Balloon Fiesta Pins
Balloon pins have become one of the most cherished traditions at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Each year, these colorful emblems represent the spirit of the event — they are the most collected, traded, and talked-about souvenirs among attendees.
More than 60,000 pins are sold annually, available in many shapes and sizes — reflecting the diversity of the balloons themselves.
Types include:
- Official Event Pins
- Commemorative Pins
- Special Event Pins
- Balloon Glow Pins
- Collectible Pins from previous Balloon Fiestas
These pins are not just souvenirs but symbols of friendship and tradition, exchanged among pilots, crew members, and fans from around the world.
Official Balloon Fiesta Pins
While various vendors across Balloon Fiesta Park may offer balloon pins, only pins sold at the Official Merchandise Tents — located at both the north and south ends of Main Street — are certified official.
Official pins can be verified by the Balloon Fiesta logo stamped on the back.
Pin Trading
Balloon Fiesta supports a vibrant pin trading culture, with opportunities throughout the event for collectors to meet and exchange pins.
Designated “Trading Only” sessions take place in the Group Tours Tent near the north end of Main Street on the first Sunday and second Saturday of the event.
During these sessions, sales are not allowed, encouraging genuine collector interaction and trading enthusiasm.
Educational sessions are sometimes offered to introduce new participants to the art and history of Balloon Fiesta pin trading.
Balloon Fiesta Official Poster
The Official Serigraph Poster Tradition
Since 1979, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has collaborated with talented artists to create the official serigraph poster, a collectible art piece that celebrates the annual event.
These posters have become one of Balloon Fiesta’s most enduring and admired art traditions.
Each year’s design captures the essence of that year’s theme and the spirit of the skies over Albuquerque — making the posters highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
About the Serigraph Process
Serigraph printing is a fine-art silk-screen process that produces brilliant, durable colors and sharp detail unmatched by conventional printing.
The process involves:
- A mesh screen stretched tightly across a frame.
- Stencils that block areas not meant to receive ink.
- Ink applied by hand with a squeegee through the open mesh areas.
- A separate screen and printing pass for each color, layering inks to create a vivid, multi-dimensional image.
This technique results in a vibrant, textured, and collectible work of art that stands out from traditional lithographic posters.
2025 Serigraph Poster Artist
The 2025 Balloon Fiesta Poster was designed and painted by artist Jason Valencia, a Native American from the Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico.
Valencia is a self-taught painter who began creating art in 1998 using acrylic paints in a colorful pueblo style.
His work reflects authenticity, culture, and the joy of creative expression — traits that align beautifully with the Balloon Fiesta’s spirit.
Jason’s art has been showcased at many prestigious venues, including:
- SWAIA – Santa Fe Indian Market
- American Indian Arts Festival at the Autry Museum (Los Angeles, CA)
- Heard Museum (Phoenix, AZ)
- Cherokee Art Market (Tulsa, OK)
- And numerous regional art events across New Mexico.
Valencia, a father of five, also teaches young people his techniques, encouraging the next generation to continue the artistic traditions of his community.
Poster Availability
Collectors can purchase signed and unsigned, numbered serigraph posters at the Official Merchandise Tents (north and south ends of Main Street), or online at
🔗 BalloonFiestaStuff.com*
Additionally, signed and unsigned metal prints of the 2025 poster art are available for those who want a more durable, display-ready version.
*Special Note: The name of the official online store for the Fiesta originated from Barb Tomlin’s website development ecommerce discussions with Jodi Baugh and Brett Schuler. It was Brett who came up with “Balloon Fiesta Stuff”.