This week on What’s Up Wednesday, it’s Poster Time, Pin of the Month time, and Chase Crew time. Welcome to August!
First up, the official serigraph poster is now available. Titled Chirp409 ManiFiesta, it features a large, stylized Road Runner as balloons float over the Rio Grande with the Sandia Mountains in the background. And before you ask: yes, there is still a hidden Road Runner in the design, continuing a tradition that began back in 2006.
Artist Travis Black has created a series of bird paintings, and the number 409 signifies the 409th painting in that collection. The poster is available in both signed and unsigned editions, and we’ve also produced a metal print, available signed or unsigned. Balloon Fiesta Live! had the opportunity to visit with Travis during one of his signing sessions; you can watch and hear that conversation online: https://youtu.be/DWmgODiyeVM
Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s time for another Pin of the Month. The August pin features the special-shape Pencil Boy balloon alongside a whimsical hot air balloon made from a stack of books. Why? Because it’s back-to-school time! Both balloons are at a school, with Pencil Boy ready to go with his oversized pencil. Celebrate the return to school with the August Pin of the Month.
A number of you have reached out to ask how to get past Pins of the Month that may now be sold out. We have good news: while those individual pins will not be restocked, we set aside 50 of each month’s pin to be placed in the collectible frame. They will go on sale closer to Balloon Fiesta, so stay subscribed to What’s Up Wednesday for the announcement.
Ballooning is a team sport. Pilots rely on their Chase Crew to help get balloons inflated, retrieved, and packed safely. To recognize their important role, we’ve produced a new medium-blue long-sleeve T-shirt featuring the 2026 Chase Crew pin-and-patch design on the front and “Chase Crew” down the back. It’s always a popular shirt. Of course, we told you about the Chase Crew pins and patches a few weeks ago.
We’ve also refreshed our stock of Chase Crew vehicle magnets. Now available in orange and turquoise, these magnets let everyone know you’re on a mission: chasing a balloon. They won’t get you any special privileges on the road, but they may explain a few of those frequent indecisions and less-than-normal driving behaviors.
And finally, a little insider information: The Official 2027 calendar is out next week, and be sure to check the New Arrivals Category as new items are arriving daily and being made available for purchase.
Thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.