Everything is bigger—and more imaginative—in Texas. This week, the Lone Star State dazzled on the international stage as Meow Wolf Grapevine and Meow Wolf Houston brought home major wins from IAAPA Honors 2025, the world’s most prestigious celebration of creativity in themed attractions and immersive entertainment.

Presented at the iconic Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, the IAAPA Honors awards spotlight innovation from across the globe, and Meow Wolf stood tall as one of the few U.S.-based recipients to earn top accolades. Meow Wolf Grapevine was crowned Top Location-Based Experience (LBE) of the year—one of the event’s highest honors—while Meow Wolf Houston earned the award for Best Food & Beverage Building Renovation or New Build, thanks to its mind-bending dining concept, Cowboix Hevvven.

“This moment is historic not only for Meow Wolf, but for Texas,” said Jamie Weaver-Garia, General Manager of Meow Wolf Grapevine. “It’s a tribute to the powerful talent, innovation, and community energy that make our exhibitions unforgettable. We’re beyond proud to represent North Texas on a global stage.”

A Texas-Sized Experience Like No Other

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, The Real Unreal exhibition at Meow Wolf Grapevine has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. It fuses vibrant interactive storytelling with immersive art environments designed by dozens of local artists. Since opening in 2023, it’s been redefining the boundaries of traditional museums and entertainment, drawing visitors from around the world and transforming Grapevine into an arts destination.

Down south, Houston is turning heads with its own brand of psychedelic wonder. Meow Wolf Houston’s Radio Tave opened in October 2024 and instantly became one of the city’s most buzzed-about experiences. But it’s Cowboix Hevvven, the neon-soaked Western-themed bar and grill within the exhibition, that earned international acclaim. From its visually surreal atmosphere to a chef-driven menu reflecting Houston’s diverse culinary landscape, it’s redefining the concept of immersive dining.

“This award is a win for Houston’s creative community,” said Aaron Johnson, General Manager of Meow Wolf Houston. “Cowboix Hevvven isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. It celebrates the innovation, artistry, and flavor that define this incredible city.”

A Cultural Powerhouse in the Making

These dual honors mark a turning point for Texas as a global leader in immersive entertainment. Meow Wolf’s back-to-back accolades—including recent Webby Award wins—underscore the company’s growing cultural footprint and reinforce Texas’ rising influence in the global art and attractions scene.

Founded in Santa Fe and now a certified B-Corporation, Meow Wolf is known for blurring the boundaries between art, storytelling, and adventure. With immersive exhibitions in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Denver, Grapevine, and Houston—and new locations planned in Los Angeles and New York—Meow Wolf continues to be a pioneer of the new era of entertainment.

For the full list of winners at IAAPA Honors 2025, visit IAAPA.org. Tickets to The Real Unreal in Grapevine and Radio Tave in Houston are available now at MeowWolf.com. Follow Meow Wolf on social media for artist spotlights, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming event announcements.