How to host a backyard movie night
Start times by month, which screen fits a yard, where it goes, and a run of show for a family movie night.
Inflatable Movie Screen Rentals in DFW
A 20-foot inflatable screen, a projector, and sound, with an attendant for four hours. $895 anywhere within 30 miles of downtown Dallas.
What’s Included
A 20-foot inflatable screen, a projector, a sound system sized for a backyard or a lawn, and an attendant who sets it up, runs the movie, and packs it up. Four hours of show time and delivery within 30 miles of downtown Dallas are included. Extra hours are $150.
When the Movie Can Start
A projected picture needs a dark sky, about 40 minutes after sunset. In Dallas, mid-month:
| Month | Sunset | Movie can start |
|---|---|---|
| March | 7:35 PM | 8:15 PM |
| April | 7:56 PM | 8:36 PM |
| May | 8:18 PM | 8:58 PM |
| June | 8:36 PM | 9:16 PM |
| July | 8:37 PM | 9:17 PM |
| August | 8:14 PM | 8:54 PM |
| September | 7:35 PM | 8:15 PM |
| October | 6:55 PM | 7:35 PM |
To start earlier, or where lot lights can’t be switched off, use an LED screen. It works in daylight.
What the Spot Needs
- One standard outlet within 100 feet for the blower and projector. Without one, we can quote a quiet generator.
- A fairly flat, open area with room for the screen and its tie-downs. A photo of the spot is usually enough for us to confirm it.
- Light wind. Inflatable screens catch wind, and the attendant decides on the day whether it’s safe to put the screen up. A weather cancellation gets the same free reschedule as any booking.
Inflatable or LED?
| Inflatable screen | LED trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Start time | After dark | Any time, including daylight |
| Under lot or pool lights | Washes out | Stays sharp |
| Crowd | Up to about 250 on blankets | Up to about 1,500 on a 16′ × 9′ |
| Power | One outlet within 100 feet | Onboard generator |
| Price | $895 | From $2,750 |
Movie Licensing
A public screening needs a public performance license in the host’s name, even at a free HOA or church event. A private backyard party for friends and family usually doesn’t. The movie night kit ($195) covers coordinating the license, and the fee is billed at cost. How movie licensing works.
Our Guarantees
All three are written into your rental contract. See all booking terms.
Rental agreement §9.4
On-Time Guarantee
If the screen isn’t running at your start time because of the equipment or crew we provide, you aren’t charged for the lost time.
Rental agreement §6
Weather Reschedule
If lightning or high wind cancels your event, move it to any open date within 12 months at no charge. If your date can’t move, like Easter, and the call comes before the halfway point, you can take a refund of everything but the deposit instead.
Rental agreement §3
Posted Pricing
You pay our posted prices, and your written quote lists sales tax and any travel past 30 miles before you book.
What time can the movie start?
About 40 minutes after sunset: around 7:35 PM in October, 8:15 in March and September, and after 9:15 in June and July. An LED screen can start at any time.
Do we need power?
Yes, one standard outlet within 100 feet. If there isn’t one, we can quote a quiet generator.
Can it go up on a windy day?
Only in light wind. Inflatable screens catch wind, so the attendant decides on the day. If wind or lightning cancels the show, you can move it free to any open date within 12 months.
Planning Guides
Which is better for an outdoor movie night, an LED screen or a projector?
Dallas sunset times by month, and when a projector is enough or LED is worth the cost.
Do you need a license to show a movie at a public event?
When a movie night needs a license, whose name it goes in, and what one showing usually costs.
Check Availability
Send your event date and city; it takes about 30 seconds.
What Happens Next
To see the full price first, use the booking form or call (214) 239-4458.
- The inflatable screen needs one standard outlet within 100 feet, or we can bring a quiet generator.
- If lightning or high wind cancels your event, move it free to any open date within 12 months.
- Private property usually needs no permit. A public park or street usually does, often 30 to 90 days ahead; see the permit guide.