Outdoor Cinema Setup: The Essentials, Covered

Emma Duckett

•April 22, 2025•

8 min read

You may know that with On Air, you can stream concerts from the comfort of your home.

But what if we told you that you can take that experience outside and turn your garden, balcony, rooftop, or even your driveway into your very own open-air concert space? Glastonbury, move aside.

We’ve put together the essentials for setting up a DIY outdoor stage or cinema on a budget, with an eco-warrior, Earth Day-inspired twist.

Step 1: Scout Your Outdoor Cinema Space

Got a backyard, rooftop, balcony, or even a private driveway? Perfect. You don’t need a huge space - just a spot big enough for a projector, a screen, and a comfy viewing area. Think laid-back deck chairs, boho-style floor cushions, or plush bean bags to create that relaxed, festival-at-home vibe.

For the best experience, choose a space that’s a little sheltered from the wind - this helps keep your screen steady and lets your speakers really shine.

Step 2: Choose Your Projection Screen

Planned your outdoor space? Check. Now it’s time to sort out the perfect screen for your concert projection.

If you're on a budget, a little creativity goes a long way. Try pinning an old white bed sheet against an upright surface like a brick wall or pergola. You can also stretch it tight using ropes or clips between two poles secured in plant pots. Even a smooth, light-coloured fence - like the side of a shed - can do the job in a pinch. Alternatively, hang your sheet on a washing line using pegs for a quick and simple setup.

Prefer something more polished? You can always invest in a portable outdoor projector screen. They’re easy to set up, take down, and reuse for future concert experiences!

Step 3: Invest in a Projector and Speakers

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to create a backyard cinema. There are plenty of affordable, energy-efficient projectors and speakers available online - and you might even be able to borrow one from a friend or a local community tool library (find out more about these here).

When it comes to choosing a projector, look for an LED projector. These use significantly less energy than traditional bulb-based models, generate less heat, and often last for hours. Aim for something with at least 3000 lumens for a clear, vibrant image for outdoor spaces, especially in the evening with ambient light.

Many modern projectors are compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and Bluetooth, making pairing with smart speakers like Google Nest Audio or Apple HomePod mini easy. These compact speakers are efficient and pack a punch when it comes to outdoor sound.

Want To Go the Extra Mile?

Stream over Wi-Fi (which uses less energy than mobile data), choose rechargeable batteries for remotes and portable speakers, and consider powering your setup with a solar charger or green energy provider. These are small switches, but they help make your outdoor cinema a little kinder to the planet.

Step 4: Create a Dimly Lit Atmosphere

Aim to start your outdoor concert at dusk or after dark - your screen will be much easier to see. That’s where lighting and ambience come in. Set the tone with mason jars filled with tea lights, solar-powered fairy lights, lanterns, or stake lights - easy to set up and even easier to move.

No need to spend big either; get creative with what you already have! Layer with blankets, rugs, and cushions for extra cosiness (and warmth in the cooler months), or use pallets, yoga mats, or picnic blankets for relaxed seating. In warmer months, citronella candles are perfect for keeping the mozzies away. You could even ask loved ones to bring their own blanket or snacks.

And that brings us to…

Step 5: Snack Smart

Your concert experience wouldn’t be complete without snacks and drinks, would it?

Skip the plastic-wrapped candy and go for more sustainable options - think home-popped sweet ‘n’ salty popcorn served in reusable bowls, canned drinks easily recycled, zero-waste treats like fruit skewers, or fresh-baked cookies.

Golden rule? Reusables > disposables. If you want to go one step further, compost your scraps and start a mini-Earth Day-inspired compost bin!

Why Streaming is Greener for the Planet

Streaming sometimes gets a bad rep when it comes to energy use - but it might be more eco-friendly for the planet than you’d think.

Take DVDs and Blu-rays, for example. Producing them requires factories, plastic packaging, and global shipping - lots of energy, materials, and emissions for something you might only watch once or twice. Streaming skips that - no plastic, no packaging, no delivery trucks - just instant access at home with a smaller environmental footprint.

It’s also a greener alternative compared to live events, which rely on high-energy lighting, sound systems, and single-use plastic galore. Since you’re not travelling to a venue, you’re cutting down your carbon footprint, too!