How to Host a Backyard Movie Night (and Replace Your TV with a Projector)

Matt and I got rid of our TV many years ago and now we host backyard movie night! I grew up watching A TON of TV (hello, Facts of Life, Three’s Company, Silverspoons, Punky Brewster, Alf, You Can’t Do that on Television, Saved by the Bell). I know I’m dating myself. Once I hit adulthood, I started to realize that it’s a major time suck. It’s so easy to lose many hours in front of the screen. It leaves me feeling foggy and disappointed in myself rather than relaxed and rejuvenated.   

But that’s just me. I know there are lots of people who do find TV to be a productive way to relax. I just know that I personally want to be intentional with my screen time. Switching over to a projector allowed me to do that.   

Life Without a TV

Matt and I haven’t had a TV in our living room for about 8 years and we finally ditched our bedroom TV about 5 years ago. When we watch movies or shows now, we use a computer or a projector.   

We purchased this one from Amazon, but there is also a more recent version available.   

We keep it in a basket with an extension cord for easy portability. This speaker provides good sound for us.   

Outdoor Backyard Movie Night

A couple years ago, there was a flash sale on a website called Woot. We scored this giant outdoor screen for an inexpensive price. It takes about 10 minutes to set up. The best part is that it breaks down into a relatively small bag for easy storage (under our couch). We only put it up for special events, like Matt’s Goonies birthday party or our backyard movie night. I’ve been meaning to get an old-school projection screen like this for more casual movie nights in our living room. In our bedroom, we simply project things onto our closet.

I think that’s about it. Let me know if you have any questions!