The Science Center of Iowa will open from 5 to 8 p.m. with bilingual science programs, music, dance, robotics and hands-on family activities for Latino Heritage Month.
Published Oct. 1, 2026.
By Hola Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Science Center of Iowa will host a free evening of bilingual science, music, dance and hands-on activities for families this Saturday, Oct. 3.
¡Ciencia para todos! will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Science Center of Iowa, 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Des Moines.
Admission is free and the event is open to everyone. The Latino Heritage Month program includes English- and Spanish-language science experiences, cultural performances and activities throughout the museum.
Food is not included with admission. Three local vendors will begin selling food outside the Science Center at 5 p.m.
Music and dance performances begin at 5:30 p.m.
The evening program begins at 5:20 p.m. with opening remarks and recognition of local organizations and community partners.
- 5:30 p.m.: Folklor Mexicano Estilo y Movimiento, featuring dancers ages 4 to 17 performing traditional dances from different regions of Mexico.
- 6:30 p.m.: Cucho Madero, performing melodies on the zampoña, a traditional Andean wind instrument.
- 7:30 p.m.: Los Carnales, with educators and musicians Rich Salas and RJ Hernandez combining music, storytelling, education and cultural heritage.
Story Time and Deep Freeze will be offered in English and Spanish
Two Science Center programs will have special bilingual editions during the event.
- 6 p.m.: Bilingual Story Time in the Star Theater Planetarium.
- 7 p.m.: Bilingual Deep Freeze in SCI Live, featuring demonstrations involving extreme temperatures.
The bilingual format will allow families to take part in the science programs in both English and Spanish.
Robotics, butterflies and Latino Scientist Bingo run throughout the evening
Hands-on science activities will continue throughout the three-hour event.
In Innovation Lab: Robotics, visitors can program robots and use problem-solving skills to guide them to different destinations.
The Straw Mariposa activity lets families create colorful butterflies with moving wings while exploring simple machines and motion.
Latino Scientist Bingo will send participants through the museum to find information about Latino scientists and their contributions. Participants who complete the activity can enter a drawing for a free Science Center of Iowa family membership.
Families can help create a community mural at the Science Center
Children and adults will also be able to contribute to a large collaborative ¡Ciencia para todos! mural focused on science, creativity and Latino culture.
Families can add shapes, textures and objects inspired by science, technology, engineering, art and math. Butterflies, dahlias and marigolds will also become part of the finished artwork.
The completed mural will remain on display at the Science Center of Iowa.
Tamales, tacos and snacks will be available for purchase at 5 p.m.
Admission and event activities are free, but food will be sold separately outside the Science Center.
Scheduled vendors include:
- Reyes Tamales;
- Los Compadres Flaming Tacos;
- Snackilandia.
Related: Hispanic Heritage Month: More Events Still Ahead
The full schedule and any event updates are available through the Science Center of Iowa’s official ¡Ciencia para todos! event page.
¡Ciencia para todos! will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Science Center of Iowa, 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Des Moines. Admission is free.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates!
Facebook Comments