LAKE CHARLES, LA (July 15, 2019) – The first annual Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) Hot Air Balloon Festival presented Billy Navarre Auto Group is set to launch Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, held at Chennault International Airport, 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave.

With so much entertainment, two stages will be set up to feature live bands and dance teams. A kids’ carnival, jump zone, rock wall, fireworks, balloon glow and fun for the whole family are also in store for festival-goers.

The festival is inviting everyone to be a part of the official kick-off news conference presented by SpringHill Suites. The news conference will be located at 1551 W Prien Lake Rd. starting at 9 a.m. SpringHill Suites is the official hotel of the SWLA Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Friday night is Family Night sponsored by Trinity Baptist Church. The festival kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with live entertainment followed by a balloon glow, fireworks and the movie “Up” for all to enjoy.

The excitement continues on Miller Lite/Coors Light Louisiana Saturday Night at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment, a beer festival, carnival rides, kids’ zone, a second fireworks show, balloon glow, dance routines and much more.

Don’t miss both nights of high-flying entertainment. Enjoy balloon-tethered rides, hear some of your favorite entertainers including the Louisiana Express, Jeremy Camp, the Molly Ringwalds and so many more!

Festival hours are 5:30 – 10:40 p.m. on Friday for general admission ticket holders with a 3 p.m. entry for VIP ticket holders. Festival hours are noon – midnight on Saturday.

General admission is $25, and children 14 and younger are admitted free. VIP tickets are $125. Tickets may be purchased online or at any of the seventeen participating Market Basket locations. Hot air balloon rides are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

SpringHill Suites is offering promotional discounts on rooms for out-of-town guests who use the promotional code hotairballoon19.

For more information on purchasing tickets and a complete schedule of events visit www.swlaballoonfest.com.