2023-24 Wellmark Family Series Discovery Parties

Our Wellmark Family Series returns this year for another exciting season that promises to be fun for the entire family! From a new twist on a classic fable to high-flying acrobatics to an inspirational children’s literary masterpiece, there is certainly something for everyone.

With the return of this series comes three more chances to experience the magical moments that take place prior to the curtain being drawn during our Discovery Parties!

What is a Discovery Party?

A Discovery Party is a pre-show event that takes place in the Nollen and Prairie Meadows lobbies one hour prior to each Civic Center performance in the Wellmark Family Series. Discovery Parties are filled with music, art, movement and more for audience members of all ages to enjoy. Des Moines Performing Arts brings in local artists and community groups to provide interactive experiences that are culturally and thematically tied to the performance. The best part? They are completely FREE to all ticket holders.

Here’s what you can expect from your Discovery Parties in the 2023-24 Wellmark Family Series:

READING CORNER with STORYHOUSE BOOKPUB 

Our friends from the East Village who love bringing books and people together will be here to share their favorite literary tales during a fun and interactive story time. For each performance they will showcase different books that highlight themes that are found in the performances.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT with DSM BREAKERZ

As their name suggests, they teach the art of breaking by providing hands-on learning experiences to all ages. Come meet their skilled instructors and youth dancers and learn some new dance moves while you enjoy some of the live music they’ll be providing as well. This is a great way to get some energy out before sitting down to enjoy the show!

CREATION STATION with AFTER SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAM (ASAP)

ASAP offers free arts programs to youth throughout the Greater Des Moines Area with an emphasis on being accessible for all. They will provide a space for guests to create during the Discovery Party. Will it be a craft to assemble? Will it be an art project that stretches the imagination? Don’t miss this station to find out the latest creation for each show!

SOUVENIR BUTTON-MAKING

This guest-favorite has become a staple of our Discovery Parties, and you better believe it will be back for the 2023-24 season! Each show will have its own unique designs you can color and have made into a button to take home with you. And when that button is made, you get to bring it with you! This is a great station to visit to collect a memento from each performance in the series.

ROTATING STATIONS

Each show in this series is different and unique, and that means that you can expect variety from each Discovery Party as well! Be sure to explore all of the different areas of our lobbies before each performance to meet and experience all of the great artists and community organizations that will be joining us throughout the 2023-24 Wellmark Family Series.

Check out the schedule for our 2023-24 Wellmark Family Series:

The Adventures of Tortoise & Hare: The Next Gen

Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11am

The Peking Acrobats

Satuday, February 17, 2024 at 11am

What Do You Do with An Idea?

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11am and 2pm*

*Sensory-friendly performance

Wellmark Family Series Add-ons at the Temple Theater

Havana Hop

Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11am and 2pm*

*Sensory-friendly performance

The Pa’akai We Bring

Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11am

There is so much to be excited about for our 2023-24 Wellmark Family Series. To learn more about each show in the series, or to purchase your tickets, click here.