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.
1. 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.
- 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.
- 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.