14 Cute and Cozy Backyard Movie Night Ideas

Easy DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

Take an ordinary bed sheet and turn it into a movie screen with this easy DIY project. After you're finished, you'll have a movie screen that you can put anywhere, like a fence or the side of the house. When it's not in use, just roll it up to store it.

Easy DIY Outdoor Movie Screen from Lia Griffith

A Portable Outdoor Movie Screen

If you have $20 and an hour, you can build this portable outdoor movie screen. The frame is made from PVC pipe, making it an inexpensive project that can be put together without any tools. A sheet, tarp, or drop cloth is then hung on the frame to act as the screen. This movie screen can easily be moved and taken apart and put back together again.

How to Make an Outdoor Movie Screen from My Frugal Adventures

A Home-Built Outdoor Theater

Take your backyard movie night to the next level with this project. If you're looking for a more permanent solution for a movie screen, this tutorial will show you how to build a wooden frame for a movie screen.

How to Build an Outdoor Theater from The Horticult

A DIY Movie Projector for Your Smartphone

Now that you have a screen to watch the movie on, you need something to play the movie with. You could purchase a movie projector or you could take on this unique project and make your own projector. The tutorial will take you through the process of building the box and then you'll place your phone inside. The movie will then be projected.

How to Make a DIY Movie Projector for Your Smartphone from Thrift Diving

Comfortable Outdoor Seating

This dreamy backyard movie night is made extra special with a variety of comfortable seating options. There are chairs, blankets, bean bags, and pillows so movie-goers can create their own comfy seats.

String lights, lanterns, and candles add to the ambiance, creating a space that you'll never want to leave.

Comfortable Outdoor Seating from Sugar and Cloth

DIY Movie Seats

Kids and adults alike will love sitting in these DIY movie seats. Made with a cushion and a few pieces of plywood, these seats are easy to make and would really make your next backyard movie night special. The marquees added to the back of the chair really make everyone feel welcome. These could easily be folded up and stored in between movie nights.

DIY Movie Seats from Amy's Party Ideas

Fun Seating for the Kids

If this is a family movie night or maybe a child's birthday party, you'll want to come up with some creative seating ideas for the kids. These seats start out with a cardboard box. Let the kids decorate and design their own seats with paints and markers. Add some pillows and blankets and you have some adorable movie night seats. The kids will feel like they're in a real drive-in!

Fun Seating for the Kids from Hello, Wonderful

Family Movie Night Picker

Not sure what to watch on your next movie night? This movie-night picker will help you decide. You'll start off by writing down eight movies on the free printable. Follow the instructions to fold it and you're all ready to let fate decide which movie you're going to watch. Take turns letting the grown-ups and the kids play so everyone has a chance of seeing a movie that they love.

Family Movie Night Picker from Comic Con Family

Printable Family Movie Night Tickets

What do you need to get into a movie? A ticket, of course! These free, printable tickets will admit one to a family movie night—and offer an invitation to enjoy all-you-can-eat popcorn.

Printable Family Movie Night Tickets from The Girl Creative

Create a Red Carpet Entrance

Give your guests the VIP treatment they deserve with this red-carpet entrance. Just create a sign and borrow or purchase a red carpet. It will make all your guests feel special. Make it extra special by having some movie treats on the other side of the entrance. Who doesn't want to be VIP?

Create a Red Carpet Entrance from Suburban Simplicity

Movie Night Decorations

Add some movie night decorations to the backyard to make the night even more special. Here's a great way to create a special entrance into your backyard movie night. A chalkboard welcomes the guests to movie night and the movie props just add to the ambience.

Movie Night Decorations from Giggles Galore

Portable Concession Stand

Forget about a table full of goodies, and create a portable concession stand instead. You can stick with the traditional popcorn and candy or you can try something a little different, like a DIY dessert or nacho bar. Arrange everything nicely on a tray and then bring it out and sit on a pillow or blanket. It also makes it incredibly easy to pass the tray around so no one misses out on the treats.

Portable Concession Stand from Life by Leanna

DIY Popcorn Toppers

Add some flavor to that plain popcorn while creating an interactive station for guests with this DIY popcorn topper bar. There are guides for cinnamon, kettle, white cheddar, and salt seasonings, but you can also create whatever flavor you think your guests would like.

DIY Popcorn Toppers from Hostess with the Mostess

Inflatable Drink Holder

Here's an innovative way to keep drinks cool during a summer movie night. Take an inflatable raft and add ice. Place your favorite beverages on the ice and wait until they're ice-cold and ready to drink. You'll love how easy the setup and cleanup are.

Inflatable Drink Holder from Bird's Eye Meeple