Backyard Movie Night Food Ideas to Prepare for Your Guests

Hosting a backyard movie night can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your guests. However, it’s important to make sure that everyone is well-fed throughout the night. To avoid any rumbling stomachs or hangry outbursts, it’s a good idea to plan out some tasty and easy-to-eat food options that your guests can enjoy while they watch the movie.

From classic popcorn and candy to more substantial snacks like sliders and nachos, there are plenty of backyard movie night food ideas that will keep your guests satisfied and happy. In this article, we’ll explore some top food ideas to consider for your next outdoor movie night.

Movie Theme Food Ideas

1. Popcorn Bar

Popcorn is a classic movie snack that no movie night would be complete without. Set up a popcorn bar with various seasonings and toppings such as butter, salt, cheese, caramel, and chocolate. Your guests can customize their popcorn to their liking.

A family on a blanket watching an outdoor movie in a Perth backyard — A backyard movie night on the 3m inflatable screen.

2. Candy Buffet

Stock up on movie theatre candy such as M&Ms, Skittles, and Twizzlers. Set up a candy buffet with various candy jars and let your guests fill up their own bags.

3. Sliders

Sliders are a great movie night food idea that is easy to make and easy to eat. Set up a slider bar with various toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. You can also offer different types of sliders, such as burger sliders, chicken sliders, and veggie sliders.

4. Nachos

Nachos are another classic movie night food that is always a hit. Set up a nacho bar with chips, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings such as jalapeños and sour cream.

5. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a portion of simple and easy-to-eat food that is perfect for a backyard movie night. Set up a hot dog bar with various toppings such as ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and sauerkraut.

6. S’mores

End the night on a sweet note with a s’mores station. Set up a fire pit or portable grill and provide graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Your guests can roast their own marshmallows and make their own s’mores.

Friends around a firepit at a backyard movie night in Perth — The 3m screen fits almost any Perth backyard.

7. Outdoor Pizza Oven

If you have access to an outdoor pizza oven, consider making homemade pizzas for your movie night. You can provide a variety of toppings and let your guests create their own pizzas. Not only is it fun and interactive, but it also provides a delicious and fresh meal.

8. Chocolate Fondue Set

For a more intimate movie night, consider setting up a chocolate fondue station. Provide a fondue pot, skewers, and a variety of dipping options such as fruit, marshmallows, and pretzels. It’s a sweet and romantic way to end the night.

9. Printable Popcorn Bags

Add a personal touch to your movie night by creating and printing your own popcorn bags. You can customize them with your favourite movie quotes, images, or even your guests’ names. It’s a simple and affordable way to make your movie night feel special and unique.

10. Cozy Blankets and Pillows

No movie night is complete without cozy blankets and pillows. Provide a variety of options for your guests to snuggle up with, such as fuzzy blankets or soft throw pillows. It will make your movie night feel more comfortable and relaxing, and your guests will appreciate the extra touch of coziness.

A relaxed group on bean bags at an outdoor movie night in Perth — Bean bags turn a backyard into a cinema lounge.

Conclusion

Hosting a backyard movie night is a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying a movie under the stars. However, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure your guests have plenty of delicious food and drinks to keep them satisfied throughout the evening. From classic snacks like popcorn and candy to more substantial options like hot dogs and nachos, there are plenty of backyard movie night food ideas to choose from.

Just remember to consider your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences, and don’t forget the cozy blankets and comfortable seating to make the experience even more enjoyable. With these tips and ideas in mind, you’re sure to host an unforgettable movie night that your guests won’t soon forget.

If you are in the mood for a backyard movie night, contact Perth Pop-Up Movies! We provide pop-up movies, sound, lighting hire and events! Get in touch with us and let us help you plan your next movie night!

Planning a Backyard Movie Night in Perth

The 3m inflatable screen from $280 fits almost any Perth backyard and includes the projector, PA, delivery and setup. Add bean bags for comfort and the Party Pack for effects, and check our darkness guide to set the right start time.

See everything on the cinema hire page and tell us your suburb and guest count on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?+

Our 3m inflatable screen starts from $280, the 5m community screen from $600 and the 8m from $1,100, and every price is all-inclusive: screen, projector, PA, delivery, setup and pack-down. Add-ons like the Party Pack ($250 for 48 hours) and bean bags ($11 each) sit on top, and delivery is free within 20km of Kwinana.

What happens if it rains?+

The screen and projector cannot run in rain, so we watch the forecast with you in the lead-up and make a call early rather than leaving you guessing. Many backyard setups shift under a patio, which the 3m screen fits beneath, and larger events can hold a reserve date. Full detail is in our weather policy.

What size screen do we need?+

For a backyard of up to about 30, the 3m inflatable screen is right. For up to around 300, the 5m community screen; for whole-of-community crowds up to 1,200-plus, the 8m. Tell us your expected numbers and the space, and we will match the screen to the crowd. Our screen size guide walks through it.

What time should the movie start?+

It depends on the month, because Perth darkness times swing a lot across the year, from around 6:40pm in spring to close to 8pm at midsummer. We help you set a start time that gives a crisp picture rather than a washed-out one, and our darkness guide has the exact figures month by month.

Can we add bean bags?+

Yes. Bean bags are $11 each, come in seven colours, and are delivered clean and inflated with free delivery when combined with a screen. They are the single best upgrade for comfort, and they stop guests drifting to the edges and get everyone settled for the film.

Do we need a licence to screen a film?+

For a private event at home with invited guests, no, your own streaming account is fine. The moment a screening is ticketed, promoted, or open to the public, it generally needs a licence for the film, which is inexpensive and easy to arrange once you know. Our movie screening licence guide explains exactly where the line sits.