The 16th Annual Murphy Maize Days has free parking and admission – and an easy way to pay for rides.

A $15 all-you-can-ride wrist band ($20 on the day of the festival) is available by credit card. However, many vendors including food trucks will accept cash and ATMs will be available.

The event begins at noon Saturday, Oct. 4, in Central Park, 550 N. Murphy Road, and won’t over until the finale of the fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.

Festival organizers call the celebration a “cornival,” highlighting the city’s agricultural roots while offering attractions that appeal to families of all ages.

A Maize Midway will feature carnival rides, while an Inflatable Zone and farm-themed games provide entertainment for children. A classic car show, local vendors at the Maize Market and a wide range of food trucks are scheduled throughout the park.

Dogs on leashes will be welcome – be prepared to water them and clean up — and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating at the amphitheater.

The Murphy Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation will be raising money with its popular Punkin’ Chunkin’ sponsored this year by Torchy’s Tacos and students of the Chamber’s Youthpreneurs Academy will be selling sand art displays.

The classic car show runs from noon to 4 p.m., the petting zoo from noon to 5 p.m. and the cornhole tournament starts at 1 p.m.

The music lineup spans both two stages.

Performances on the CoServ Community Stage include Murphy School of Rock from 1 to 1:30 p.m., Lola Kinsey from 2 to 2:30 p.m., Timlightyear from 3 to 4 p.m. and Ryan Berg from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

A silent disco for ages 13 and older is set for 7 to 9 p.m.

The Methodist Main Stage opens with Murphy Feud Live! from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by The Vinyl Stripes from 5 to 6 p.m. and Alyssa Harris, known for blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The headliner, Prophets and Outlaws, will close the night with a set from 8 to 9:30 p.m. An ASL interpreter will be available for main stage performances.

Rides will operate from noon to 9 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 7 p.m. Organizers recommend arriving early to ensure access. All rides require a minimum height of 36 inches.

General parking will be at Tom Kimbrough Stadium at 650 N. Murphy Road, with handicapped and ADA parking available at Murphy Middle School at 620 N. Murphy Road. Golf carts will provide shuttles from the ADA lot to the festival entrance.

Limited VIP parking will be offered at the City Hall complex at 206 N. Murphy Road for $10 by credit card. No general shuttles will be available.

Visitors are welcome to bring refillable water bottles, strollers or wagons for children and supplies for their pets. Prohibited items include outside alcohol, glass bottles, tents and unauthorized vendor materials. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.

City officials said the annual celebration has become one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing the community together for a day of music, games, food and fellowship.

“Get ready for a day of non-stop fun at the 16th Annual Murphy Maize Days,” organizers wrote in festival materials. “Whether you’re here for the food, the fun or the festivities, Murphy Maize Days has something for everyone.”

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