Outdoor Movie Night Planning
First, pick a date and check your calendar and community events to avoid conflicts. Invite friends and family. Consider the movie’s suitability for attendees. Select movies that fit your theme, like Halloween or a birthday. Find the right outdoor location with space for cars and good visibility. Check for any permits or local regulations. To set the mood, decorate parking spots and make admission tickets or concession stand money.
Comfort and Preparation Tips
- Pack pajamas, blankets, pillows, and bug spray.
- Bring snacks and drinks or cash for the concession stand.
- Portable radios and batteries tune into the movie audio.
- Dress for the weather in layers.
Drive-In Movie Night Essentials
When should you arrive? Drive-ins start after dark, so showtimes are late. Arrive an hour early to park close to the screen, get snacks, and get settled. You can leave whenever, but prepare to make a whole night of it. Turn car accessories off during the movie to save your battery, but run it occasionally to recharge. Keep headlights off or use a portable light. Bring entertainment like board games in case you’re early. Cuddle up with your date in the car!
Setting up Your Car for a Drive-In Movie
- Setting up a Car:
- Put your car in accessory mode to listen to the movie.
- Start your car once during the movie to charge the battery.
- Tuning In:
- Most drive-in theaters use FM radio to play the sound.
- Tune your radio to the station for that screen.
- Arrival:
- Arrive an hour early to get snacks and set up seating.
Personal Experience and Tips
I set up my projector and tripod. You could watch a movie on a TV outdoors or bring a laptop outside! I set up a kid table with snacks – chips, fruit snacks and drinks! My kids love snacks, so even a simple spread made their night! I threw pillows into their cars and we waited for dark! The kids had fun – I hope it was a fun memory for them.
Additional Drive-In Movie Tips
- Drive-ins used to be for movies and fooling around. Now, they are no-smoking areas.
- Keep engines and lights off.
- Put your car in accessory mode unless you have a bad battery.
- Find the ideal outdoor spot and get permits and licenses.
- Arrive early for seating and snacks.
- Dress comfortably in pajamas.
- Bring bug spray.
- Screens cost $50,000+.
- Get a public performance license from the copyright holder.
- Use a laptop and projector outside.
- Borrow equipment if needed.