Meow Wolf Ascends with New Hot Air Balloon

The New Mexico skies are about to get a whole lot weirder. Meow Wolf, the Santa Fe-based art and entertainment company, presents “Skyworm,” the company’s artist-designed hot air balloon taking its inaugural flight at the grandest ballooning event on Earth, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Save the date! Meow Wolf will unveil Skyworm at a press conference on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. at Balloon Fiesta Park. Additional information will be provided the week of September 25th.

“We are thrilled to be part of Balloon Fiesta, the beloved New Mexican tradition,” saidSusan Garbett, General Manager of Meow Wolf Santa Fe. “Meow Wolf is always on a quest to break the boundaries of creativity and transport our audiences to uncharted realms. We can't wait to share our latest artistic marvel with the local community and fellow balloon enthusiasts from around the globe.”

‍

‍

Imagined by Meow Wolf’s internal creative team, creative directed by Chadney Everett, and designed by Jeff Hantman, the design of the balloon is a feat in perspective shifting and optical illusion, in typical Meow Wolf fashion.

"As the designer of 'Skyworm,' I've had the incredible privilege of collaborating with a group of artists who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity," said Hantman. "We can't wait to share this creation with the world. To me, “Skyworm” captures the essence of Meow Wolf's immersive and otherworldly experience." “Skyworm” was produced in collaboration with local hot air balloon company, Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.

“Rainbow Ryders is honored to partner with one of the most iconic brands in New Mexico and soon the nation - Meow Wolf. The partnership between our two organizations is sure to wow people at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and beyond,” said Scott Appelman, owner of Rainbow Ryders.

In photo-opp-of-the-century news, we are thrilled to announce that “Skyworm” isone of only 75 balloons invited to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime glow during theannular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14th.“Skyworm” will take flight every day during Balloon Fiesta and will participate in dailyglows. Balloon Fiesta runs October 7-15.