This week on What's Up Wednesday, it's the mid-point of our Pin of the Month series, and that means another Saturday Sales and Pin Trading day, and other surprises available just on Saturday. And tickets go on sale this Friday for all of Balloon Fiesta 2026.
April is the birth month of Balloon Fiesta. It was April 8th, 1972, when the first gathering of balloons in Albuquerque launched what has become the world's premier balloon event. And our latest pin of the month marks the occasion with a birthday cake fantasy balloon. Ironically, it was radio station KOB's 50th birthday that those 13 balloons gathered to celebrate. Hopefully, you've been keeping up with the collection, but if not, we're keeping them in stock so you can start your collection at any time.
The pin release also means another Saturday Pin Trading and shopping day. This Saturday, April 4th, is the next in this series. Our physical gift shop will be open from 9 to noon for sales, and our adjacent conference room is open for pin trading. Stop by, pick up any orders, do some shopping, and bring some pins to trade with other collectors. Don't have any pins or need more to trade? We're making available for purchase special grab bags of non-retail pins. There is a limit of 2 bags per person for these special purchases. We've also put together a small free gift for all the pin traders who stop by on Saturday. One per person while they last. And mark your calendar now for May 9. That's the next-to-last Saturday Sales and Pin Trading opportunity.
Friday, April 3, marks the 6-month countdown to the start of the 2026 Balloon Fiesta—and the opening of ticket sales for every experience across the event. From Glamping and Camp 505 to the Gondola Club and Chaser’s Club, these premium experiences are incredibly popular and are sold through our official ticketing partner, so you’ll want to be online right at 9:00 AM MDT when sales begin.
If you’re planning to enjoy Balloon Fiesta with General Admission, you’ve got a little more flexibility—and a great way to save. General Admission never sells out—and no April Fool’s here—you can actually save money by purchasing your tickets directly from Balloon Fiesta Stuff. This is the only place to get official PHYSICAL tickets—perfect as keepsakes—with no added processing or credit card fees.
Starting Friday, you can place your order online. Once tickets arrive from the printer, orders will begin shipping. You can order a 4-pack along with other items from the store with no additional shipping charge—and tracking is included. Prefer to order tickets on their own? Shipping is just $1 (no tracking).
If you’re local, stop by our Albuquerque gift shop and save even more—get $3 off per ticket when you purchase four or more in person. As we mentioned, our 2026 tickets are currently at the printer and will be available soon, so they will not be available for this Saturday’s sale or Pin Trading Day. In-person purchases will begin once tickets arrive—and with six months to go, you’ve got time. Stay tuned to What's Up Wednesday for in-person General Admission Ticket availability.
General Admission is your ticket to the full, authentic Balloon Fiesta experience: walking the field, getting up close to the balloons, and taking it all in at your own pace.
For a complete breakdown of General Admission options, visit our Tickets information page. And for a guided walkthrough of all the ways to experience the 2026 Balloon Fiesta—including premium experiences—be sure to watch the latest special edition of Balloon Fiesta Live!, where we help you find the option that’s right for you.
As always, thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.