Your Summer Blockbuster Movie Night BBQ Awaits!
Summer nights are made for outdoor fun, and what better way to entertain your friends and family than by combining two beloved pastimes - barbecuing and movie watching? Hosting an outdoor movie night BBQ party is the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening under the stars. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create a cinematic experience that will have your guests raving long after the credits roll. From selecting the right equipment to crafting the perfect menu, get ready to become the neighbourhood’s go-to entertainment guru!1. Setting the Scene: Choosing Your Outdoor Cinema Space
The first step in creating your epic outdoor movie night BBQ party is selecting the perfect location. Look for a flat area in your backyard that can comfortably accommodate your guests and equipment. Consider factors like ambient light, noise levels, and proximity to your grilling station. If you have a pool, why not set up a "dive-in" theatre for a unique twist?
Pro tip: Do a test run a few nights before the party to identify any potential issues with lighting or sound.
2. Tech Talk: Essential Equipment for Your Backyard Theatre
To bring your outdoor cinema to life, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment:- Projector: Opt for a model with at least 2000 lumens for clear visibility outdoors.
- Screen: A plain white sheet can work in a pinch, but investing in a proper outdoor screen will elevate your viewing experience.
- Sound system: Don't rely on your projector's built-in speakers. A portable Bluetooth speaker or a more robust outdoor sound system will ensure everyone can hear the dialogue clearly.
- Media player: Whether it's a laptop, DVD player, or streaming device, make sure it's compatible with your projector.
3. Movie Magic: Selecting the Perfect Film
Choosing the right movie is crucial for a successful outdoor movie night. Consider your audience and opt for crowd-pleasers that appeal to all ages. Classic comedies, family-friendly adventures, or nostalgic favourites often work well. Some popular choices include:- "The Goonies"
- "Back to the Future"
- "Jurassic Park"
- "The Princess Bride"
- "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"
Remember to check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain!
4. Grill Master's Delight: Planning Your BBQ Menu
No movie night is complete without delicious snacks, and a BBQ party takes it to the next level. Plan a menu that's easy to eat while watching the movie. Consider these crowd-pleasing options:
- Sliders or mini burgers
- Grilled kebabs (meat and vegetarian options)
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetable platters
- S'mores for dessert
Don't forget to offer a variety of drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
5. Comfort is Key: Seating and Ambiance
Create a cozy atmosphere for your guests with comfortable seating options. Arrange a mix of lawn chairs, blankets, and pillows to accommodate different preferences. Consider setting up a few small tables for food and drinks.
Enhance the ambiance with string lights, lanterns, or tiki torches. Not only do they add a magical touch, but they also provide necessary lighting for guests to move around safely.
6. Insect Defense: Keeping Bugs at Bay
Nothing ruins a movie night faster than pesky mosquitoes. Protect your guests by:
- Setting up citronella candles or torches
- Providing insect repellent
- Using fans to keep air circulating (bugs have a harder time flying in a breeze)
- Considering natural repellents like lavender or mint plants
7. Kid-Friendly Fun: Activities for the Little Ones
If you're expecting families with children, plan some pre-movie activities to keep the kids entertained:
- Set up a craft station for making movie-themed decorations
- Organize a costume contest based on the film you're showing
- Create a photo booth with movie-inspired props
- Arrange lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga
8. Intermission Entertainment: Break Time Fun
Plan a brief intermission halfway through the movie to allow guests to stretch, refill their plates, or use the restroom. Use this time to:
- Host a quick trivia game related to the movie
- Offer a special intermission snack or dessert
- Play some upbeat music to energize the crowd
9. Weather Watch: Preparing for Mother Nature's Curveballs
While summer nights are often perfect for outdoor events, it's essential to have a backup plan. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to:
- Set up a large tent or canopy for light rain
- Have indoor space available in case of severe weather
- Provide blankets or outdoor heaters for unexpectedly cool evenings
10. The Finishing Touches: Making Memories Last
Cap off your epic outdoor movie night BBQ party with some thoughtful extras:
- Create custom ticket stubs or wristbands as keepsakes
- Set up a "concession stand" with classic movie theatre treats
- Encourage guests to rate the movie and leave "reviews" on a designated board
- Send guests home with small goodie bags filled with leftover snacks and a thank you note
Digital Invitations for your movie night party
Now that you know how to plan a great outdoor movie night BBQ get together, you will need to send out invitations to your guest. Here is a selection of 5 of our favourite trending digital BBQ invitations that will set the tone for your party! All of our digital invitations come with clear instructions on how to edit them using the free Canva design platform using your PC, Tablet or Mobile device. Invitation can be personalised with your event details. You can change text, images and music if it's an animated invite. Once completed you can send electronically via text, email Whatsapp and any other messenger app. Let us delve in!
1. BBQ Grill Backyard Party Graduation Video Invitation
The design uses a black background with bright, contrasting colours (yellow, green, red, and white) to create an eye-catching and celebratory feel, perfect for marking both a graduation milestone and a casual BBQ gathering. The string lights at the top add to the festive, outdoor party atmosphere.
2. Animated BABYQ Flaming Grill Digital Gender Reveal Invite
The design uses a black background with bright, contrasting colours (orange, blue, pink, white) to create an eye-catching and festive feel. The combination of BBQ and baby themes makes for a unique and fun gender reveal party concept. 
3. BABYQ Feet In Heart Digital Gender Reveal Video Invite
The overall design is colourful and playful, using baby-related imagery and a mix of fonts to create an exciting and festive feel for the gender reveal event.
4. BBQ Backyard Chill & Grill Graduation Party Video Invitation
The design combines elements of a graduation celebration (cap, diploma, "GRAD") with BBQ imagery (fire, grilling) to create a festive and casual atmosphere for the event. The use of green for "Chill & Grill" and the graduate's name adds a fresh, celebratory touch to the design.
5. BBQ Flame & Brew Birthday Party Digital Video Invite
The design uses a black background with contrasting bright colours (yellow, orange, green, and white) to create an eye-catching and celebratory feel, perfect for a BBQ and birthday combination event.
Hosting an epic outdoor movie night BBQ party is a surefire way to create lasting summer memories for your friends and family. By combining the allure of cinema with the irresistible appeal of a backyard barbecue, you're setting the stage for an unforgettable evening under the stars. With careful planning, the right equipment, and a dash of creativity, you'll be well on your way to becoming the neighbourhood’s entertainment superstar. So fire up the grill, roll out the red carpet, and get ready for a night of food, fun, and film that will have everyone asking for a sequel!
Here's a handy Checklist for your outdoor movie night BBQ bash.
- Set up comfortable seating area
- Install movie screen and test projector
- Prepare BBQ grill and menu
- Create toppings bar
- Make movie-themed snacks
- Set up outdoor lighting
- Arrange insect repellent options
- Prepare blankets and heating options
- Plan pre-movie activities
- Test audio equipment
- Ensure power sources are available
- Clean and prepare the outdoor space
