When traveling to celebrate Mardi Gras, many folks flock to New Orleans having planned their accommodations months in advance. But did you know that there is a fun-filled, affordable, easily accessible, less crowded alternative awaiting you in North Louisiana? That’s right, the secret is out! Louisiana’s Other Side is brimming with family-friendly, festive Mardi Gras happenings. The sister cities are ready to welcome you for a last minute Mardi Gras get away. This partier’s guide to Mardi Gras in Shreveport and Bossier City is your road map to let the good times roll!      

Parades

Throw Me Something Mister – Parades a Plenty

The people of Shreveport Bossier are parade lovin’ people. I’m talking parades and parties for days. Shreveport-Bossier boasts more than 12 krewes that love to party and parade throughout carnival season. Listed below are the largest parades. For a complete schedule of all things Mardi Gras happening in Louisiana’s Other Side click here!

Krewe of Centaur Parade XXVIII

One of the largest parading krewes in Louisiana, the Krewe of Centaur knows how to party! This giant, colorful parade is a real treat! The rain or shine parade begins on Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport and proceeds along Shreveport’s parade route, following Clyde Fant Parkway south from downtown Shreveport, turning right onto Shreveport-Barksdale Highway, ending in the Broadmoor neighborhood at East Kings Highway Park.                                                  

Krewe of Gemini Grand Parade XXX

The Krewe of Gemini is the first parading Krewe in modern times in Shreveport-Bossier. Their massive, colorful parade will begin in downtown Shreveport at the intersection of Clyde Fant Parkway and Lake Street. The parade will proceed south along Clyde Fant Parkway, turn right onto Shreveport-Barksdale Highway and end near the Duck Pond in Shreveport’s Broadmoor neighborhood.                     

Krewe of Highland Parade XXIV

Held in the historic Highland neighborhood, this day time, family friendly, funky neighborhood-centric parade features fun for all ages. The colorful characters that compose the Krewe of Highland are the heart and soul of this fan favorite parade.  For example, the Krewe of BBQ grills up a bazillion hot dogs every year and lovingly wraps each dog in tin foil to pass out along the parade route (they even tuck in a packet of mustard and ketchup to complete your parade dog experience). If hot dogs aren’t your thing, then keep your eyes peeled for flying Ramen.

Be sure to take in the incredible architecture of the beautiful homes in this charming neighborhood as you partake in the parade. If you can get in good with a local Highland resident that is tailgating in their front yard you will have one of the best seats in the house for the parade. 

The parade begins at the intersection of Gregg Avenue and Gilbert Drive in Shreveport and travels a circular route through the neighborhood that includes sections of Creswell Avenue, Olive Street, and Centenary Boulevard.         

Parade FAQ

What do Shreveport-Bossier krewes throw?

What don’t they throw? Moon pies, stuffed animals, beads, candy, souvenir cups, hot dogs, ramen noodles, tacos… there is no telling what may come flying at your head. Look alive and be ready to catch the goods! 

What can I do to prepare for parading?

• Wear layers in case of unpredictable weather
• Bring a rain jacket
• Bring a bag to carry your parade loot
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Take a bathroom break before you head to the parade

Download parade routes here

Mardi Gras Fun 

Fantasy Mask Exhibit – Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

Running through Fat Tuesday, this incredible exhibit features intricate, one-of-a-kind fantasy masks crafted by local Shreveport mask designer Dennis Beckman. Beckman constructs his masterpieces using a treasure trove of unique mediums including feathers, crystals, jewels, and sequins. From concept to creation, the creation process can take weeks as Beckman hunts down the materials after he conceptualizes each mask. The collection features 65 masks, all of which may be purchased, but must remain onsite until the exhibit concludes on March 5th. Beckman’s artful masks are also available at his sister’s shop, The Enchanted Garden, located at 2429 Line Avenue, Shreveport. Call 318-227-1213 for additional information. The Enchanted Garden also features Beckman’s Mardi Gras pins and fascinators in addition to a plentiful selection of Louisiana and Mardi Gras items, many of which are exclusive to The Enchanted Garden.                                                                                      3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, (318) 632-2020

Tubb’s Hardware Store  

Gear up and get ready to laissez le bon temps rouler! Tubbs is your one-stop shop for all things Mardi Gras. Beaucoups of beads in every color and theme you can imagine, masks aplenty, Mardi Gras garments out the wazoo, many flavors of king cake, sausages, a heap of hot sauces, Cajun spices, and more – Tubbs has everything you need to take a bit of Mardi Gras and the flavor of Louisiana home with you so you can keep festing well after the bead throwing has stopped.

Spirit of the Red River Cruise

Get a lay of the land and a splendid view of Shreveport-Bossier with a float down the river via an hour-long boat trip that showcases the sister cities’ waterways.                                                                                                                          820 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, (318) 564-3560

King Cake 

Eat Dessert First

Oh, Baby! The little bitty plastic King Cake baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it in their slice of cake. The baby finder is also responsible for purchasing next year’s cake, or for throwing the next Mardi Gras party. Some traditions crown the finder of the baby “king” or “queen” for the evening.

Lilah’s

Husband and wife team Sopan and Lisa have been baking up King Cakes in the Shreveport-Bossier area since 2006. Named for their daughter, Lilah’s has over 22 flavors of King Cake to choose from. Open for business from early January through the week of Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with a large selection of King Cakes available every day. Lilah’s also offers King Cake making parties for groups (must be scheduled in advance).                                                                                                                       1718 Centenary Boulevard, Shreveport, (318) 676-1407

Lowder Baking Company

Shreveport natives Preston & Sarah Lowder were childhood friends that reconnected during Mardi Gras 2009 next to the duck pond on the parade route. They learned that they shared a love for great food, fell in love and became engaged shortly thereafter. The lovebirds started Lowder King Cakes by sharing small batches of king cakes and cookies with family and friends. Carefully developing their recipes over the last decade, every product from their kitchen is made daily from scratch using the highest quality ingredients possible – unbleached, unbromated flour, no preservatives, no shortcuts. In November 2018, Lowder Baking Company opened a brand new storefront. Lowder’s will be serving King Cakes from early January through Mardi Gras Day. Post Mardi Gras, Lowder’s will transition to offering a variety of freshly baked breads, cookies, cookie cakes, seasonal bread specialties, and weekly specials all year long.                                                                                                                                             4019 Fern Avenue, Suite 500, Shreveport, (318) 562-1150

Whisk Bakery

Delectable, delicious spins on the classic King Cake take center stage at this upscale bakery. Whisk’s King Cake lineup features King Choux, a very light pastry made with egg, typically used for eclairs and profiteroles. Mardi Gras King Cake Cream Puffs piped with cinnamon cream cheese creme & drizzled with king cake perfection, Mini Choux King Cakes, Full-Size Choux or Traditional King Cakes available by preorder only. King Cake Cinnamon Rolls available daily.                                                                             724 Azalea, Shreveport, (318) 459-8771

Alky Therapy Daiquiris

King Cake in liquid form!

Home of the most outrageous daiquiris I have ever tasted (non-alcoholic versions available). While the menu of this hole in the wall joint offers more than 12 fascinating flavors, it seems fitting to imbibe upon a King Cake flavored daiquiri during Mardi Gras Season! This seasonal booztastic treat is topped off with a bite of king cake, a mini bottle of King Cake Vodka, and a baby to boot! Other flavors include Henry Colada, Jolly Green Apple, Bomb Pop, Piccadilly, and many more.         4312 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, (318) 632-5800

Where to Eat 

Because You Can’t Live on King Cake Alone

Us Up North

Cher Hardette Harris offers tours showcasing the cultural flavors of North Louisiana. Your tasty tour kicks off with a sampling of Chef Harris’ own famous greens and cornbread. A shuttle then escorts tour participants to four local eateries with the food tour lasting 3.5 hours. Cooking demonstrations and classes led by Chef Hardette Harris may also be booked in advance for a more personal culinary experience. Chef Harris is credited with establishing the Official Meal of North Louisiana. Recently, she was named one of Louisiana Life’s 2017 Louisianians of the Year as well as one of Country Roads Magazine’s Best Small Town Chefs of 2017.                                                             

Eddie’s Restaurant  

Eddie’s features authentic Louisiana Cajun cuisine, with the original Stuffed Shrimp created by Eddie Hughes. His tasty legacy lives on through his daughter Mavice, who alongside her family continues to serve her father’s can’t be beat stuffed shrimp along with a variety of homemade seafood and soul food dishes. 1956 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport, (318) 631-9082

The Levee

Superbly crafted cocktails and fresh local fare await you at this cozy, causal upscale joint. The menu is ever changing based on the availability of local ingredients. Sunday night features local artists performing live music, impromptu jam sessions, and poetry. Sunday dinner specials are fresh and flavorful; running around $10 with beer and wine specials from $4 to $6.  520 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, (917) 474-2828

Lucky Palace

Don’t let first impressions fool you. Tucked away in the bottom of a questionable looking motel lies the absolute best Chinese food you will ever eat. Start out with a glass of wine, just ask Lim what he recommends. Lim is a walking encyclopedia of fine wine, stocking a selection of vino that rivals the finest cellars in all of Louisiana. Live your best life and nosh on the Duck on Scallion Pancake as you peruse the menu for your mains. My favorite dish is the Ginger Jalapeno T-Bone – a perfect marriage of flavor. You’ll feel like you have hit the jackpot with every sip and bite you take at Lucky Palace, don’t miss it.                                                                         750 Diamond Jacks Boulevard, Bossier City, (318) 752-1888

Marilynn’s Place  

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Marilynn’s is the place for Sunday brunch in Shreveport. Wear your stretchy pants and bring your appetite. Dishes include Etoufée, Gumbo, Jambalaya, NOLA style Po Boys, and beignets that could win a fist fight against New Orleans’ famous Café Du Monde.  Everything I have eaten at this joint is knee-slapping scrumptious. My favorite dishes are the pepper jack mac and cheese nestled under perfectly spiced beef brisket and the Nola Biscuits; open-faced biscuits swimming in juicy NOLA roast beef. You’re gonna need libations to wash down all that food. Bottomless boozy brunch drinks are a plenty!  Sunday Funday, anyone? If the weather is nice, the patio is the place to be. If you can score tickets to the Krewe of Highland Parade After Party at Marilynn’s – DO IT! Tickets sell out fast, they know how to put on a mighty fine after party complete with live music, a full spread of food, and dranks, dranks, dranks.                                                                                                     4041 Fern Avenue, Shreveport, (318) 868-3004

Real BBQ & More  

Papa Harvey and his family serve up the best BBQ in town. Real BBQ smokes a wide array of meats to juicy perfection. Both the mac and cheese and potato salad are church lady level delicious. The Now & Later Loaded Potato is a majestic mountain of cheesy, meaty goodness served atop a big ol’ tater – easily a meal for two or a great start to your meat feast. 5863 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, (318) 670-3730

Where to Stay

Fairfield Place Bed & Breakfast or Fairfield Manor  

Support local and treat yourself to an unforgettable stay at either property. Owner and host with the most John Carier is the king of entertaining; his lodgings reign supreme. Just across the street from each other in a charming neighborhood, both bed and breakfast establishments are dripping with charm and comfort inside and out. The houses are beautifully decorated with gorgeous antiques and unique works of colorful art. The rooms are thoughtfully equipped, leaving nothing to be desired. The only thing you will long for is a longer stay! Be sure to indulge in the onsite breakfast! Start your day off with melt in your mouth cream cheese biscuits, candied praline bacon, creamy, dreamy grits, and the most delicious, perfectly cooked omelet I have ever tasted. 

• Fairfield Place Bed & Breakfast 2221 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, (318) 848-7776  
• Fairfield Mano

How do you like to spend your Mardi Gras?