Every June, the city announces the line up for the Marco Island Movie in the Park Schedule, along with tons of other seasonal events.
As late as February, when the air gets slightly cooler than usual but still cozy and comfortable, Marco Island families flock to the films on the big outdoor screen. In 2018, they showed Disney’s 2017 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast to well over 100 families, snug together in the grasses as the soft breeze of the Gulf Coast blew across the park.
Marco Island’s Movie in the Park showcase is a local movie night delight and an ongoing seasonal event. It brings families from all across the island together for a popular and whimsical family movie. The movies are played on a Friday night. Typically the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Fridays in November through February and other months as well. Being a seasonal event, movie nights on Marco Island are not featured year round.
It is a mix of classics and new stories alike, from the animated romps of the recent Pixar films Coco and Brave or the live-action adventures of The Goonies or the kids from Middle School, the city hosts this free event for visitors and locals to join together, laugh, cry, and see a wonderful film on a welcoming and treasured Florida island.
Where is the Movie in the Park?
The movie is played at the Frank E. Mackle Community Park located at 1361 Andalusia Terrace. The screening is on the soccer field.
If you are not familiar with the park, don’t worry. You won’t miss the big screen and the crowds of people gathering within earshot of the playground.
The Frank E. Mackle Park is home to shuffleboard, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, walking paths, and a dedicated dog park area. If you plan to stay for the evening movie, consider coming by in the afternoon and playing the day away.
The ambiance of the park is the most appropriate backdrop to a family-friendly film. The park is clean and safe, with ample parking. The park is conveniently located almost in the direct center of Marco Island so all the Marco Island condo rentals should be within a short drive at most.
The Christmas Movie in Marco
Every December, Marco Island shows a Christmas movie, usually one like The Man Who Invented Christmas. The Christmas movie night draws a larger crowd and is showed at Veterans Park because it’s bigger and has room for the crowd.
It’s a big deal in Marco. People love it. Families come from all over to enjoy this Marco Island Christmas tradition. You could even stay a while and enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting and boat parade.
The December Movie in the Park is celebrated Christmas Island Style on Friday, December 14, 2018, from 4 pm to 9 pm. It’s free and the movie will begin approximately 15 minutes after sunset. Bring your blanket, chairs, friends, and family. Veterans Community Park is located at 901 Park Avenue.
What Time is the Film?
The film usually begins 15 minutes after sunset, so the exact time varies by the season. You should expect the film to officially begin from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. depending on movie length and sun-setting.
The starting time is specified on the Marco Island Parks & Rec Program Calendar for each movie showing. Films typically end around 8 – 10:00 p.m. Dates vary, and you can check the calendar for any recently posted movies.
Food and Rules
Food is available for purchase at the event. Snacks and food can be brought to the film showing freely, but please be responsible about cleaning up after yourself. Store all food in proper containers. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Though the event is free, the city encourages families to take a stop by the snack stand and see what is available.
The Movie in the Park is scheduled once a month during season. The city announces a full line-up for the foreseeable future in late June.
In the meantime, of course, the Movie in the Park is not the only family-friendly event for the season. You could even head to Naples and visit the many local shops, galleries, and other attractions that draw in thousands of visitors every season. Naples is home to the famous Naples Botanical Garden. You could take a stop at Tigertail Beach for some canoeing, boogie-boarding, and shelling.
Marco Island is a little paradise, an untapped adventure with unlimited possibilities. You can visit for a movie or some time at the beach, but you end up leaving with family memories to last a lifetime.
Stay on the island and take a day trip to Naples. Walk right on over to the nearby beaches or use local transportation to navigate in and around the town.
Rent a kayak, check out the pier fishing, and take your family to some new exciting places on your next family trip.