With its mild weather, friendly people, and endless sense of adventure, Shreveport-Bossier is loaded with fun things to do. Take advantage of a full calendar of live outdoor music, Cajun and Creole fare, eclectic arts and crafts, and rich culture. There are more than 60 gatherings to choose from.
February
Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade
Watch out for flying ramen! You’ve never seen a Mardi Gras parade quite like this one, which rolls through Shreveport’s charming Highland Historic District every year during Carnival season. Bring the kids or grab your friends and prepare to catch hot dogs, packs of ramen noodles, moon pies, and more as zany floats with outlandishly costumed riders remind you just how much Louisiana likes to have fun.
Highland Historic District
Gilbert Drive and Ockley Drive
Shreveport, LA 71101
March
Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show
Witness the incredible talent of some of the country’s top fliers at the annual Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow. The military installation is the premier strategic bomber base in the U.S. and its annual event features spectacular displays of talent in historic, military, and civilian aircraft. You’ll gasp at the aerial acrobatics and learn why Louisiana is considered the home of the B-52.
Barksdale Air Force Base
Enter through North and Main Gates. Buses transport spectators to showgrounds.
Bossier City, LA 71110
Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators
This springtime cook-off and charitable fundraiser shows the many delicious interpretations of one of Louisiana’s most emblematic dishes. Sample gumbo with chicken and sausage, fresh seafood, wild game, and more. Held at Shreveport’s Festival Plaza.
101 Crockett Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
Paddy in the Plaza
Get your green on with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration held at the Shreveport Festival Plaza. Sample tasty cuisine from food trucks, sip green beer, and dance to live music as the sun goes down. The party starts at 3 pm and rolls until 11 pm.
101 Crockett Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
May
318 Restaurant Week
Since 2016, 318 Restaurant Week is a tasty opportunity for food lovers to experience Shreveport-Bossier’s many eateries, from the casual to the upscale. Enjoy promotional pricing, special menu items, and one-night-only dining experiences that showcase the culinary talents of the region’s chefs.
Various Locations
Mudbug Madness
Louisiana is synonymous with crawfish, and there’s no better place to experience this cultural phenomenon than Mudbug Madness. Shreveport-Bossier’s annual crawfish festival takes place over four days every Memorial Day weekend, serving up plenty of hot and spicy mudbugs, along with other Cajun and Creole fare. Enjoy numerous live bands, kids’ activities, and much more.
101 Crockett Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
ASEANA Festival
Celebrate the diverse cultures of Shreveport-Bossier at the annual ASEANA Festival. The Spring festival highlights the region’s Asian populations with dancing, music, art, games, martial arts, and authentic cuisine, including Vietnamese pho and Filipino-style whole hog barbecue.
Milam Street at Texas Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
June
Let the Good Times Roll Festival
Prepare to be blown away by the high-energy music and tempting eats served at this weekend's Juneteenth celebration, named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 event. From hip-hop to R&B, and from gospel to blues, you’ll be swinging and swaying to some of the best music around. The event also includes inspiring speakers and wellness booths.
101 Crockett Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
September
Highland Jazz and Blues Festival
Hear the soulful sounds of live jazz and blues at this beloved outdoor gathering in beautiful Columbia Park. The festival takes place every year on the third Saturday of September, bringing together visitors, music lovers, neighbors, and friends for a celebration of great music and good times. There’s plenty of local artwork and delicious cuisine to enjoy on-site, too.
Columbia Park
600 Columbia Street
Shreveport, LA 71104
Red River Revel Arts Festival
There’s so much to revel in at Shreveport’s biggest community arts festival, a nine-day gathering featuring multiple stages of music, more than 80 artists showcasing fine art and handmade artisan goods, and food vendors serving everything from funnel cakes to Natchitoches meat pies. Don’t miss the seafood macaroni. It’s a great place to see Shreveport’s rich arts and culture scene first-hand.
101 Crockett Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
October
State Fair of Louisiana
Part carnival, part livestock show, and 100% old-fashioned fun, the State Fair of Louisiana is a beloved family event that draws thousands of visitors every year. Enjoy games of chance, carnival eats, thrilling midway rides, and crisp fall weather. Check out the largest livestock show in the state, chockfull of adorable cows, pigs, goats, and much more.
State Fair of Louisiana Agricultural Building
3701 Hudson Street
Shreveport, LA 71109
November
Christmas in Roseland
Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, America’s largest rose park becomes a winter wonderland! Shreveport’s American Rose Center is transformed into a Christmas paradise with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, giant Christmas cards to the community, visits with Santa, train rides on the Roseland Express, and plenty of sweet and savory treats. Held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas.
American Rose Center
8877 Jefferson Paige Road
Shreveport, LA 71119
December
Christmas in Roseland
Held on weekends in December, the beloved Christmas in Roseland is a walkable Christmas lights experience that puts the ‘wonder’ in Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a festive jaunt through thousands of twinkling starlights and holly jolly displays as you prepare for Santa’s big arrival. In fact, he’s on-site to hear your Christmas list. Little ones will love a ride on the Roseland Express and a visit to the gift shop. Concessions are available.
American Rose Center
8877 Jefferson Paige Road
Shreveport, LA 71119
Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival
North Louisiana’s only Christmas fireworks display takes place over beautiful Caddo Lake. The free, family event kicks off in the mid-afternoon with live music, concessions, and arts and crafts vendors that make for great last-minute Christmas shopping. When the sun goes down, settle into a lawn chair or on a blanket and watch colorful fireworks explode over the lake’s glassy surface. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Earl G. Williamson Park
11425 LA Hwy 1
Oil City, LA 71061
