A backyard movie night is one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary evening into something everyone remembers. Here’s how to set it up so it looks and sounds great.
1. Start at dusk, not sunset
Projected images need darkness. Plan for the movie to start about 15 minutes after sunset. In a Colorado Springs summer that usually means after 8:30 p.m., so fill the time before with food, lawn games or a pre-show slideshow.
2. Put the screen in the right spot
- Find the flattest ground. The screen and the audience both need it.
- Kill stray light. Turn off porch lights and keep the screen away from streetlights or a neighbor’s floodlight.
- Mind the wind. Inflatable screens are tethered and staked. Open, gusty spots need extra care, and strong wind means the screen comes down.
- Leave room. You need space behind the screen for tethers and the blower, and a spot in front for the projector.
3. Get enough projector brightness
Brightness is measured in lumens. A typical living-room projector looks washed out on a big outdoor screen. The bigger the screen and the more ambient light, the more lumens you need. Our packages pair each screen with a projector that’s matched to its size, so you don’t have to guess.
4. Don’t forget sound
For a family on blankets, the projector’s built-in sound can be enough. Once you have more than a couple dozen people, or kids running around, add real speakers so dialogue stays clear. Hosting a car-based drive-in? An FM transmitter lets everyone listen through their car radio.
5. Plan your power and playback
- Use an outdoor-rated extension cord and tape it down where people walk.
- Backyard Wi-Fi is often weak. Download the movie or bring a disc as a backup.
- Test everything while it’s still light out.
6. Make it comfortable
Colorado evenings cool off fast, even in July. Set out blankets, low chairs in back and regular chairs at the very back. Bring bug spray, and have popcorn ready before the opening credits.
Backyard movie night checklist
- Screen, projector, sound and a player or streaming device
- Outdoor extension cords and tape
- Downloaded movie or disc (plus a backup)
- Blankets, chairs and warm layers
- Snacks and drinks
- Bug spray and a flashlight
- Porch lights off
Want it all in one booking? Our DIY Rent A Screen is $200 for 6 hours and includes the 20′ screen, projector, sound and player.