A Rustic Drive In Birthday Party for Violet Mae. 9 is just fine.

For Violet Mae’s birthday this year we decided to do a backyard movie night, but we set it up like a rustic drive in out here at the ranch. Check out all the fun!

2020 is definitely not the year for celebrations, or birthdays for that matter.

But now that we’re spending more time out here at the ranch… (oh by the way did I mention we’re fixing up a Tuscan style villa on an avocado farm?)- you can follow along on that journey with me over at Instagram – I thought maybe we COULD pull off a birthday party for Violet Mae if we kept everyone outside, and gave them the option to stay in their cars! So, a rustic drive in movie birthday party was under way.

In a time when we’re desperate more than ever to get together with family and friends I know there are many of you that are experimenting with ways to do that as safely as possible. A backyard movie night doesn’t need to be anything fancy by any means. It can literally just be a small gathering enjoying each other’s company- and it doesn’t have to be just in the summer months either. The fall season brings cooler temps and earlier evenings making backyard movie nights better than ever.

But since this is a birthday and all, I decided we should up the anty a bit… just a smidge ;), and give Violet’s party a fun ranchy theme. Hence the idea of the rustic drive in was born!

Rustic Drive In Party Ideas

A concession stand makes perfect sense for a rustic drive in party.

When my friends were asking me if there would be dinner I immediately replied, YES! Like hot dogs, popcorn (a popcorn bar to be exact), chips and pizza. If you’re gonna do it you gotta make it legit right? Am i right??! 🙂

Chili is also a perfect make ahead meal that can feed large groups.

It’s also super easy to make and is perfect for cool fall evenings. Check out my recipe HERE!

Popcorn is a must, but a popcorn bar is soooo much more fun!

I mean who doesn’t love to add their favorite toppings to one of the worlds best foods? HA!

Lights, camera, ACTION!

When having any kind of outdoor movie night you need some kind of lighting. We dressed up the concession stand with battery operated candles and fairy string lights from Costco & Amazon. We also strung the outdoor edison bulb string lights from Costco around the stage & screen for extra light.

Here are links to what we used -including items we recommend for your own rustic drive in party.

Invitations, movie night banner, labels, personalized french fry boxes, cupcake toppers, popcorn sign
Cupcake wrappers
Popcorn topping bowls– we use these craft bowls for lots of parties
Outdoor projector– the one we have is an older model from Brookstone. I can’t find it anymore so I listed this one for you. I love that its small and portable like ours. This one is also on major sale right now and even has an additional $30 coupon
Outdoor projector screen– we love using a screen, it makes viewing anywhere easy
Outdoor candles with remote
Striped popcorn boxes
String lights (they’re usually $10 cheaper in the store-but the quality is great!)

Here are some other super cute items that I ordered, but sadly they did not come in time. I’m finding most of our orders are running late these days. Have you experienced this too?

Movie night cupcake toppers (these are sooo cute!)
Red + White striped table skirt
Beverage carriers
“Now Showing” banner
Movie snack trays– these would have been sooo cute for the party. They’re just like what they give you for the kid packs at the real movie theater.

Are you following me on Pinterest yet?!!!

If you like home decor, yummy recipes, party ideas and HOLIDAY inspo GALORE you will luuuuvvvvv my pinterest page! I’ve been a pinner since the beginning and have thousands of awesome and amazing inspiration waiting for you.

Thanks so much for checking out our party. These ideas can be used for any backyard movie night. Personally, I’m going to continue to use those popcorn and takeout boxes for all of our movie nights! It’s time to bring on the cozy!