Outatime Since '85

Haley Yknow I just noticed something. I’m kind of a mess. 33

[mjf-af]

*opening chords of Power of Love*

Back to the Future was released July 3rd 1985, and we’re playing with plutonium to celebrate. That's right — it's McFly July!

There’s a prompt each day - do one, some, or all! Poetry, fanfic, playlists, friendship bracelets, cosplay, anything BTTF! Just tag your creations #mcflyjuly so we can find and share them! ⚡️🎸

That’s it! Have fun and don’t let anybody call you chicken! 🐓

[mjf-af]

McFly July Day 19 — Marlene’s Date Night

Where does Marlene take her date?

Cafe 80’s

Courthouse Mall

somewhere they can park (hover)

the lake

Remaining time: 23 hours 33 minutes

[moonlightandstarshimmer]

McFly July Day 18: Run for Fun

I LOVE the peanut gallery at the saloon in Part III. My dad says they are known character actors in a lot of westerns, and the man has watched westerns and procedurals exclusively throughout his life, so I mostly trust him… but sometimes he also just says things ;)

Anyway, the closest I could get to Mr. “Run for Fun?!” was an inverse of his outfit- the blue small-checked shirt became a brown small-checked vest, and the tan vest became a brown dress… but maybe it would still fit in at their card table (because we know how much they comment on people’s outfits… poor Marty)

Also, vests are pulling a lot of weight for me during this challenge!

[sams-spot-for-things]

MCFLY JULY DAY 14 — the jones family business

[mjf-af]

hii its sam and i just wanted to say thank you so much for always leaving such kind tags on my art for mcfly july guh?!?? they do not go unnoticed and i giggle and kick my feet every time u are too nice pal❤️❤️👏👏

Sam your art style is like candy to my eyeballs. You could draw Einstein’s hot goopy dog food slop and I know you’d give it depth and shadow with pretty colors and a pleasing soft texture and I’d be like damn. I wanna marry a can of dog food now. PLEASE wield your power with responsibility.

[ghostsagain112]

mcfly july day 19: "marlene's date night" 💞

you knew it was coming. sparlene at the cafe 80s sharing a milkshake <3 i did consider drawing them beating each other up which is definitely more in character but i went with the cute option

inspiration / reference image under cut

[mythical-bookworm]

McFly July Day 15: George and His Cereal

[s-oulpunk]

McFly July Day 18: Run For Fun

Marty keeps watch through the remains of the gift shop window, crouched down low with only his eyes peeking out over the top.  It has grown dark outside, with only the natural light of a fingernail-slivered moon to showcase the scene around them: a brightly colored Jeep tossed on its side like it is a children’s toy, a cracked and crumbling staircase leading up to the main building, glass double doors that are now nothing more than a pair of frames jutting from a pile of glimmering shards.  And hanging above those doors: JURASSIC PARK.  The sign dangles precariously from one corner, already slashed to a near unrecognizable state by razor-sharp talons.

“I’m sorry, alright?” Emerson speaks in a hushed whisper.  She still sounds out of breath, the strained pitch of her voice matching the way Marty’s heart thunders against his ribs.  His legs still ache. “I thought it would be a nice getaway weekend!”

Marty’s eyes never leave the front steps as he hisses, “you are not allowed to pick date nights anymore!”

“How was I supposed to know they would escape?”

Marty turns to her, fast as lightning. “Aren’t you from the future?”

Emerson raises her palms on either side of her head. “All the papers said was that opening weekend was a catastrophic failure.  They never said why.  I thought, like, the rides broke down or something.”

“What?”

“Ssshh!” Emerson grabs Marty by the wrist.  Her eyes have grown wide and round, her face a ghostly pale. “I hear something.”

Sure enough: crck.  Crunch.  Crack.

Something is coming.

A low rumbling sound fills the air.  The hair at the back of Marty’s neck stands on end.  The noise is coming from the thick wall of trees to their left, just past the NOW ENTERING sign.  The stegosaurus enclosure had stood only a few feet past that sign.  Now one lies, dead and bleeding, on the once pristine concrete.

The trees rustle.  More rumbling.  To Marty’s straining ears it sounds almost like laughter; the maniacal, low chortling of something that knows it has its prey trapped.

Emerson’s grip on his wrist tightens.  Dull nails bite into the soft center of his pulse-point.

It breaks through the trees bit by bit.  First, the blood-smeared tip of its snout.  Its lips curl away from its gum as it releases another rumbling roar, revealing steak knives still stained with chunks of meat the size of Marty’s torso.  Next, the beady blackness of its eyes.  They are small compared to the rest of its massive body, but according to the information board a T-Rex can see up to nearly four miles away.  Which is really awesome for Marty and Emerson.  The jagged edges of its claws come next, followed by the muscular swell of its body.  Its tail comes out last, slithering from between the trees like a massive snake.

The T-Rex stands still against the greenery.  Her eyes are narrowed to slits, her talons twitching minutely.  Her nostrils expand to an impossible degree before exhaling with an audible huff.  Slowly, she repeats this process with her head lowering against the ground.  She lifts one foot.  The ground rumbles as she puts it back down again – brrrr.

“Marty,” Emerson’s voice comes out through a thin whistle, “she’s coming this way.”

Brrrr.  The ground shakes beneath their feet.

“Marty.” Emerson is doing her best to crawl away, hunched out of sight.  She tugs fruitlessly on Marty’s arm.  He can feel it tugging against his socket, but he can’t get himself to move; can’t get himself to look away. “The Jeeps are only a few feet away.  If we run, we can make it.” Can they? “Once we have one of those, we’ll make it to the docs no problem.”

The T-Rex’s eyes lock on him.  Her lips peel back: a mirthless grin full of kitchen knives.

“Marty.” Another tug. “Come on.” The T-Rex takes a thundering step towards them.  Even from his distance, he can smell the thick stench of death on her breath. “We have to go!”

Marty takes Emerson’s hand in his own and runs.

[bg-sparrow]

mcfly july 2026 || day 18

Run for Fun

Marty blinked at the black-and-white numbers pinned to his abdomen.

He slowly lifted his very affectionate glare to his wife, who snapped the sunscreen cap open and started applying some to her arms and face. 

“Jen?”

“Yeah?”

Marty wet his lips, stepping closer as more racers entered the street.

“You know I love you more than anything in the universe, right?”

Jennifer laughed as she tilted her head back, slathering her neck.

“Come on, Marty.” She pushed him toward the starting line. “It’s for a good cause!”

“Can’t I just write them a check when I’m famous?”

“Line up, Marty.”

[bgsbracelets]

mcfly july 2026 || bracelet edition || day 18

Run for Fun

Here we have some more square beads in that wonderfully bright 1955 Clint Eastwood color scheme:

And here's some brown and blue that I tend to associate with 1885 Clint Eastwood:

[actuallymartymcfly]

McFly July Day 18: Run For Fun

For once, Marty's not running from anyone.

I can't believe we're nearing three weeks!!! This has been such a fun time and I hope I still adore this franchise next July to be able to do it again! I probably still will hahaha this has been my biggest hyperfixation as of recent.

Hello and good almost afternoon! This was your hint!:

Here's your next hint!:

[professorsaber]

McFly July 16: Weird Day at Western Union

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

It's a bit late, but I threw this together in one sitting! REALLY hope it doesn't suck...

[sams-spot-for-things]

MCFLY JULY DAY 17 — sunset on the powerlines

[perpetuallyexhaustedpeacock]

McFly July Day 17: Sunset Through the Powerline

this is a scene i've had thought out since before i even thought about doing mcfly july and i am SO EXCITED

Emmett squinted at the screw in front of him. It looks a little loose. In his periphery, he saw a man and a girl walking past. He was about to call the man for help, when...I recognize that hair. "Lizzy?"

His daughter spun around, looking far more startled than he felt she had any right to be. "...Dad. Uh, hi?"

Frowning, he asked, "What are you doing here?" He looked around, but the man she'd been with had practically sprinted away. "Who was-"

"Just someone looking for directions," she breezed, still staring at him. "I was-well, I was looking for Marty. We were supposed to meet here before going to the...the dance." Her face fell.

"Oh." The taste of guilt was acrid and, unfortunately, familiar as it rose in the back of his mouth. "W-well, while you're here, could you hand me a 5/8ths wrench?"

Wordlessly, Lizzy pressed the tool into his outstretched hand.

"This isn't 5/8ths, it's a 3/4ths, which...is what...I needed." He rolled his eyes as a smirk spread across his daughter's face. "Thank you, my dear."

"No problem." She'd been (understandably) upset with him for the past week, so he'd expected her to leave as soon as she could politely do so. Instead, she leaned against the DeLorean as if she intended to stay for a while. "Do you think it's ready?"

"It should be by tonight," he replied, tightening the screws. "As long as Marty gets here on time and the lightning strike arrives when predicted, everything should...go fine." His throat tightened as it sank in that she wouldn't be there to see it. She wouldn't be there... "Lizzy, I-"

"Yeah?" The sun was beginning to set through the powerlines, casting shadows on her face and turning her hair to gold.

"I think we should-" What was he saying? He wanted to risk it so badly, but if they got it wrong, the results could be catastrophic. The space-time continuum could collapse, or nothing could happen at all, but there was no way of knowing until it happened. "I don't want-"

A hand rested on his shoulder. "It's okay, Dad. I understand. This is bigger than just us, y'know? There are more important things than me-"

The wrench hit the ground with a clatter. "Nothing is- Elizabeth, you are the most important-" If this is the last time I see her, she has to at least know that-

After a few seconds, Lizzy relaxed into his hug and returned it with equal ferocity. "I know. I- Dad, I'm sorry about everything that happened- everything I said this week. If this is it, I basically ruined-" she choked on something that was half a laugh, half a sob.

"You didn't. You didn't ruin anything." A muscle twitched in his jaw. "If- Lizzy. Come back from the dance."

"Sorry?"

"I'm making a very bad decision right now, but to hell with paradoxes and the space-time continuum. None of it means a damn thing without you."

Lizzy stared up at him in wonder, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You really mean it."

"Of course I do. The timeline can sort itself out."

"I don't think that's how it works, Dad." She gave him a watery smile. "But I will. I'll be there. Honestly, I- I might have done it even if you hadn't told me to."

That...didn't surprise him.

"You're more important to me than the space-time continuum too, Dad. I don't want to leave you alone-" her voice cracked- "for 30 years, or however long it takes before Marty shows up. I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered, pressing a kiss into her hairline. "Please come back."

"I will. I swear." Silence descended for a few minutes. "The, um." Pulling away, Lizzy sniffed and wiped her face. "The sun is setting. Marty'll be here soon, and I-uh-I still need to get changed."

Shakily, he ran a hand through her hair. "Alright. I will see you later."

"Yes." She swallowed and looked at him for a long moment. "Goodbye, Dad."

[knickynoo]

McFly July Day 17: Sunset on the Power Lines

Lone Pine timeline (the Marty who grew up in the stable home environment). Takes place somewhere in late October, 1977. Dave is 13, Linda is 11, and Marty is 9.

“Car!”

The shout put an immediate halt to the game of tag, sending kids skittering to either curb as they waited for the vehicle to pass. They all waved enthusiastically as it went by, thrilled when the driver not only returned the gesture, but honked his horn as well. They’d been keeping track since their game started, and of the four cars that had recently gone by, all four drivers had waved. That was a new record.

“Clear!”

Everyone dispersed again—most back into the street and some up on front lawns. Marty went to a nearby tree, their designated un-taggable break zone, and took a quick breather. He looked out over at the group, which had grown substantially as the evening had gone on and more neighborhood kids had joined. Marty didn’t even recognize half of them, though that hardly mattered when it came to tag. You didn’t have to know names, you just had to know how to run. And Marty was good at running.

After quickly scanning the scene to check who was now “it” and where they were, Marty bounded back into the action. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, dodging and weaving around every kid who came into his path. He went all the way down to the parked car that served as their boundary line, chest heaving and sweat sliding down the side of his face. The tagger spotted him, smiled, and barreled toward him.

Marty waited. Adjusted his stance to look like he was ready to run to his right. He let “it” get just shy of tagging distance, then spun to his left and bolted, his laughter trailing behind in the cool air.

“Aw, come on!” the tagger yelled.

“He does it every time!” another kid answered in reply. “You gotta quit falling for it.”

The game carried on, though, slowly, their group began to shrink as kids took off toward home. There were six of them left by the time Dave’s bike came to a screeching halt just feet from Marty.

“Come on, we gotta get going.”

Marty didn’t hesitate. He called out his goodbyes, stepped up onto the back pegs of the bike, and grabbed hold of Dave’s shoulders.

“Hey, remember when you told me I didn’t have to come by to get you on my way home?” Dave asked once they got moving.

“I was just about to head home.”

“Ha! Yeah, right.”

“I was! Everyone was leaving anyway.”

“Whatever you say, Marty. Hold on.” Dave peddled faster, taking a sharp turn that would have sent Marty flying had he not tightened his grip.

“We’re not even late yet,” Marty said, surveying the warm tinge of color in the sky.

“I know. But I’m starving.”

“Okay, but just don’t catapult me off this thing, alright?”

Dave didn’t slow. Instead, he sped up and swerved twice in quick succession.

“Knock it off! Mom and Dad aren’t gonna be very happy if I end up splattered in the street!”

“More dinner for me,” Dave said with a shrug.

“Hey!”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” His pace slowed slightly. “Hey, you have fun tonight?”

Marty smiled into the breeze. “Didn’t get tagged once.”

By the time they turned onto their street, the sky was turning a deep orange—a fiery backdrop behind their house. Linda stood out front, her own face flushed and hair wind-swept from time spent outside.

“Beat you guys home,” she announced with a proud smile.

“Because you were only just down the street,” Dave replied. “I was all the way at Cory’s house, plus I had to pick up Marty or he wouldn’t have made it home until midnight.”

Marty delivered an exasperated expression his brother’s way. “It wouldn’t have taken me that long.”

“There you all are!”

Their mother’s voice cut through their bickering.

“Just in time. Dinner's ready!”

Marty didn’t bother to give either of his siblings a head start. He took off toward the house, shouting as he ran.

“Last one in is a rotten egg!”

[s-oulpunk]

McFly July Day 7: Jennifer's Locker

Jennifer's Body spoof, anyone??

~~~~~

“You and me are going out tonight.”

“Tonight?” Marty peers at Jennifer skeptically from around his locker.  He clutches his school books tight against his chest. “Why?”

“Because,” Jennifer says like it is obvious, “Low Shoulder is playing at Malibu Lane.  They’re this indie rock band from the city!  I saw them on MTV, and the lead singer is extra salty.” Her grin – childishly excited, a sight familiar from Marty’s childhood – has distorted into an overgrown leer.  She shifts to check her makeup in the mirror hanging behind Marty’s locker door. “Plus there will be lots of other salty munchies there for you.” When she still gets no response, she throws herself back against the lockers dramatically.  Her lips form a puffy pout. “C’mon, Marty!”

“I don’t know.”

“Boo,” Jennifer rolls her eyes, “cross out Marty.” She makes an X over Marty’s face with her finger.

Marty does his best to hold his ground.  He really does.  But Jennifer is his oldest friend, and seeing her staring him down with those big, sad eyes shimmering with unshed tears…

Marty sighs. “What time is the show?”

Jennifer lights up.  She stands to her full height, all signs of sadness or tears totally evaporated. “I’ll pick you up at 8:30.” She gives Marty a once over, her smile flickering. “Wear something cute, okay?”

—

The show is held at a small venue only a couple of blocks from Marty’s house.  Still, Jennifer picks him up in her shiny new car just so she can park at the very front of the venue.  Between her ear-blasting speakers and her low-cut top, she draws attention from all of their peers lingering outside.  Marty has no doubt she has spent hours prepping for this: picking out her outfit, perfecting her makeup, picking out exactly which song should be pouring from her open windows when she pulls up.  It always goes exactly to her plan.

The inside of the venue is teeming with teenagers and community college students, the air dense with sweat and bodily odors.  Distantly, Marty finds himself wishing he had stayed home and done nothing.  Especially once Jennifer starts chatting up the band, hips pressed up against the stage and eyelashes batting.

What the hell is he doing all the way out here?

“Marty,” Jennifer snatches his wrist in passing, “I’m going to the bar.  Don’t lose our spot at the front of the stage!”

“Sure thing, Jenn.”

It does not appear that anyone particularly wants to take their spots.  The floor is mostly open, with many of the guests hanging back at the bar or outside in the designated smoking area.  Still, Marty does his best not to move an inch.  He came out tonight, he might as well do all he can to make sure Jennifer has a good night.

Up on stage, the guitarist reaches out to clap the singer’s shoulder, “what about her?  She’s it, man.  She’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

The singer strains his neck to pick out Jennifer amongst the crowd. “You’re sure she’s…”

“She’s a kid,” the guitarist scoffs. “We’re in the middle of nowhere.  Of course she’s a virgin, man.”

Bundling up his courage, Marty snaps, “excuse me.  Hey, that’s my best friend that you’re talking about.  You’re right, she is a virgin.  And that beats sleeping with creeps like you.” He turns to leave before the singer can get a response in, weaving his way in and out of the crowd until he finds Jennifer balancing a pair of shots for herself and the lead singer. “Those guys are rank, Jenn.  Just forget about it.”

But Jennifer’s smile never changes. “You know what?  I think the lead singer wants me.”

“Only because he thinks that you’re a virgin!  I heard them talking!”

“What?  I’m not even a backdoor virgin anymore!”

“Jenn, let’s just go home.”

Too late.  The squeal of guitars fills the room and Jennifer, like a moth to a flame, races to the front of the stage.

It all happens very quickly after that.  The smooth quality of the singer’s voice.  The distant smell of smoke.  The steady rhythm of the guitar.  The watering of Marty’s eyes.  The heat against his skin.  Before he knows it, the entire venue has gone up in a bonfire of flames.

People all around are running like wild animals.  A girl in Marty’s math class trips over her own feet in her flee for the exit, and never gets back up again.  One of the jocks on the football team tramples right over her, ignoring the way she screams when something in her spine snaps.  A smouldering beam crashes from the ceiling and crushes the jock mid-stride.  It blocks the exit, and sends another wave of fire roaring up the moulding.

The only one unaffected is Jennifer.  She stands, transfixed, staring glassy-eyed at the empty stage.

Marty grabs her hand nonetheless. “I know where to go!” He runs before she has a chance to respond, dragging her through the wreckage and into a claustrophobic back hallway.  Smoke tickles his nose.  A series of coughs rips through him, and he raises one hand to his mouth in a sad attempt to block out the fumes.  It leads into the bathroom, where a small window in the back stall is still unaffected.  Marty slams the toilet shut and hauls himself through.  He turns back with one hand reaching, fingers outstretched, through the window, “Jenn!”

For one second he thinks she isn’t going to come.  She is still looking back, still in that hopeless daze.  Then she stretches her hand out to Marty.  He takes it in his own and pulls her through, arms straining.

They run for the parking lot, hand in hand.  Fire licks at their heels.

“Jenn, hey,” they collapse on their knees, “Jenn.” just past his friend’s shoulders, Marty sees someone run out the front door.  It is impossible to tell who.  Their entire body has been engulfed in flames. “Jennifer!” Why won’t she answer me?

“Oh, thank God.” Marty freezes.  That voice.  That icy, slimy, smug voice.  He looks up, neck creaking, to find Low Shoulder’s lead singer leering over them. “You guys are alright.  I’ve been looking everywhere for you two.” The front window – the one displaying the venue’s name in bold lettering – blows out.  Another wave of heat washes over Marty. “Listen, it’s really dangerous out here.  You wanna head someplace safer, like my van?”

“What?” Marty croaks.

The singer crouches down beside them. “I’m in survival mode right now.  We need to get someplace safe and familiar, and right now I just feel like that’s my van.” He gives Jennifer’s shoulder a little shake. “Oh, this one’s in shock.  Great.  You in shock?  Here, have some of that.” He lifts a pristine glass of liquor to Jennifer’s lips.  She drinks obediently.

“No, Jenn–”

The singer grabs Jennifer, still nursing her drink, by the bicep and yanks her to her feet.  She stumbles along with him blindly. “Let’s go to the van.”

Jennifer nods numbly. “I wanna go to your really cool van.  Marty, let’s go see his van.”

“Why?” Marty races after her. “Why should we?  Let’s just get out of here!  Please?”

“Marty!  Stop it!” Jennifer turns on him with her lips peeled back in a sneer. “Just shut up.”

Marty gapes at her.  It is enough to send him into shock, feet planted firmly on the ground and jaw hanging open as the singer gathers Jennifer into his van.  Her eyes stare back at Marty’s, the same hazel he has always known, but something in them has grown cold and hard.  Still, she looks incredibly small, sitting against the far wall with her knees pulled up to her chest and her hair falling into her face.

“Jenn…”

The door slides shut.

[bgsbracelets]

mcfly july 2026 || bracelet edition || day 17

Sunset on the Power Lines

Some really pretty sunset colors in polished stone with gold accents that mimic the sun gilding the power lines as it sinks below the horizon behind Marty's house.