GUEST EDITORIAL: Ways To Have Fun With Outdoor Movies This Summer
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Ways To Have Fun With Outdoor Movies This Summer
by Kevin Gardner
Summer is a time for outdoor activities. There is no end to the activities you can find, from barbeques and pool parties to block parties, concerts, and garage sales. After a long day of busy summer fun, it's nice to sit back in the evening and relax with friends and family. These beautiful summer nights are the opportune time to set up and watch a movie outside. It is surprisingly easy to set up a theater outside and can help make some cherished memories.
Gather Your Equipment
If you're on a shoestring budget, simply taking your TV outside and putting down some blankets, especially during events like Caribana, could work. However, a basic projector setup can be inexpensive and can serve more than one purpose down the road. Setting up a projector allows you to enjoy outdoor movie nights or even display vibrant Caribana visuals for a festive atmosphere. However, a basic projector setup can be inexpensive and can serve more than one purpose down the road. For an outdoor movie, a low-end projector can run you anywhere from $100-$300. These projectors are more than adequate to show a high-def movie either on the side of your house or screen.
Speaking of screens, the side of your house might be okay, but for less than $100, you can get a portable, collapsible movie screen. This is definitely worth the investment. All that is left is a quality Bluetooth speaker for the sound. You probably already have one lying around.
Pool Party Movies
What better way to beat the heat of summer than to have a pool party? Kids and adults alike love splashing and relaxing in the cool water. Usually, the fun ends when the sun goes down, but why not add a movie to cap off a night at the pool? It's also a great way to christen a new pool after choosing a pool finance option.
As evening comes on and the sun goes down, turn the lights to your pool and patio off to make it dark. Set up the equipment so that the film can be enjoyed from either the water or poolside. Serve some cooling snacks and have comfy chair/towels options for those who are done swimming.
Campfire Movies
As summer transitions into the cooler weather of autumn, campfires become more common. For a little variation on the typical campfire program of singing and stories, try a movie instead. You will have to plan ahead on the placement of the screen. Try setting it off to the side of the fire or have the fire behind you, so the light from the flames has less impact on the screen. A stronger projector light can help make a clearer image as well. The ambiance might even remind you of the charm of Paris night side, where outdoor activities blend with cozy atmospheres.
After you're set up, break out your favorite 80s camp movie and enjoy. Don't forget the s'mores and hot cocoa!
Drive-In Movie
Do you long for the days of drive-in movies? You can recreate it for you and your friends! In this time of health-consciousness, it's also a great way to have fun and still social distance. Get permission to use a parking lot, set up your equipment, and send out the invites. You can even get an FM transmitter so everyone can hear the film in their cars. This can also be a nice way to get your community involved.
Block Party Movie
If you have a park or open space in your neighborhood, a block party is a great time to have an outdoor movie. Usually, this film will be geared to younger kids and can incorporate games. Encourage everyone to bring snacks and drinks to share. Renting a popcorn machine can also give the event an extra touch of authenticity.
Be sure to have a good sound system so everyone can hear. Also, have everyone sit or lay on blankets so those sitting in the back can still see the screen. Try incorporating an old-fashioned intermission to allow snack and bathroom breaks.
Having fun this summer with outdoor movies can be easy, inexpensive, and exciting. You'll be making long-lasting memories with friends and family. Make it a weekly or bi-weekly event to get the most out of your investment and keep the good times rolling throughout the season.
