Summer is here and so are new ideas in moving entertainment to the safer outdoors. It’s been a long-time dream to create an outdoor movie theatre and now is the right moment. Frankly, I thought it would take a lot longer and cost more than I wanted to spend. I also thought it was going to be a lot harder than it actually was. Surprise, surprise, I found the amazing summertime solution without breaking the bank. I also found that one of the main issues with an outdoor cinema – bugs – can quite easily be solved with the right tech. It has never felt so incredible to watch movies under the stars on the perfect night.
Here are the items I pulled together to create a marvelous outdoor movie theatre recipe.
How to welcome your guests
Vintage Light Box with Letters
Create your own light-up movie sign or message!
– 252 letters, numbers, and symbols included.
– It was really easy to snap off each letter and get creative.
– Takes 6 AA batteries.
Project your movie on a big outdoor screen
What to look for in a projector
Projectors in general range from $100 for a low-cost portable player upwards of $2000 for spectacular picture quality. Make sure you check 3 things before you buy.
- Lumens – the higher the better
- Wireless – be able to play from your phone
- Battery or Corded – portable ones last about 2.5 to 5 hours on battery
Epson Pro EX7260 Portable Movie Projector
– 3600 Lumens – very bright
– Great for outdoor movies, video games
– Wireless connection from your phone, tablet or computer
I found it super easy to hook up my existing Apple TV to the HDMI input.
AuKing Projector
The AuKing projector will not only project anything you want to watch but it’s also listed at a super reasonable price of just $89.99. With 1080p Full HD resolution supported, the AuKing portable projector brings you clear and sharp detailed images. Its 170-inch large projection screen brings an immersive viewing experience. Plus, it’s equipped with HDMI, VGA, AV, and USB interfaces and can be perfectly connected to smartphones, laptops, pads, USB drives, and TV boxes. At the time of publishing, this product had over 25,000 global reviews with 65% giving it 5 stars.
Two movie screen options:
Both screens are:
– Great for outdoor movie night.
– Project from front or rear.
– Inflatable screens are the most popular and cost around $200 for a 16ft screen.
– Easy to store, but cannot tolerate much wind outside.
Sewinfla 16-Foot Inflatable Movie Screen
At the time of publishing, this product had over 625 global reviews with 77% giving it 5 stars.
VIVOHOME 17 Feet Indoor and Outdoor Inflatable Blow-up Mega Movie Projector Screen with Carry Bag for Front and Rear Projection
At the time of publishing, this product had over 3,700 global reviews with 76% giving it 5 stars.
And believe me, it’s great..and so is a free white linen bedsheet. I prefer using any available white bed sheet or project onto a light-colored exterior wall or garage door. Also, tie the sheet by each end to make it as flat as possible.
Keep our uninvited guests
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
When God made me, he added a mosquito magnet in every cell of my skin. I bathe in Off repellent and always look for breakthroughs that work to rid my life of the pests. This works so long as you are near it.
– Contains replaceable fuel cartridge
– 3 repellent mats (when blue mat turns white, time to replace)
– 15-foot zone of protection
– 12 hours of mosquito-free relief
At the time of publishing, this product had over 21,000 global reviews with 72% giving it 5 stars.
Katchy Indoor Insect Tap
This goes out on my kitchen counter when we go to bed. At night, the UV light attracts the fly, the fan sucks it into the trap, and the fly lands on the replaceable glue board. It picks up the annoying bugs that come out in warmer weather like gnats, fruit flies, and mosquitos. Tip: Make sure you turn off other lights in the room where you’re placing it for best results.
At the time of publishing, this product had over 102,000 global reviews with 56% giving it 5 stars.
Light the candles, lay out the blankets, chairs, and popcorn and you are ready!
Check out my other summer must-have essentials here:
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