A Local's List of Must-Do Activities in Shreveport and Bossier City

Find your place and your people at events and activities across Shreveport-Bossier. Place these six things to do at the top of your Shreveport-Bossier bucket list and thank us later!

Festivalgoers at Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, held annually in Columbia Park in Shreveport.

Two cities - one festival scene!

Mardi Gras, crawfish, gumbo, farm-fresh produce and so much more! There is plenty to celebrate in Shreveport-Bossier! Shreveport-Bossier is home to more than 65 festivals and annual events. The year kicks off with the family-friendly Mardi Gras season in January and February – be sure to hit one (or all) of the area's 5 biggest parades. Spring blooms bring Mudbug Madness, one of Louisiana's biggest crawfish festivals and 318 Restaurant Week, which is a weeklong festival dedicated to highlighting Shreveport-Bossier's insanely tasty and unique local food scene. In the heat of the summer, get ready for the Centerpoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally, the Shreveport Farmers’ Market, the 35^th Annual Let the Good Times Roll Festival and the Sunflower Trail and Festival in nearby Gilliam, Louisiana. In the fall we have the Red River Revel Arts Festival, showcasing local artists from all over Louisiana, with activities for the whole family. During the holiday season, explore a trail lit with Louisiana culture on the Holiday Trail of Lights, which guides residents and visitors all throughout north and central Louisiana.

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Drag queen Zaza Gigante and friends at Bear's on Fairfield in Shreveport

Get your krewe together and experience the booming bar and nightlife scene in Shreveport-Bossier.

So many reasons to celebrate - some days we don't even need one!

As Louisianians, we let the good times roll every weekend! Shreveport-Bossier is host to an extensive bar and nightlife scene and several craft breweries. Popular Shreveport-Bossier bars include Bear’s on Fairfield, Big Country of Bossier City, Central Station Nightclub, Strange Brew and Louisiana Daiquiri Cafe. Hurricane Alley in Bossier City’s up-and-coming East Bank District is another popular destination for those who like to eat, drink and party all in one place! Enjoy pizza and craft beer at Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, oysters and daiquiris at Frozen Pirogue, Cajun fare at BeauxJax Crafthouse and even axe throwing at Bayou Axe. Craft beer lovers can find their place and their people here in Shreveport-Bossier with four breweries: Great Raft Brewing, Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, Red River BrewPub at the Garage and The Seventh Tap.

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Boy and girl at Shreveport Aquarium, looking into tank

Kids of all ages and adults alike will enjoy exploring an underwater world of wonder at Shreveport Aquarium, located on the Red River riverfront in downtown Shreveport.

Looking for things to do with your kids? There's plenty in Shreveport-Bossier.

Bring your kids along for the adventure in Shreveport-Bossier. Kids of all ages will enjoy the family-friendly attractions and events in our sister cities. Explore space, do science experiments and catch a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience at the only IMAX dome in Louisiana at Sci-Port Discovery Center. Observe, meet and even touch a variety of fascinating aquatic creatures at Shreveport Aquarium. Indulge your inner daredevil zip-lining over a swamp full of gators or by hitting the racetrack at Gators and Friends Adventure Park. Arcade games and mini golf abound at Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees. Shreveport-Bossier's booming festival scene is full of family-friendly festivals like Mudbug Madness, Red River Revel Arts Festival, ArtBreak, Highland Jazz and Blues Festival and more. Shreveport-Bossier is also home to the best family-friendly Mardi Gras in the state of Louisiana.

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Overhead View Poker at Margaritaville Resort Casino

Take a dance with Lady Luck at any one of five riverfront casinos or at the horseracing track at Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack.

Feeling lucky? So are we.

High rollers and penny pinchers have a record of winning big in Shreveport-Bossier. Our riverfront casinos and racino have the glitz of Vegas with a Southern flair of hospitality. Try your luck with a roll of the dice, a hand of cards or live horse racing to get the full effects of pulse-pounding gaming excitement. The casino fun doesn’t end there, you can experience posh accommodations, poolside luxury, day spas, fine dining, boutique shopping and more.

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Orlandeaux's Stuffed Shrimp in Shreveport

Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp from Orlandeaux's Café, the oldest continuously operated Black-owned business in the nation.

Stuff your face with local delicacies

There are more fascinating, diverse, delicious things to eat in Shreveport-Bossier than ever before. Restaurants old and new, food trucks, craft breweries, pop-ups and culinary events are providing new experiences for visitors and locals alike. There’s nothing better than handmade noodles and broth – except eating it late night at Ghost Ramen in downtown Shreveport. Grab a brunch board and a mimosa at Up For Brunch and be the envy of your Instagram feed. If you're truly seeking iconic eats, Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp are a local delicacy that originated in the kitchen of the historic Freeman and Harris Café, and can now be found at local favorites like Orlandeaux's Cafe, Eddie's Seafood and C&C Café. With so many eateries to choose from, you are sure to find your new favorite here.

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Young Black woman sitting with two shopping bags

Whether you prefer big box stores or local boutiques, art markets or farmers' markets - there are plenty of retail options in Shreveport-Bossier.

Shop 'til you drop in Shreveport-Bossier

You’ve heard of Southern hospitality, but you’ll get to truly experience it while you spend hours perusing the locally owned boutiques, and home décor stores all over Shreveport-Bossier. Look around at local shops in Line Avenue Shopping District or browse the boutiques of Bossier City. If you’re feeling artsy, Agora Borealis, The Grove, Refine Design Boutiques, C&C Mercantile, 318 Art Co. and Enchanted Garden are some "must-shop" places when you are visiting Shreveport-Bossier for all your gifts and treasures. Make an afternoon out of your shopping spree, shop the outlets at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Bossier City, and see a movie at the Regal Theatre just by the entrance. The nearby Courtyard Marriott, Residence Inn, Horseshoe Bossier City Casino & Hotel and Margaritaville Resort Casino make it convenient to stay and play. The Shreveport and Bossier City Farmer’s Mark ets are also happening from April to November!