Here’s what to bring to an outdoor movie night, grouped the way we’d pack the car. Not everything applies to every show. A July movie and an October movie call for different bags, and every event sets its own rules, so check the event listing before you load up.
Seating
- A low-back chair or a blanket. Many events ask chairs to stay behind the blankets so nobody’s view gets blocked.
- A pillow, for your back or for the kid who’s going to fall asleep.
- A ground pad, camp mat, or folded moving blanket to go under you. The ground stays cold and damp long after sunset.
Warmth
- Layers you can add as it cools off, plus a hat.
- A blanket for your lap, even in late summer.
- Hand warmers for fall shows.
Going to a chilly one? We wrote a whole post on how to stay warm at an outdoor movie night.
Snacks and drinks
Check the listing for outside food rules before you pack a cooler. Many events sell concessions, and that money often goes back to whoever is hosting, like a school PTA. Buying your popcorn there helps pay for the next movie night.
If outside food is allowed, bring drinks with lids that close. A tipped cup on a blanket makes for a long night. Pack snacks in small bags instead of one big box, since you’ll be eating in the dark.
Light
- A small flashlight, ideally one with a red or dim setting, for digging through your bag and finding your way out.
- Your phone, with the brightness turned all the way down once the movie starts. A bright screen in a dark field pulls everyone’s eyes away from the movie.
Comfort
- Bug spray for summer shows.
- A trash bag, so cleanup takes thirty seconds.
- Wet wipes.
- Tissues.
For kids
- Pajamas, worn under warm clothes, so bedtime can start in the car.
- A favorite stuffed animal.
- A small snack bag they can manage on their own.
The stuff people forget
- A phone charger or battery pack.
- Cash for concessions.
- A folding wagon, so you can haul everything from the car in one trip.
Do one last check before you pull out of the driveway. The blanket you meant to bring is usually still on the couch.
Before you go, look up the show on our Public Movie Nights page and read the listing for the rules on chairs, pets, and alcohol. They change from event to event. For the other night-of questions, bookmark our Movie Night Guide.
Thinking about a movie night for your neighborhood or school? Start here.
