How to Set up a Movie Night with a Projector in a Garden [2021 Update]

It's springtime and summer is on the way! Warmer temperatures mean more outdoor fun, and what could be more enjoyable than watching movies in your own garden with family and friends? All you need is a great projector, especially a durable, convenient, and portable projector purpose-designed for use outside the home.

Once you settle on which movies to watch and what sort of snacks will accompany your film fest in the garden, it's onto setting up the projector. With good portable models that take all of a minute since they have internal batteries (good for up to three hours) and even integrated Bluetooth speakers. True all-in-one solutions, good portable projectors make your garden movie session easy and fun. 

Throwing a successful movie night al fresco requires getting several things done right. There’s lots to consider, from technology to thunderstorms. There are four main categories, and they all start with S. 

Another thing to keep in mind when putting together a garden movie night is the source of your programming. Does your projector have multiple input options? HDMI is the king of connectors and enables you to connect devices like a Blu-ray player or a game console. If you have adequate Wi-Fi coverage, streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku Streaming Stick, and the Apple TV are great, especially since portable projectors feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Apple TV allows you to stream content from your iOS device via AirPlay and connect to your collection of programs in iTunes. Or, you can use built-in apps like Netflix or Prime Video on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire to stream content. 

We’ve covered the sights, and now it’s time to look (or should we say listen?) at the other half of the equation, sound. Most projectors have built-in speakers of around 10 watts or so, and if that’s not enough sound for you, there are lots of options out there when it comes to external speakers.

Wireless is the way to go when looking for garden movie sound. Portable projectors have convenient Bluetooth speakers, and can actually function as standalone speakers if you just want music for a while. There are also some waterproof bluetooth speakers that deliver good sound and keep people from tripping over cables (there’s always that person).

Don’t forget creature comforts for your garden movie night, and don’t let unwelcome creatures interfere with your comfort! Insect repellent, citronella candles, and foggers are good to keep the mosquitoes away. Have plenty of cold beverages on hand and lots of popcorn. Prepare a grill or fire pit. Finally, consider the neighbours. Don’t crank up a big bang shoot ‘em up in the wee small hours of the morning and rattle the windows next door. Plan in advance, and if your garden movie night is going to be a late one, let the neighbours know. Better yet, invite them to share in the fun of your garden moviethon!