FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🎈 How can I take a hot air balloon ride?
▼Festival sponsors are given VIP rides, dinner tickets with a pilot meet-and-greet, and tons of other great perks.
🎟️ Are tethered hot air balloon rides available?
▼Yes. Tethered balloon rides are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings from approximately 7:30-10:30 AM at Cottonwood High School. Each ride lasts 10-15 minutes and holds up to two people per basket.
Pricing: $25 per person if purchased in advance, $30 on-site. Ages 3 and up.
Advance tickets sell out fast - last year they sold out within an hour. Purchase tickets here →
📍 Where do the balloons launch?
▼The hot air balloons launch at Cottonwood High School (5715 S 1300 E, Murray, UT) at 7:00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and cameras for an unforgettable morning. Coffee and food trucks will be on-site.
🏞️ What happens at Murray Park on Saturday?
▼Saturday is the big day. After the morning launch at Cottonwood HS, the action moves to Murray Park:
2 - 4 PM: STEM Activities for kids and families, presented by Murray Parks & Recreation
4 - 10 PM: Festival with food trucks, vendor market, DJ & entertainment
7:00 PM: Nightglow Spectacular
Murray Park • 296 E Murray Park Ave✨ What's a Nightglow?
▼A night glow shows off inflated hot air balloons after dark. They do not take off, but are tethered and stand glowing as giant lanterns, creating a dramatic and colorful display against the night sky.
Visitors can walk right up to the balloons, talk to the pilots, and take amazing pictures. This is a highlight of Magic Over Murray - starts at 7:00 PM on Saturday.
🎈 How many hot air balloons are flying?
▼We have 14 balloons coming to Magic Over Murray this year - fan favorite local pilots and even some coming from outside of Utah to be part of the magic.
🙋 How do I volunteer?
▼Bring your family and friends to be up close to the balloons. It takes lots of hands to run this kind of event, so we need your help. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals, groups of friends, families, community and church groups, and more.
🛍️ What about Food Trucks and the Vendor Market?
▼Saturday evening at Murray Park (4-10 PM) features delicious food trucks and a curated vendor market with unique local businesses. Morning coffee and food trucks are also available at Cottonwood HS during balloon launches.
Interested in being a vendor or food truck at Magic Over Murray? Apply here →
🏨 Is there an official hotel?
▼Home2 Suites by Hilton (4927 S State Street, Murray) is our official hotel partner. Book through Magic Over Murray for an exclusive rate of $109/night - perfect for making it a weekend getaway.
Suite-style rooms with full kitchens, just minutes from both event venues.
Official Hotel Partner · $109/night🚫 Can I fly my drone?
▼No. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this is a restricted airspace. Drone use is strictly prohibited.
🐕 Are dogs allowed?
▼No, dogs are not allowed at the event for the safety of attendees and balloon operations.