Brews & Blockbusters: How to Host the Perfect Outdoor Movie Night at Your Brewery
As the days stretch longer and warmer weather beckons, breweries have a unique opportunity to expand their offerings beyond craft beer. One delightful way to draw in crowds and foster community spirit is by hosting an outdoor movie night. Picture this: a starry sky overhead, the aroma of freshly brewed beer in the air, and the flicker of a classic film on a big screen. It's an experience that not only enhances your brewery's ambiance but also creates lasting memories for your patrons. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to execute the perfect outdoor movie night at your brewery.
Select the Right Space: Choosing the perfect spot for your outdoor movie night sets the stage for success. Consider an area with enough space to accommodate seating arrangements, a screen, and projector setup. Patrons should have a clear view of the screen without obstruction. Additionally, ensure there are nearby amenities like restrooms and access to food and drinks.
Procure Equipment: Invest in high-quality equipment to ensure a seamless viewing experience. This includes a projector (you'll want at least 2500 lumens for outdoor use), screen, sound system, and seating options. Opt for a screen size that suits your space and audience size. Test the equipment beforehand to address any technical issues and ensure optimal picture and sound quality.
Obtain Licenses and Permissions: Before screening any movies, secure the necessary licenses and permissions to avoid copyright infringement. Reach out to film distributors or licensing agencies to obtain the rights to screen the movie of your choice. Swank Motion Pictures is a licensing company that specializes in this. Additionally, check local regulations and obtain any permits required for hosting outdoor events.
Curate the Movie Selection: Choose films that resonate with your brewery's vibe and appeal to your target audience. Consider classics, cult favorites, or family-friendly options depending on your clientele. You can also tie movie selections to thematic events or seasonal themes for added excitement. Solicit input from patrons through surveys or social media polls to gauge preferences. With Fourth of July around the corner we recommend The Sandlot, Independence Day, or National Treasure.
Create a Comfortable Setting: Enhance the viewing experience by providing comfortable seating options such as blankets, lawn chairs, or bean bags. Encourage patrons to bring their own seating arrangements for a cozy atmosphere. Set up ambient lighting to guide guests and create a welcoming ambiance. Consider offering themed decorations or props to elevate the movie night experience.
Offer Refreshments: No movie night is complete without refreshments, and as a brewery, you have a unique advantage. Pair your movie screenings with a selection of your finest craft beers and artisanal snacks. Consider offering themed drink specials or creating a custom movie-inspired menu to tantalize taste buds. Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and underage attendees.
Promote Your Event: Spread the word about your outdoor movie night through various channels to maximize attendance. Utilize social media platforms, your brewery's website, and email newsletters to promote the event. Create visually appealing graphics and teaser trailers to generate excitement and anticipation. Collaborate with local influencers or community partners to extend your reach. Announce at least 5 weeks in advance.
Ensure a Smooth Execution: On the day of the event, coordinate logistics meticulously to ensure everything runs smoothly. Arrive early to set up equipment, test audiovisual components, and arrange seating arrangements. Assign staff members to greet guests, manage concessions, and address any inquiries or issues promptly. Embrace flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changing weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Foster Community Engagement: Use your outdoor movie night as an opportunity to foster community engagement and forge lasting connections with patrons. Encourage interaction through trivia contests, themed costume contests, or photo opportunities. Create a hashtag for attendees to share their experiences on social media and foster a sense of belonging within your brewery's community.
Gather Feedback and Iterate: After the event, solicit feedback from attendees to gauge their satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your future movie night offerings and tailor them to better meet patron preferences. Analyze attendance metrics, sales data, and social media engagement to measure the event's success and inform your planning process for future events.
Hosting an outdoor movie night at your brewery is a fantastic way to captivate audiences, create memorable experiences, and strengthen community ties. By following these steps and infusing your brewery's unique charm and hospitality, you can elevate the movie night experience and solidify your brewery as a cherished destination for entertainment and camaraderie. So, roll out the barrel, dim the lights, and let the show begin!
