As spring and summer quickly approach, drive-in movie nights are making a welcome comeback for people looking for fun and unique activities to enjoy with family and friends. The appeal of drive-in movies lies not only in their retro charm, but also in the comfortable experience that they offer, as guests can enjoy a movie and indulge in snacks from the comfort of their own car.

So whether you’re a movie buff or simply looking for a unique way to bring people together, a drive-in movie is a perfect way to spend an evening. Setting up a drive-in movie night requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure a successful event, so we’re sharing some expert tips on how to set up a drive-in movie night:

Location

First and foremost, you’ll want to find the right location for your drive-in movie. Look for a large open space that can accommodate many cars and provide good visibility for the screen, speakers, and any additional AV equipment. When scoping out a location, consider the size of the screen, the distance between the cars, and even the surrounding area for parking and traffic flow. Make sure to check for any local regulations or permits that you may need.

Screen

Now that you have a location, you’ll need to secure an appropriate screen onto which you can project the movies. There are a few options you have for screens, including inflatable screens, tension screens, or even just using a blank wall or building as a projection surface. The size of the screen will depend on the number of cars and the distance between them. Make sure the screen is large enough and positioned in a way that all the cars have a good view.

Projector

To provide clear and vibrant images for your drive-in audience, a high-quality projector is essential. When shopping around for projectors, look for one with a high brightness level, a high resolution, and a wide aspect ratio to ensure the image is visible to all the cars. Make sure to test the projector and adjust the focus before the event.

Sound System

You’re all set on the visual elements of the drive-in AV equipment, but don’t forget to secure a good sound system so your audience can hear the movie loud and clear. Look for a sound system that can provide clear and powerful sound with even coverage throughout the area. Depending on the size and acoustics of your drive-in space, you can opt for a portable Bluetooth speaker or a professional sound system. Make sure to position the speakers in a way that the sound is evenly distributed across the entire area.

Generators

If you're hosting the event in an area without power, you'll need to rent generators to power your equipment. Make sure you have enough generators to power all your equipment and have a backup generator in case of any power outages.

Concessions

Now that we’ve handled the equipment, it’s time for the fun part – snacks! Because movie nights are better with snacks, set up concession stands to sell popcorn, candy, and drinks or partner with local food trucks to provide a la carte finger foods. You can also encourage guests to bring their own snacks and drinks.

Marketing

What is an event without an audience or guest list? Make sure to promote your event a few weeks before the event date, so that guests have sufficient time to mark it on their calendars. If the event is public, you can create a Facebook event page and post it on social media to drive traffic to your event. If your event is private, send out emails or mail invitations to your guests. In both cases, make sure to include the date, time, and location of the event as well as any safety measures in place.

If you’re looking to host a drive-in movie that leaves a lasting impression but don’t want to deal with the hassle, we’ve got you covered! With our vetted team of professionals and expansive repository of high-quality AV equipment, we’ll ensure that your movie is a success. Contact us and let’s start planning your perfect drive-in movie night together.

Ready to plan your drive-in movie?