Parades may not be rolling this year, but the spirit of Mardi Gras still lives in Shreveport-Bossier. Whether you’re making purple, gold, and green arts and crafts with friends, downing king cake with family, or playing dress up in your Mardi Gras gear, Louisiana culture is not cancelled. If you still want to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, here’s 10 ways to do it safely in Shreveport-Bossier:
Shreveport’s Krewe of Highland Parade rolls through the historic Highland neighborhood every year on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday. This legendary Mardi Gras celebration will continue with Yardi Gras fun! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 2021 Mardi Gras parades are not permissible. However, Krewe of Highland members and Highland residents are decorating their homes and yards with Mardi Gras colors for visitors to ride by and enjoy the spirit of Mardi Gras at a safe distance. Click here to view route.
Artist J.K. Lawson presents art exhibit, “Beside This Red River,” at Artspace in downtown Shreveport. While living in New Orleans, Lawson lost both his home and studio in Hurricane Katrina, along with 25 years of artwork and writing. Lawson has used this unfortunate loss as fuel for his own creative passion. Drawing from his recent series “Juke Joint Men”, this exhibition includes pieces dedicated to the Louisiana Hayride musicians, along with his signature pieces that incorporate reclaimed Mardi Gras beads, architectural drawings, and photographs, pieced together to create new and nostalgic images. For more information, click here.
- Mardi Gras Madness Festival, Saturday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
The Origin Bank River Market will offer the Mardi Gras Madness Festival, located at 308 Market Street in downtown Shreveport. The celebration includes a full day of family fun, a Mardi Gras pageant, kids’ parade and more. The Mardi Gras theme and outfits will be amazing! For more information, click here.
- Mardi Gras at Red River Brewpub, Saturday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m.
Although Mardi Gras may look a little different this year, then if you love discounted craft beer you should celebrate at Red River Brewpub! To score $1 off a pint of beer, visitors must dress in their best Mardi Gras attire. Click here for more information.
Doyline United Methodist Church (DUMC) will host their annual Mardi Gras Parade at Lake Bistineau State Park. Parade will begin at The Rally Shelter at 11 a.m. for float loading and will roll through the campgrounds at 1 p.m. sharp. Click here for more details.
Join the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for the Virtual King Cake Classic, a Mardi Gras-themed run that is perfect for the whole family. Create your own race experience with friends and family around the world. All registrants will receive a t-shirt, custom medal, beads, and more. All proceeds will go toward community projects that serve at-risk families in Northwest Louisiana. For more details, click here.
The Bossier Night Market, hosted by the Bossier City Farmers Market, returns with a Mardi Gras theme at Pierre Bossier Mall’s parking lot. The Krewes of Centaur, Highland, and Gemini will be in attendance. Hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday only at Pierre Bossier Mall. This event includes a variety of vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and free Bossier swag, Mardi Gras beads, and giveaways. Click here for more information.
The Bossier Arts Council and East Bank District will host a Mardi Gras Market for artisans. This market will include local shopping by various arts and craft vendors. Click here for updates on the event.
- East Bank Mardi Gras Golf Cart Parade, Saturday Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Bossier City’s up-and-coming entertainment district, East Bank District & Plaza, returns with a golf cart parade. Mardi Gras themed golf carts will make two laps around the district. This family-friendly event is surrounded by restaurants, attractions, bike lanes, a brewery, art council and pavilion, making the area perfect grounds for exploring after the parade. Click here for more information.
- Mardi Gras Bowl-Making at Ed’s Emporium Art Glass Studio, Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Spend Fat Tuesday night fusing a glass bowl in celebration of Mardi at Ed’s Emporium Art Glass Studio in Bossier City. Leave this class with a custom-made Mardi Gras themed bowl for $25. No experience is necessary. Click here to sign up.