There's something special about watching a movie under the stars. Whether it's family movie night in the backyard, the big game with mates, a camping trip, or an outdoor gaming session, creating your own open-air cinema is easier than ever. Better still, you don't need mains power or a complicated setup. With the right gear, you can build a premium outdoor entertainment space almost anywhere.

Here's everything you need to create the ultimate outdoor cinema experience. 

Why an Outdoor Cinema?

An outdoor cinema isn't just for movies. With a portable projector and screen, you can create the perfect setup for family movie nights, date nights, backyard sleepovers, watching the footy, cricket or Formula 1 on the big screen, gaming with friends, caravan park movie nights and so much more.

The beauty of a portable setup is that it packs away neatly when you're finished and can travel anywhere your adventures take you.

Step 1: Start with a Big Screen

No outdoor cinema feels complete without a proper cinema-sized screen.

The KickAss 120" Portable Outdoor Cinema AirScreen inflates in minutes to create an enormous 120-inch viewing surface that instantly transforms any backyard or campsite into your own private theatre.

Unlike makeshift sheets strung between trees, the AirScreen provides a smooth, purpose-built projection surface for crisp, bright images. It delivers a huge 120" cinema experience, and is quick to inflate and deflate. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster or State of Origin, bigger really is better.

Step 2: Choose a Portable Projector

The projector is the heart of your outdoor cinema. The KickAss 12V FHD Outdoor Cinema Smart Projector is purpose-built for life outdoors, giving you the flexibility to watch almost anywhere. Unlike traditional projectors that need complicated setups, this unit is designed to be simple.

It offers full HD image quality combined with a built-in smart operating system. Stream your devices directly to the projector, and best of all - it runs from 12V power. So you can simply plug and play from your off-grid power source, whether that's a 12V battery or a portable power station. 

 

Step 3: Power Everything Off-Grid

One of the biggest advantages of a portable cinema is that you don't need to be anywhere near a power point. A portable power station gives you clean, reliable electricity wherever you are.

The KickAss KickCharge 3000 Portable Power Station is ideal if you're planning longer movie nights or want enough capacity to power multiple devices alongside your projector. It delivers serious output while remaining completely silent, making it perfect for entertainment without the background noise of a generator.

For lighter setups

The KickAss KickCharge 2400 Portable Power Station is another fantastic option that offers plenty of portable power for projector-based movie nights while remaining compact enough to transport easily.

Both power stations let you enjoy entertainment completely off-grid - whether that's deep in the bush, at a caravan park or simply in the backyard where extension leads won't reach.

Step 4: Create a Cinema You'll Actually Want to Sit In

The picture might grab everyone's attention, but comfortable seating is what keeps everyone happy for two hours.

Forget folding camping chairs lined up in rows.

Instead, build a lounge room under the stars. Treat yourself to a KickAss Inflatable Furniture Bundle, consisting of an inflatable sofa, and inflatable armchair, and - the finishing touch - an inflatable ottoman (which doubles as an extra seat or a snack table). 

Together they create a relaxed outdoor lounge that feels far more luxurious than standard camping chairs.

(Side note: While you can buy each item of inflatable furniture individually, they are better value when purchased together as a bundle). 

Step 5: Keep Drinks and Snacks Within Reach

No movie night is complete without cold drinks and plenty of snacks. The KickAss 75L Dual Zone Portable Fridge Freezer lets you keep everything chilled and fresh. Better still, its dual-zone design means you can run the compartments at different temperatures.

That means you could have:

• Soft drinks and water chilled on one side
• Ice cream frozen on the other
• Or frozen meat for tomorrow's barbecue while tonight's drinks stay perfectly cold. 

 

Step 6: Add the Atmosphere

The best outdoor cinemas feel cosy rather than brightly lit.

A couple of KickAss Vintage Camping Lanterns provide warm ambient lighting that makes it easy to grab snacks or move around without washing out the projector image. Position them behind your seating area to create a welcoming atmosphere while keeping glare away from the screen.

Step 7: Stay Warm After Sunset

Even summer evenings can become surprisingly cool once the sun goes down. A KickAss 12V Electric Blanket is perfect for extending movie nights well into the evening.

Wrap it around yourself while relaxing on the inflatable sofa and enjoy comfortable warmth throughout the film. The built-in timer lets you choose how long it runs, while 12V operation makes it ideal for use with your portable power setup.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Cinema

A few simple touches can make a huge difference to your viewing experience.

• Wait until dusk for the brightest picture.
• Position the screen with your audience facing away from nearby lights.
• Place the projector on a stable table or stand.
• Inflate seating before dark so you're not setting up in low light.
• Keep snacks and drinks within easy reach.
• Bring extra blankets for guests.
• If you're camping, be mindful of quiet hours and nearby campers.

Why a Portable Cinema Beats an Indoor Setup

Unlike a television, a portable outdoor cinema isn't tied to one room. One weekend you might be hosting a backyard movie marathon - the next, you're watching the footy beside the caravan. A week later, it's a gaming night with friends under the stars.

Everything packs away neatly, travels easily and sets up almost anywhere, giving you an entertainment system that's as adventurous as you are.

Build Your Ultimate Outdoor Cinema with KickAss

With a portable projector, inflatable cinema screen, reliable off-grid power, comfortable inflatable seating and a few well-chosen accessories, creating an unforgettable outdoor cinema is surprisingly simple.

Whether you're entertaining the family, hosting mates for the big game or enjoying a quiet movie beneath the stars, the right setup turns any outdoor space into the best seat in the house.

So grab the popcorn, kick back, and enjoy the show.