We may be in the midst of a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up going to the movies. Drive-in theaters have recently made a major comeback, thanks to a resurgence in interest from moviegoers who want to socially distance around the country. The best part? Even if you don’t live anywhere near a “real” drive-in, it’s still totally doable to create a similar outdoor movie theater experience at home.
“Drive-in movies are a great way to have fun and bring a little bit of nostalgia into your home,” says event planner Fernanda Brady, President of Redefine Styling in Huntington Beach, Calif. “It’s not difficult to do either. It’s a great way to bring some normalcy back to kids and adults. I just think it’s great for everyone’s mental health.”
Here, Brady shares her favorite tips and tricks for recreating a retro movie night at home. So kick back, relax and enjoy the show!
The Set-Up
You don’t necessarily need to spend a small fortune to make an outdoor movie theater at home. Instead, search Craigslist or look for sales on big-ticket items like projectors and movie screens. Or, better yet, check Pinterest or YouTube for tutorials to make your own! “You can buy a screen online or rent an inflatable one from a local bounce house company,” says Brady. “Or, if you have a garage door that happens to be white, you can project the movie there. You could also get two flat bed sheets and clip them together to make a screen without spending any money.”
Although Brady does recommend investing in a decent movie projector, there are plenty of options available for every budget. Two of her all-time favorites include the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector and the Cinemood.
The Technology
Once you have the basics, Brady suggests splurging on a few extras to earn your movie night rave reviews. “What you can do is hook your projector up with an HDMI or a USB cord that goes up from your laptop or iPad to the projector,” says Brady. “Then play around with angling it, whether you put it on a card table, a cooler or some books. It’s so easy! If you want to get fancy, you could also have your wireless Bluetooth speakers hooked up to get more sound after everyone rolls down their windows as well.”
The Logistics
Regardless of the size of your home, Brady suggests purchasing an inexpensive can of chalk spray paint to keep your event organized by drawing “parking spots” in your driveway. That way, guests won’t accidentally wind up stuck in a parking jam. Also, remind everyone to bring pillows, blankets, bug spray–whatever they might want or need to stay comfortable in their cars after they back up and open their trunks to watch a movie under the stars in your driveway. Depending on your budget and comfort level, you may also want to splurge on an outdoor port-a-potty. Or make signs leading to the nearest indoor bathroom. Then stock it with plenty of disinfectant wipes for guests to use afterward.
The Concession Stand
Sure, you want your friends and family to have a memorable night, but don’t feel obligated to serve nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. “People have different comfort levels right now,” says Brady. “Since everyone’s going to be in their own car, I think they could also bring their own food.”
That said, if you can’t fathom hosting a soiree without snacks, why not make individually wrapped care packages instead? “You could get a little basket and fill it with water bottles, mini hand sanitizers or wipes, and a little bag of popcorn,” she says. “You could even do something extra for the kids, like a dinosaur coloring page for Jurassic Park or a treat to go with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”
Last, but not least, have fun! “Go for it!” says Brady. “A drive-in movie night is a great way to bring back some nostalgia for both adults and kids.”
Did you create an outdoor movie theater at home? Show us your drive-in on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus!
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