STEAM Night: Balloon Building - Fabrication and Beyond

Ever wondered how a hot air balloon comes to life, everything from fabric panels to flight? The Balloon Museum invites the community to STEAM Night: Balloon Building - Fabrication and Beyond on April 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., an evening that blends creativity, engineering, and a bit of skyward imagination. 

Guests will explore the craft and innovation behind modern balloon creation, with opportunities to engage directly with local builders and enthusiasts who are pushing the boundaries of how balloons are designed, constructed, and flown. From emerging technologies to time-honored techniques, the program offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get a balloon off the ground and keep it soaring. 

The evening will feature:

●       Live demonstrations with local balloon innovators and builders.

●       A lecture and demonstration by field expert Jonathan Wolfe.

●       Hands-on tinker challenges for all ages.

●       Balloon-themed art and craft activities.

●       Music by DJ Valdez.

●       Food from The Munchie Truck.

●       Remote-control balloon launches (weather permitting).

“The idea of owning and flying a hot air balloon can feel like an unobtainable dream, as buying one is not affordable for most people,” Wolfe said. “I wanted to find a way around that, so I learned to sew.” Wolfe now shares his expertise with youth and adults alike, helping others gain the skills needed to build their own full-scale hot air balloons and bring that dream within reach.

For more information about additional presenters and demonstrations, visit the CABQ Balloon Museum STEAM Night page. Follow the Balloon Museum on social media for updates on upcoming STEAM Night events, each exploring the intersections of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through the lens of ballooning. 

For more information: CABQ.gov/Balloon.