5 reasons to visit Lake Charles this summer

by Jan Schroder May 15, 2019

May 15, 2019

It's up, up and away at the Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Charles)

Here are five reasons to plan a trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana, this summer, a two-hour drive from Houston.

• Louisiana Brew Mile, June 15. Drink Crying Eagle beers during this casual one-mile run.

• Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival, June 21-22. This weekend festival kicks off with Jazz After Dark.

• Summer Catch A Concert Series, weekly on Mondays through June 24. Free weekly concerts from the Lake Charles Community Band.

• Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 19-20. Includes nightly fireworks, barbecue competition and beer festival.

• Arts & Crabs Fest, Aug. 17. Vote for your favorite crab dish.

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