Going to the movies is one of the favorite pastimes of people living in Bakersfield, California, and one of the best places to indulge in a little movie watching is Maya Cinemas. The Maya was long time promised to Bakersfield and finally opened its doors during the summer of 2009. Locals were thrilled to have a theater close to downtown Bakersfield though people from all over the city go the Maya Cinemas.
Maya Cinemas is located at 1000 California Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93304. The cinema takes up a large corner of California Avenue and is located next to McMurtrey pool. Once you’re in the area, the theater is very easy to find. There is parking on both sides of Maya as well as one row that parks vehicles on two sides across a section of the parking lot directly in front of the Maya. There is also a corner parking lot. During busy times it can be difficult to find a parking space in the more popular areas (ie, the ones closest to the doors of the cinema) so you’ll have to go to the back parking. You buy your tickets outside on the left hand front of Maya.
When you walk into Maya Cinemas, the ticket taker is right in front of you. They will direct you to either the left or right, depending on where your movie is located. Straight ahead is the concession stand. On the right hand side of the cinema is an arcade and some seating. The left hand size has some seating as well and sometimes has a new car displayed in case you’re in the market. The left hand front corner has the General Information area where you can go with questions or problems. The left and right sides each other a men and women’s bathroom.
Maya has 16 screens to show movies. I have been in several of the theater rooms and some rooms are larger then others but each room is nice. One of the favorite aspects of movie goers is that the Maya has reclining chairs. So sit back literally and enjoy watching your movie at a comfortable angle.
The concession stand prices are comparable with other theaters in Bakersfield. Maya has a Monday promotion where hot dogs are only a buck. You can buy as many as you like. Sometimes the hot dog promotion is on other days. This summer I went on a Thursday and they were selling them for a dollar then as well but don’t count on it being every day as it’s clearly posted on their website that Monday is $1 dollar hot dogs. Large drinks are $3.75 with a free refill and nachos are $3.25. An extra nacho cheese is a dollar. A large popcorn also has free refills. If you have several people in your party, they will give you hot dog boats that you can put the popcorn from the bucket in so everyone with you can enjoy the popcorn without having to pass it back and forth. For other prices, check out the concession stand menu. If you are concerned that you may not have enough cash for the concession stand, they take credit cards. You just need to show your ID with your purchase.
Matinee prices are $6 dollars for adults and after 5 PM the admission goes up to $9 dollars. Children and seniors are always $5.50. Maya Cinema has “Family Day” on Tuesdays. That means that certain movies are only $5.50 all day for both children and adults. From past experience though, there aren’t that many movies and often only one that may qualify for $5.50. Movies that are special engagement or other notes do not qualify for the family price. 3-D movies are $11 dollars. They have special 3-D glasses that you receive right when you go into your theater room. They are given to you by an employee and when the movie is over or if you leave the room for any reason, you must give them back to the employee waiting there.
For more information call 661-636-0484. Maya is typically open from 8:30 until the showing of the last movie of the day. The last movie of the day generally starts at 10 something but will sometimes be later if they are having special showings. The opening times can change as they open thirty minutes before the first showing of the day to allow people ample time to buy their tickets and snacks.
To find out movie times, visit the Maya Cinema’s website here
