Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana's Other Side
By Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourism Bureau
06/19/2008
Discover the unexpected in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side. Located in the northwest corner of the state, Shreveport-Bossier, blends spicy Louisiana flair with East Texas flavor. And what better way to experience that Louisiana flair than Mardi Gras? Northwest Louisiana is home to one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the state, and is proud of its reputation for offering a safe, controlled Mardi Gras experience.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 1-800-551-8682 ext. 104
e: view email ehoward@sbctb.org
w: view URL http://www.shreveport-bossier.org
i: view contact details
- Help put beads and goodies on the parade floats at a Float-Loading Party
- Indulge in an authentic King Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat
- Shop-til-you-drop at Louisiana Boardwalk, shopping and riverfront dining complex
- Watch the parade, dance to Cajun tunes, and chow down on good Louisiana cookin
- Get the inside scoop on the area from Captain Sam Flood as you drift down the Re
Tour Dates:
Start Tour Date: 02/13/2009
Number of Days: 3
Day 1
Kick off the weekend with a Float-Loading Party at one of the Mardi Gras Krewe Dens. This party includes great music, food, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the parade floats. Help krewe members stock the floats with many kinds of “throws,” from beads to cups to stuffed animals and more in preparation for the following day’s parade. You’ll soon find this event is much more play than work.
Day 2
Start the day at Julie Anne’s Bakery with a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. This pastry is steeped in culture and meaning (not to mention delicious frosting!). As tradition goes, the lucky person to find the tiny plastic baby in their slice gets to buy next year’s King Cake.
Continue your day at Louisiana Boardwalk, which is 500,000 square feet of outlet shopping and riverfront dining. You’ll also find a movie theatre, bowling, eating, carousel and trolley rides, dancing fountains, non-stop entertainment and beautiful walks down the river promenade.
Next, it’s on to the main event: the Mardi Gras Bash! Your group will never forget this rockin’ tent party located along the route of one of the largest Mardi Gras parades in the South. Savor authentic Louisiana cuisine, dance to Cajun tunes, see outrageous Mardi Gras personalities, and don’t forget to catch some beads! No one will leave empty-handed. Each person will also receive a commemorative t-shirt and specialty bead.
After a rest at the hotel, you’ll be ready for a night on the town! Start with dinner at group-friendly Ralph & Kacoo’s. Enjoy a variety of Cajun cuisines, Gulf Coast seafood, shrimp, crab, crawfish platters, charbroiled fish and steaks. Then, test your luck at one of our five Vegas-Style riverboat casinos. Is a show more your style? The historical Strand Theater in Shreveport features local and Broadway spectaculars.
Not ready to head back to the hotel? Head over to one of our five Vegas-Style riverboat casinos. Whether you love a good slot machine or enjoy a good table game such as Black Jack, Big Six or Roulette, you'll find excitement here. Our list of fun spots includes: Horseshoe Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Diamond Jack’s Casino Resort, Eldorado Casino Resort, Boomtown Casino, and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, a horse track and casino.
Day 3
End your tour of Shreveport-Bossier City with a memorable boat ride on Spirit of the Red River Tours. Drift down the Red River while Captain Sam Flood tells about the city’s history and natural wildlife in this guided boat tour through the downtown area.
