add to your movie themed party décor for outdoors. | Pam Garrison

Make trays for your food using grocery store carboard flats and ribbon. | Party Like a Cherry

Put watermelon on a stick for hot summer nights! Take a look at our watermelon recipe for summer nights. | Chiarapassion

You could also use a Dollar Tree shower caddy to keep snacks neat, organized and spill free. | One Crazy House.

Print your general admittance with these free backyard movie ticket printables. | Dabbles and Babbles

Up for the challenge? Make your own DIY Popcorn Piñata with free popcorn sign printable for the occasion! | Press Print Party

This is such a creative hack for a Backyard Movie Night. Use an upside down cabinet shelf to organize candy at a concession stand with candy. | Martie Duncan

Make your own Movie Marquee with this tutorial. You will need 3D cardboard letters to get started. | The Sits Girls

Turn your backyard into a drive in movie theater with this cardboard box car tutorial. | Just Add Confetti

Did you know you can turn your smart phone into a movie projector? Make your own form Thrift Diving or this projector attaches to your smart phone.

Make it a place of comfort by including Off Inspect Repellent. Also, Off shares a tutorial on how to make this Movie Night Sign.| OFF!

If hosting, remind everyone to “take a seat,” “stay warm,” “take a sheet, grab a seat” or “snuggle up” with a blanket basket. A mini chalkboard can share you message. Take a look at our Chalkboard Art tutorials. | You Plus Me for Always

Add a little light and festivity, put out mason jars filled with glow sticks. | Dukes and Duchesses

Prepackage your treats with individual party food snack boxes. | 100 Layer Cakelet

Need lighting? Incorporate glow stick balloons with this tutorial for your outdoor movie décor. | Say Yes

Add games with these DIY Backyard Games for Adults and Kids including these Outdoor Night Games for Kids.  Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget our Family Game Night Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Another summer theme is our Raging Good Time Kids Glow in the Dark Party Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out this Visual Summer Bucket List. Pin to Pinterest.

Ready to party? Keep the kids entertained while waiting for the movie to start. Take a look at these 50+ Kids’ Party Games – indoor, outdoor, night, birthday.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.