How to Have a Backyard Drive-In Movie Night

In many parts of the country drive-in movies are rapidly disappearing and movie theaters are becoming havens for rowdy groups. Avoid the crowds of a theater and the hassle of hauling your family around town. Create your own backyard drive-in. Invite your friends and neighbors over for a fun movie night under the stars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• TV and DVD player, laptop or projector and screen
• Table
• Chairs
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Popcorn maker
• Snacks
• Beverages
• Invitations

1. Create invitations that look like large movie tickets detailing the time and place.
2. Move a TV or laptop and DVD player outside. Place on a sturdy, low table and plug in using an extension cord.
3. Or if you have access to a projector, bring it outside. Sometimes you can rent a projector from a local college, high school or middle school. Hook a laptop or DVD player to the projector.
4. Use a white sheet or a flat exterior wall as your screen. Pull the sheet taut using rope or cords attached to the 4 corners of the sheet.
5. Bring pillows, blankets and chairs outside and situate them so everyone will be able to see the TV or screen. Leave an easy path to the house and snack stand.
6. Set up a free snack bar with an old fashioned popcorn maker, beverages, traditional movie theater fare such as liquorice, candy and nachos.
7. Wait for dark and start up your movie.

Tips & Warnings

• The larger the screen the better the view.
• Test your theater set up before you invite people over to make sure everything works properly.
• Don't go overboard with the snacks. A few treats will be perfect.

Who Can Help:

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