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Inspiration for the Perfect Summer Movie Night

Posted by Apartment Life on May 27, 2025 9:30:11 AM
Apartment Life

Things are heating up outside, which makes a great excuse for an after-dark movie night! By the pool or on the lawn under the stars, outdoor movie nights are a great go-to summer event for just about any type of community. All you need to get started is a projector with a screen (you can rent these from a vendor or purchase these on Amazon), a place to watch, and a snack bar full of soda options and classic movie snacks (freshly popped popcorn is a must-have!) 

Once you've got your bases covered, it's time to select a movie - but which movie to pick? When it comes to a perfect movie night, going with an epic theme that carries through the entire evening will kick this event up a notch from "fun" to "unforgettable." We've got you covered with our three family-friendly movie night themes (including menu inspiration!) that will wow your residents and create a core memory for your community. 

 

movie night-21. Wicked 

If you want a pick that's sure to be popular, take your neighbors on a stroll down the yellow brick road and spend the evening with Elphaba and Galinda. 

Ambiance: Create an Emerald City aesthetic with green accents, like string lights or pom-pom banners, throughout your space. Encourage residents to come dressed in either pink or green as a nod to their favorite characters. Hand out song sheets and invite attendees to sing along with their favorite musical numbers. 

Menu: 

  • Glinda’s Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn station with a few magical touches, such as pastel candy toppings, cotton candy, and edible glitter. 
  • Elphaba’s Emerald Elixirs: Serve green drinks like limeade or green punch in clear cups with black straws.
  • Flying Monkey Bites: Mini chocolate-covered bananas or banana bites with peanut butter drizzle.
  • Yellow Brick Road Snacks: Use yellow frosted Rice Krispies treats or lemon bars served in a brick pattern.
 
2. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 
 
Invite residents into a night of epic adventure as you roll the dice and venture into the jungle!
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Ambiance: Decorate with green (tablecloths, streamers, and balloons) to create a lush jungle vibe. Scatter plants throughout your space (real or artificial), and drape faux greenery over tables. Create a photobooth with safari props like explorer hats, binoculars, ropes, lanterns, and a welcome sign that reads, “Enter the game.” If you’re hosting your event poolside, toss animal-themed floats in the pool for added fun.
 
Menu:
  • Jungle Trail Mix: A mix of pretzels, nuts, chocolate candies, dried fruit, and gummy snakes.
  • Safari Sandwich Sliders: Mini sandwiches labeled as “Explorer Fuel.”
  • Animal Crackers: Served in small jungle-themed cups or paper cones.
  • Gorilla Munch Bars: Make cereal treats using Cocoa Pebbles—cut into squares and serve like Rice Krispies treats.
  • Jungle Juice: A fruity punch with pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and floating orange/lime slices.
 
3. The Greatest Showman
 
Dazzle your neighbors with an unforgettable night under the stars and the big top! 
 
Ambiance: Create a circus-themed experience with red and white striped table cloths, pennant banners, fresh popcorn, and a sandwich board or marquee sign greeting residents with the message, "Welcome to the Greatest Show." Hand out "admit one" tickets to residents as they arrive, and later in the evening, use their tickets for a raffle give-away. Create balloon columns in red, white, and gold and top with animal cut-outs. Set up a temporary tattoo station with glittery or animal-themed stick-ons for kids and grown-ups alike. At your food and drink table, label everything with vintage carnival-style signage and chalkboards!
 
Menu:
  • Cotton Candy Cones: Serve in paper cones or mini bags.
  • Circus Animal Cookies: Pink-and-white frosted cookies in clear bags with red ribbon.
  • Peanut Brittle or Caramel Corn: Serve as a classic circus treat in paper cones or mini boxes.
  • Soft Pretzel Bites: Warm pretzels with cheese dip or mustard.
  • Big Top Punch: Bright red fruit punch or cherry soda with orange slices.
 
There you have it! Three fun and creative movie night themes that are sure to bring a little summer magic to your community. Make sure to share photos from your outdoor movie night events and comment below to let us know how yours goes. You can find more inspiration and ideas by following along with us on social media: @aptlife. 
 

Topics: apartment industry, multifamily housing, resident events, outdoor movie, movie night

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