Royal Oak families can look forward to a new moviegoing experience this summer as Emagine Theatre prepares to open its doors to the public Monday.

But for those who want to be among of the first to see the entertainment complex, the Emagine for Youth event promises to be a fun way to get a sneak preview. The family-friendly bash takes place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. An upscale VIP Red Carpet Event will follow at 5 p.m.

Emagine for Youth will benefit the Royal Oak Foundation for Public Education and the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County.

In preparation for the event, foundation board member Anna Longe walked through the facility earlier this week.

"The interior of Emagine Royal Oak is stunning. I was very impressed by the layout, decor and overall atmosphere of the building," Longe said. "My husband and I are looking forward to a summer of date nights, along with riding our bikes into downtown Royal Oak with our three kids to take in some matinees and bowling."

Deb Anderson, another foundation board member, agrees the interiors are extremely exciting. Anderson said Paul Glantz, the CEO of Emagine Entertainment, has already proven he is interested in being a good community partner. "The money we raise at this event will have a direct impact on children in Royal Oak,” she said.

Other community partners coming together in support of the fundraising effort include Jazzercise, Play and Stay Pet Care, Premier Communication Group and the Reading and Language Arts Center.

The ticket price for the 1-4 p.m. event is $15, which includes a movie, popcorn, pop, tours, face painting, a coupon from Baskin-Robbins and a bowling preview.

The VIP event costs $35 and includes a movie; preview bowling; pizza; hors d’oeuvres from Andiamo, Garden Fresh and Chartwells; and a live music performance by the Royal Oak High School Jazz Band.

Ruth Daniels, vice president of sales and marketing for Emagine, is negotiating the movies for the event and revealed that some of the titles playing include Thor, Rio, Priest, Water for Elephants and Grease Sing-a-Long — a rerelease of the 1978 hit musical with animated subtitles so the audience can belt out songs such as “Summer Nights” with on-screen lovebirds Sandy and Danny.

Daniels can't wait for the public to see a movie or bowl at Emagine Theatre and Star Lanes. She said the facility "turned out even better than I imagined!"