Maricopa families can build a free Friday night around a movie, face painting and popcorn when Movies in the Park joins the city's First Friday lineup on Oct. 2.
The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mike Ingram Heritage Park, 44200 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. The City of Maricopa says the featured movie, “Minions and Monsters,” is scheduled to begin on the main stage at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Families should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs because seating is first come, first served.
The OurMaricopa community calendar is a useful place to compare the movie with other local plans. Check Maricopa weather closer to Oct. 2, and use the local business directory if the evening includes a stop elsewhere in the Heritage District.
What happens before the movie
The city plans several activities before the 7:30 p.m. screening:
Face painting from 6 to 8 p.m.
Free popcorn
Two food trucks
A Be Awesome youth-program pop-up
The city has not named the two food trucks on the public event page, so families with allergies, dietary restrictions or a particular dinner plan should not count on a specific menu. Bringing water and a backup snack is sensible, but visitors should follow any posted park rules.
The event page does not list a registration requirement or reserved seating. It tells attendees to bring blankets and chairs and choose a spot on a first-come basis.
When to arrive
Arriving near 6 p.m. gives children time for face painting and lets families choose a viewing spot before the main-stage area fills. People who are only coming for the movie should still leave time to park, carry chairs or blankets and settle in before 7:30.
Mike Ingram Heritage Park sits along Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway in the Heritage District, near the Maricopa Museum and Visitor Center. The City's event listing identifies the park as the venue; its established address is 44200 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.
The city has not posted a special parking map or road-closure notice with the event page. Drivers should watch for temporary signs and instructions when they arrive instead of assuming a particular lot or entrance will be open.
A few practical items to pack
For a comfortable outdoor movie night, consider bringing:
A blanket or low-profile lawn chair
Water for everyone in the group
A light layer for later in the evening
Bug repellent if needed
A small flashlight for packing up after the movie
Those are planning suggestions, not city requirements. The City's page specifically asks attendees to provide their own blankets and chairs.
Check the forecast and event page before leaving
Outdoor programs can change because of weather, site conditions or other operational needs. A forecast more than a week out is not reliable enough to build into this story, so families should recheck conditions on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2.
The official event page is also the place to watch for a revised movie time, cancellation notice, parking instruction or change in activities. As of the Sept. 23 research check, the published plan remains 6 to 9 p.m., with the movie at 7:30 p.m.
The quick plan
What: Movies in the Park at Maricopa First Friday
When: Friday, Oct. 2, 6–9 p.m.; movie at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mike Ingram Heritage Park, 44200 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway
Cost: Free
Before the movie: Face painting from 6–8 p.m., free popcorn, two food trucks and the Be Awesome pop-up
Bring: Blankets or chairs; seating is first come, first served
Sources
City of Maricopa, “Movies in the Park — First Fridays,” accessed Sept. 23, 2026: Movies in the Park event page
City of Maricopa, “Special Events,” accessed Sept. 23, 2026: Special Events page
City of Maricopa, “Movies in the Park” venue listing, accessed Sept. 23, 2026: Venue listing