Summer is synonymous with many things, including blockbuster movies.

Who doesn’t have fond memories of gathering with friends to witness a long-anticipated flick on opening night? But you don’t have to pay exorbitant prices in a theater packed with strangers to have such a cinematic experience. Here’s how to create an open-air movie night in your own backyard that’s as fun as it is memorable.

Choose your setup

The best place to start is with the fundamentals: location and equipment. There are many factors to consider with each, so think through what makes the most sense for you based on your property, budget, and preferences.

Location
When deciding where to craft your theater, the two keys to keep in mind are the screen and spacing. You need to have enough room to comfortably seat all your guests while also having a suitable surface to project on. For the latter, the most budget-friendly option would be to use a large blank wall, such as the side of your house or even your fence. Solid, light surfaces are best for the clearest picture, or you could hang a thick white or beige sheet, taking care to secure it taut to avoid having wrinkles distort the image.

However, if such a spot isn’t available or sits in front of a cramped area, you could always invest in a portable screen that is easy to set up and pack away, allowing you to move it wherever would be the most comfortable for your guests. Do you have a big deck? Put it by the railing on the long end, then add rows of chairs of varying heights, including low Adirondacks in the front and cushy barstools in the back. Prefer to lounge in the grass in true summer fashion? Place it at the edge of your property, leaving a wide expanse for laying cushions and blankets in front of a few chairs. There’s no right or wrong answer, so experiment with the screen until you find the best arrangement.

Equipment
Naturally, an outdoor projector is a must-have for that big-screen feel, and there are plenty of options available for every budget. For the clearest image, look for a high-quality model that supports HD or 4K resolution; other key components to assess include projection size, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, and brightness. Many also come in a set with a screen, helping to simplify your shopping experience and ensure compatibility if you do decide to go that route.

Next, make sure your audio configuration is on point. Most projectors these days have built-in speakers, which may work great for small gatherings. But if you’re hosting a larger crowd, consider pairing yours with a more comprehensive sound system. After all, the magic is ultimately lost if not everyone can hear the dialogue clearly.

Miscellaneous items
Beyond the basics, determine what other equipment might be essential. For instance, you’ll need a table to set your projector on along with an extension cord for powering it up if your selected spot isn’t near an outlet. And it may be worth getting a tent for protection in case the weather turns a little drizzly; as a bonus, an enclosed one would also give you a surface to double as a screen.

Arrange the scene

The ultimate movie experience is as much about the ambience as it is the film. Wherever you choose to set up, keep these elements in mind to transform the space into a truly cozy haven.

Seating, pillows, and blankets
Your guests may all prefer to settle in differently, so provide a mix of seating options, such as lawn or patio chairs and plush cushions for sitting on the ground. Add in some colorful throw pillows for extra comfort and style, making the space feel inviting and playful, as well as a few outdoor throws—depending on the time of year and your region, temperatures may dip at night.

Lighting
Fairy lights or string lights are essential for creating a magical atmosphere. Drape them across nearby trees, hang them along your fence, or wrap them around poles to add a soft glow that contrasts perfectly with the darkness of the evening. Consider also using floor lanterns or pathway lights to guide the way to seating areas, the snack table (more on that below), and the house, allowing your guests to feel comfortable moving around without tripping. Just remember to position any lighting away from the screen to avoid distracting reflections or glares.

Music
To make the evening more intimate, curate a selection of songs from movie soundtracks that complement the night’s film. Playing a soft background score while everyone’s trickling in will set the mood perfectly.

Serve up a spread

No movie night is complete without snacks, starting with classic popcorn. But jazz it up a little with various topping options like white cheddar seasoning and chili powder. Or provide some fun mix-ins like candy, pretzels, and melted caramel for a sweet-and-salty combo everyone will love. For the ultimate spread, though, throw in some other savory and dessert choices, such as pepperoni pizza twists and cookie-popcorn bars. And you can’t go wrong with a summer staple: s’mores. To avoid having to keep a fire stoked the whole night, consider this portable version you can make in advance.

Once everything’s prepared, set it all out on a nearby table along with plates, napkins, and utensils as applicable. Aim for a spot that’s relatively sheltered, such as right along your house, or keep it inside to prevent anything from blowing away in a stronger breeze.

Equally important is offering refreshing drinks to quench everyone’s thirst. You can set up a DIY drink station alongside your snack bar with water, lemonade, iced tea, and even a fun cocktail (or mocktail). Serve it all in Mason jars with colorful straws or personalized labels to add a touch of whimsy.

After getting all your pieces in place, the only thing left to do is wait for your guests to arrive! Then once the sun sets and the sky grows dark, you can fire up the projector, grab some popcorn, and settle in with your loved ones to enjoy a summer cinematic experience like no other.