SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. — Book a group for a Mardi Gras adventure at the 14th Annual Red River Mardi Gras Bash in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. The party, an American Bus Association Top 100 Event, starts at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, and is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Tours booked no later than Dec. 2 will receive $5 off per regularly priced $40 ticket.
“The Red River Mardi Gras Bash is an easy, one-stop-shop experience designed exclusively for groups,” said Erica Telsee, tourism sales manager at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “Our event takes all of the challenges out of attending a Mardi Gras parade with a large group. We provide everything from great food and live music to a front-row view of the parade.”
Credit: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
Groups will enjoy this exclusive party and front-row experience to the Krewe of Centaur Parade — one of the largest Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana. The climate-controlled party tent is located along the riverfront, and tickets to the bash include live entertainment, savory Cajun and Creole food, king cake a commemorative Mardi Gras bead and T-shirt.
Once the parade takes off, groups can see brightly colored floats, marching bands, outrageous Mardi Gras personalities and, of course, catch some beads.
“Just like Mardi Gras is a tradition in Louisiana, the Mardi Gras Bash in Shreveport has become a tradition for Little Rock Tours,” said Haileigh Steed of Little Rock Tours in Little Rock, Arkansas. “From the exciting Cajun music, colorful floats, and delicious food, it always sets the tone for a great year of tours! The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for any and all groups.”
Groups looking to add additional Mardi Gras experiences to their itineraries can attend the free Krewe of Centaur Float Loading Party on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, take a behind-the-scenes tour at Lilah’s King Cakes to see how authentic king cakes are made, or shop for Mardi Gras souvenirs and parade essentials at Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts.
East Bank District and Plaza is the newest entertainment district to be added to Shreveport-Bossier’s vibrant nightlife scene that is perfect for groups. The district is Louisiana’s only open container district outside of Bourbon Street. The district has reimagined Bossier City’s historical downtown with Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, Bossier Arts Council and an entertainment plaza. Recently, the district has welcomed Bayou Axe Co., an axe-throwing attraction, and BeauxJax Crafthouse, a Cajun restaurant that dishes up po’ boys and gumbo with house cocktails that can be ordered to-go.
Tickets to the event are $40 per person after Dec. 2. Must be 21 years to attend. For more information about hotel discounts and group rate information in Shreveport-Bossier, contact Erica Telsee, group sales manager for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, at etelsee@sbctb.org, call 800-551-8682, ext.104 or visit shreveport-bossier.org/mardigras/mardi-gras-bash.
