Backyard weekend movie night: Here's your ultimate step-by-step guide
Summer has finally arrived — and Canadians are counting down to the weekends. Whether you’re looking forward to a weekend roadtrip with your family, a fun day spent hiking, or simply kicking back in your backyard oasis, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire.
With mild temperatures and long daylight hours, summer months are the ideal time to take advantage of the outdoors as much as possible. Whether that’s with a hike, a relaxing fishing trip, or a day spent at the beach, there’s no end to the fun outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy.
But if you're looking for something a bit more innovative, we've got a perfect suggestion. Enter the backyard weekend movie extravaganza.
That's right, while movie nights are typically reserved for the family room or basement, it can easily be enjoyed beneath the stars — all you need is the right equipment.
If you’re looking to create an unforgettable weekend experience for your family, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to creating the outdoor theatre of your dreams.
Step 1: Lights, sound, action
No home theatre would be complete without top-notch audio and visuals, and the same applies if you’re looking to take the fun outdoors. Canadian Tire has all kinds of outdoor entertainment essentials, like the RCA Home Theatre Projector Bundle, which can be used outdoors by projecting onto a light-coloured surface once the sun goes down. While it's fine to use a sheet or project directly onto a wall in a pinch, this bundle comes complete with a screen so you can ensure high-quality play.
When it comes to sound, you’ll also want to ensure that your outdoor setup is able to drown out any ambient noise, making a sound bar a top pick for improved audio. This one from LG and this Sylvania Bluetooth Sound Bar both offer quick Bluetooth connectivity for easy setup.
Step 2: Set the scene
In addition to the perfect audiovisual setup, you’ll also want to set the stage with ambient lighting to lend that movie theatre vibe to your backyard. Since you’ll want low lighting that won’t interfere with your screen, look to softly lit lanterns or string lights to provide a warm glow. The CANVAS Montmarte Heavy-Duty Outdoor String Lights add just the right amount of ambiance for an evening of family fun.
Step 3: Kick back and relax
While you may not be able to set up amphitheatre-style seating outdoors, you can still make sure that there are plenty of spots to kick back and enjoy the show. One way to make your movie night memorable is with a cozy picnic on the ground, complete with an assortment of outdoor-friendly blankets and pillows throughout your space.
If you’d rather have more structured seating to lean back on, lightweight camp chairs let you easily arrange for plenty of seats, while Muskoka chairs provide a sturdy place to relax.
Step 4: Don’t forget the snacks
The final step for any good movie night? Snacks of course! Set up your own popcorn stand with the help of a handy popcorn maker, and gather up everyone’s favourite sweet treats for a D.I.Y. candy bar (minus all the lineups). You can even create your own drinks station with the help of a Sodastream beverage maker, and an assortment of flavours to personalize your drinks.
However you choose to celebrate this summer, there’s no doubt that an outdoor movie night is just one of the many ways to enjoy the season with those closest to you.
