Celebrate Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier at the Red River Mardi Gras Bash

Let the good times roll at the 2019 Red River Mardi Gras Bash during the Krewe of Centaur Parade XXVIII in downtown Shreveport on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. This rockin’ tent party offers the VIP treatment for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are $40 each and include a great view of the parade, live music, Louisiana cuisine, a commemorative bead and T-shirt, access to a climate-controlled party tent and more. 

In Shreveport-Bossier, there’s no shortage of Mardi Gras fun. Here are five experiences you won’t want to miss.

1. Krewe of Centaur Float-Loading Party

Photo: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
Krewe of Centaur Float Loading Party, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

The night before the big parade, the Krewe of Centaur will open their den to the public for their annual Krewe of Centaur Float-Loading Party on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Krewe of Centaur Den. Attendees can mingle with krewe royalty, collect exclusive beads and throws, and view the colorful Mardi Gras floats up-close before the parade. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the event. Admission is free.

2. Lilah’s Bakery King Cake Making Class

Photo: Lilah’s Bakery, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
Lilah’s Bakery King Cake, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

It’s not Mardi Gras without king cake! King cakes date to 12th-century France and honor the Three Wise Men. The cake tastes like a hybrid of a coffee cake and a French pastry and is traditionally stuffed with cream and topped with icing and purple, green and gold sprinkles. The rule is whoever finds the plastic baby Jesus inside of the king cake gets to be king or queen for the day. Groups can learn how to make their own king cakes and take a tour of a king cake bakery during a private class at Lilah’s Bakery

3. Casinos

Photo: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
Eldorado Resort Casino, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

Shreveport-Bossier’s six riverboat casinos and horse racing track offer 24-hour gaming, exciting nightlife, decadent dining and posh accommodations. Whether rolling the dice, watching a heart-pounding horse race, or lounging poolside, guests are treated to award-winning hospitality, amenities and player perks.

4. Us Up North Food Tour

Photo: Jim Noetzel
Chef Hardette Harris’ Famous Greens, Us Up North Food Tour, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

Join Chef Hardette Harris as she shows off the wonderful flavors of North Louisiana during the Us Up North Food Tour. Begin each tour by enjoying a sample of Chef Harris’s famous greens and cornbread. Next, board a shuttle with Chef Harris and visit local restaurants serving up the best dishes that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer.

5. Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts

Photo: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

Pick up all of your Mardi Gras essentials before heading to the parade at Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts. The store is stocked floor-to-ceiling with Mardi Gras souvenirs like jumbo Mardi Gras beads, masks, T-shirts, Louisiana snacks, spices, cook books, fleur-de-lis accessories and more.

For more information, please visit our website. To book tickets for the Red River Mardi Gras Bash, contact Erica Telsee, tourism sales manager, at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, at 800-551-8682 ext. 104 or etelsee@sbctb.org.