A Family-Friendly Afternoon of Music, Movies & Magic

Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Bring the family to Water Works Park over Labor Day Weekend for Cinematic Magic with the Des Moines Symphony. This free event is designed to give families plenty to see, do and experience together…and it’s completely free! With hands-on activities, local organizations, food trucks and a live concert featuring some of the most exciting movie music, there’s something for everyone, from curious kids to lifelong film fans.

Family Festival

The fun begins at 4:00 pm with a family festival at Lauridsen Amphitheater. Kids can explore the Children’s Village and discover activities from local organizations, including the Des Moines Symphony Academy, Living History Farms, the Des Moines Children’s Museum and more. Local vendors and food trucks will also be on hand, making it easy to turn the afternoon into a full family outing.

ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Des Moines Public Library - Create a one-of-a-kind button! Choose from fun pre-designed templates or design your own to take home as a unique keepsake.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden - Explore the wonders of plants through hands-on activities! Kids can become soil detectives by digging for hidden worms, insects, and vegetables, discover the vibrant colors of the Botanical Garden's renowned coleus collection with a color scavenger hunt and kaleidoscope viewer, and create their own colorful leaf inspired by the unique pigments found in nature.

Pied Piper Studios - Create your own ribbon streamers and castanets, explore a sensory bin, play with bubbles, and choose a fun temporary tattoo for a hands-on musical adventure.

Animal Rescue League - TBD

Living History Farms - Create a paper fan while learning about the Victorian language of the fan, then take home a pollinator seed packet to help support local wildlife.

After School Arts Program - Bust a move on our dance floor!

Des Moines Children’s Museum - TBD

Des Moines Symphony Academy - Try your hand at a violin or cello! 

Heartland Youth Choir - Discover how sound is made by creating your own kazoo using popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Then decorate it with markers and colorful tape to make a one-of-a-kind instrument you can take home and play!

Des Moines Metro Opera - Create your own opera puppet, then bring it to life by having it "sing along" to some of opera's greatest hits. It's a fun and creative way to explore the magic of opera through music and imagination!

B.Well Foundation - TBD

Ballet Des Moines - Meet talented ballet dancers, and join them for a free community dance lesson at 4:30 p.m. on the Lauridsen Stage. All ages and experience levels are welcome—come learn a few ballet moves and dance along!

Concert

At 5:30 pm, the Des Moines Symphony takes the stage for a free concert filled with music from the big screen. Under the direction of Music Director Joseph Giunta, the Orchestra will bring the excitement, adventure and emotion of the movies to life with powerful live performances that are sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike. 

Cinematic Magic: Sunday, September 6

Cinematic Magic is a chance to experience the thrill of a live orchestra while hearing music connected to stories and characters they know and love. It’s also a great introduction to the Symphony for families who may be attending their first orchestral concert together.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, grab a bite from a food truck and enjoy an afternoon of family fun at Water Works Park. Admission and parking are free, so gather the family and get ready to experience the magic of the movies—live!

Cinematic Magic takes place Sunday, September 6, at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. The family festival begins at 4:00 PM, followed by the concert at 5:30 PM.