This week on What's Up Wednesday, everything you need to know about shopping leading up to and during Balloon Fiesta. And a the last couple of new items we'll be able to feature before the event.
First up, the 2025 fleece blanket. Lightweight and soft, made of 100 polyester, this coverup is SOFT. It's full of color, the mountains, an orange sunrise, lots of colorful balloons and at the bottom of the blanket, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025, and Painted Horizons, the theme of this year's event. The reverse side is white. These blankets sold out very quickly last year and we expect these will do the same. By the way, it's the same design as our Blanket T-shirt, just a little brighter. With Monday being the autumnal equinox, the days will be shorter until just about Christmas, and that usually means colder weather. Be prepared!
And the final new item we're going to be able to feature before the event, is the cool new neon jacket. This split design is very contemporary, with one side of the jacket black with an outline of "Balloon Fiesta" and the other side a bright and colorful neon print of balloons. And if that weren't colorful enough, the inside is a neon green. It's light to medium weight with reflective trim and logo will make you stand out day or night whenever you wear it. Grab the matching ball cap to coordinate your Balloon Fiesta clothing ensemble.
Now to the shopping details. With two weeks and two days left until the start of this year's event, it's time to open up more shopping opportunities.
What's Up Wednesday readers know you can shop 24-7 online at BalloonFiestaStuff.com. We offer shipping, and free in-store pickup at our Gift Shop in Albuquerque. Online orders are processed every day the gift shop is open, although since the post office and UPS don't work on Sunday, orders received and processed those days will go out the next business day.
The Gift Shop at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE will be open normal hours of Monday thru Friday from 8-5 through Friday, October 3. In addition, we're opening on Saturday September 27th, from 9-2. It's a great time to pick up the online order, or get your shopping done before the event. During the first 8 days of Balloon Fiesta, the Gift shop will be open 8-5. That's October 4th thru the 11th. On the final Sunday of Balloon Fiesta (October 12) The Gift Shop will be open 9-2. Normal Monday through Friday 9-5 hours resume on October 13th.
Remember these extra hours are a great time to shop in person, or just pickup that online order. As always, online orders are processed every day the gift shop is open, although since the post office and UPS don't work on Sunday, orders processed those days will go out the next business day.
Looking for more shopping opportunities? Our South Merchandise tent will be open for Early Bird shopping on Thursday and Friday, October 2nd and 3rd. Shopping hours at the onfield tent will be 9-5. You'll enter the field via San Mateo and Balloon Fiesta Parkway. Check out and download the full calendar below or online to make sure you don't miss a shopping opportunity.
Next week on What's Up Wednesday, we'll have all the details of the Early Bird opportunity as well as the on-field tent hours during the event.