Embracing the Aquatic Transformation: 80/35 Music Festival's Exciting Move to Water Works Park

The 80/35 Music Festival, a beloved annual event in Des Moines, Iowa, has undergone a significant transformation this year. Bidding farewell to its longtime home in the Western Gateway Park, the festival has now found a new and exciting venue at Water Works Park. This move promises to offer attendees a refreshing and enhanced experience, with ample space, improved amenities, and a unique aquatic-inspired atmosphere.

Quenching the Thirst for an Unforgettable Music Experience

Expanding Horizons: The Move to Water Works Park

The decision to relocate the 80/35 Music Festival to Water Works Park was driven by the need for more space and improved infrastructure. As the festival has grown in popularity over the years, the Western Gateway Park had become increasingly constrained, limiting the organizers' ability to accommodate the growing crowds and provide the desired amenities. The move to Water Works Park, a sprawling green space along the banks of the Des Moines River, offers a fresh canvas for the festival to expand and flourish."We have space to grow. We have space for parking. We have space for camping," enthused Andy TeBockhorst, a representative of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition. This newfound spatial freedom allows the festival to explore new possibilities, from expanding the number of stages and performance areas to introducing innovative interactive zones and immersive experiences for attendees.

Embracing the Aquatic Ambiance

One of the most exciting aspects of the festival's relocation is the opportunity to leverage the natural assets of Water Works Park. The park's lush greenery and mature trees provide a serene and shaded environment, offering respite from the summer heat that has long been a challenge for the 80/35 Music Festival."Water Works Park offers large mature trees that Western Gateway Park does not," noted Tom Zmolek, the 80/35 project manager. "The trees at Water Works Park will offer shade if attendees start to feel the heat." In addition to the cooling canopy, the festival organizers have also planned a "hammock village" area, where attendees can relax and unwind amidst the verdant surroundings.But the true highlight of the new venue is the abundance of water resources. "Obviously we are in Water Works Park. We have lots of water here. Lots of water fill stations. Free water everywhere," Zmolek proudly proclaimed. This aquatic abundance not only provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat but also aligns with the festival's commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Hydration and Moderation: A Balanced Approach

Recognizing the importance of hydration, especially during the hot summer months, the 80/35 Music Festival organizers have implemented a proactive strategy to ensure attendees stay hydrated and healthy throughout the event."If you are here for the party and drinking alcohol. We suggest what we call a 'spacer' to have a bottle of water in between each can of beer," Zmolek advised. This simple yet effective approach encourages attendees to maintain a balanced consumption of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, helping to prevent dehydration and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.The festival's commitment to hydration extends beyond just providing water stations. Zmolek emphasized the abundance of free water available throughout the venue, making it easy for attendees to stay hydrated without the need to purchase bottled water.

A Refreshing Transformation: Embracing the Aquatic Essence

The 80/35 Music Festival's move to Water Works Park represents a transformative shift in the event's identity and experience. By embracing the aquatic essence of the new venue, the organizers have created an opportunity to elevate the festival's offerings and provide attendees with a truly unique and refreshing experience.From the shaded respite of the mature trees to the abundant water resources and the introduction of the "hammock village," the festival has seamlessly integrated the natural elements of Water Works Park into its programming. This holistic approach not only addresses the perennial challenge of summer heat but also fosters a sense of harmony between the event and its surroundings.As the 80/35 Music Festival embarks on this new chapter, it promises to deliver a captivating and rejuvenating experience for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike. With its commitment to hydration, sustainability, and the celebration of the aquatic environment, the festival is poised to redefine the boundaries of what a summer music event can be, setting a new standard for the industry.