Pass the Popcorn

At a time when family movie outings come at a premium, SYDNEY GALINDO is bringing the theater experience to Wilmingtonians’ own backyards.

Last summer, she launched Backyard Blockbusters, and the interest in private screenings of movies and TV shows – from “Barbie” to the Super Bowl – continues to grow.

Galindo has long had an interest in an event planning business, but she didn’t immediately take that path. Shortly after graduating from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May 2020, she married, moved to Charlotte, and worked in human resources for an investment company. Last February, she and her husband, Fernando, welcomed a son.

Galindo says she always enjoyed planning parties for family and friends and was particularly interested in cozy picnics on the beach. During the pandemic shutdown, she kept thinking of ways to host backyard events.

“I thought of combining a picnic with watching a movie, like dinner and a show,” Galindo says. “I wanted to make it cute and festive – but provide a way for people to relax.” She says she didn’t have a lot of faith in herself and didn’t take the plunge. When the couple returned to Wilmington last May, Galindo, now a full-time mother, decided to go for it.

In August 2023, Galindo unveiled Backyard Blockbusters, offering backyard movies complete with everything but food – but she provides referrals. For those interested in a stay-at-home movie night, she sets up a screen, projector, and a speaker. An Amazon Fire TV Stick is provided so the viewer can stream whatever they want. Movie-goers can create their own comfy seat on a big rug with plush pillows, blankets, and low side tables. Lanterns and other themed décor set the tone, and Galindo will even set up a “Now Showing” sign.

“Classics like ‘Hocus Pocus,’ ‘Parent Trap,’ ‘10 Things I Hate About You,’ ‘Mamma Mia,’ ‘Elf,’ and ‘Polar Express’ are always a hit,” Galindo says. TV shows like “Love is Blind” and Taylor Swift’s concert film “The Eras Tour” have also been popular.

Galindo added picnic events, usually at the beach, to her offerings last November, and she says those are gaining traction. She has an inventory of tables, décor, placemats, glassware, flatware, rugs, pillows, décor, and signage for a romantic date night, birthday party, girls’ night, or bachelorette celebration. “I like to customize each event,” she says. “It’s fun to take someone’s idea and bring it to life.” Galindo hopes to continue to grow the business and says she would like to host more sporting and kids’ events.

She had many reasons to start a solo business: As a full-time parent, she wanted to contribute to the family’s income. And as a new mother, she craved a creative, yet flexible, outlet.

“I adore my son, but being home can sometimes make me feel like I’ve lost a bit of my identity,” Galindo says. “Working with other female-owned small businesses, as well as young mothers, has become a big part of my purpose. I like creating memories, making people happy, and spreading joy.”

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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