What to Buy for a Drive-In Movie Theater

A drive-in movie needs more than a screen and projector. You need food and drinks that can be served quickly, reusable tableware, cold storage, clear parking markers and enough lighting for safe movement after dark. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for check-in, parking, catering and the screening itself. Buy or collect everything at least two days before the event, then test the equipment and prepare the coolers on the day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

High tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 20
Check-in desk
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Media player
Audio set
FM transmittersqty 40
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Decorations

Welcome sign
Route arrowsqty 12
Parking numbersqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable bowlsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 2
Trash binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted popcorn - 10 bags
- Sweet popcorn - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Candy mix - 5 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Mini popsicles - 60 pieces
- Mini sausage rolls - 100 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian Snacks - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one more drink per person for each additional hour. Buy extra ice so the coolers stay cold through the screening.
Use one reusable cup, bowl, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. This covers dropped items, late arrivals and guests who need a clean replacement.
Count the cable route before shopping for extension cords and cable mats. Add 10% to the measured cable length, and keep spare batteries for transmitters, flashlights and other battery-powered equipment.
Prepare one clearly marked set of parking numbers, route arrows and traffic cones for every parking row. Put the welcome sign and check-in supplies together so arrivals do not block the traffic route.
Set aside backup supplies before filling the coolers: spare batteries, an extra power strip and additional lighting. Keep them at the check-in desk so a fault can be handled without searching in the dark.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a drive-in movie?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every hour after that. Allow one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, with 10% extra for replacements.
How much ice do I need for a drive-in movie?: Use enough ice to cover the contents of each cooler and keep drinks cold for the full screening. As a practical starting point, buy 1 to 2 kilograms of ice per 10 guests, then add more for hot weather or a screening longer than two hours.
When should I buy supplies for a drive-in movie?: Buy non-perishable food, tableware, signs, cables and batteries at least two days before the event. Buy ice and other chilled items on the day itself, ideally shortly before the coolers are filled.
What equipment should I bring to a drive-in movie?: Bring the projector, projection screen, media player, audio set or FM transmitters, extension cords, power strips and cable mats. Test the film, subtitles and sound at least one day before the event, and keep spare batteries available on site.

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