Mardi Gras 2023 Guide for Shreveport & Bossier City, Louisiana

If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Sharing is caring!

Shreveport’s first celebration of Mardi Gras took place in 1874. In the early days, the King of Mardi Gras, Rex, would arrive by steamboat on the Red River. This would be followed by a parade. Then the day was filled with feasting and drinking. At sundown, there would be a second torch lit parade followed by a ball.

Mardi Gras was suspended during World War I and the celebration didn’t return until 1926. It was suspended again during the Great Depression and wasn’t resumed until 1984.

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Today, Shreveport and Bossier City celebrate Mardi Gras with parades, balls, parties, feasting and endless beads.

In Shreveport, Mardi Gras trash jackets are a tradition. Tuxedo jackets with tails are decorated with pins and patches. Purple, green and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras and you can see them everywhere.

If you’d like to get a Mardi Gras mask, costume, T-shirt or accessories, click here for a great selection.

Here are some highlights from Shreveport/Bossier City’s Mardi Gras celebrations.

Red River Mardi Gras Bash

The Shreveport/Bossier City Convention & Tourism Bureau will be hosting the 17th Annual Red River Mardi Gras Bash on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Tickets include access to a climate controlled party tent, live music, Cajun food, king cakes, a commemorative Mardi Gras bead and much more.

Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade

The Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade takes place on February 11, 2023 at 3 pm. Admission is free.

This is one of the largest parades in Louisiana. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, costumed marchers and so much more. The Krewe of Centaur was named after the mythical half-man, half-horse in recognition of the horseracing and gaming industry in Northwest Louisiana. This year’s parade them is “A Million Dreams.”

Krewe of Dreams Grand Bal

The Grand Bal takes place in the Bossier Civic Center on February10, 2023, at 6:30 pm. Formal attire is required. Charlotte’s Web Band will be performing.

Krewe of Barkus & Meouix Pet Parade

The Pet Parade is at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport on February 12, 2023, from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Bring your pet in costume. There will be a costume contest for pets and a float contest. Vendors and food trucks will be at the fairgrounds.

Krewe of Oceanus – In The Hills

Krewe of Oceanus – In The Hills Parade is happening on February 12, 2023, at 2 pm. This parade will roll through Shreveport’s Southern Hills community.

Krewe of Highland Annual Grand Bal

Krewe of Highland Grand Bal will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 6 pm. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and masks as your favorite god or goddess. If not, the dress code is formal attire.

If you need help with a costume, click here.

Krewe of Highland Parade XXVIII

This parade takes place on February 19, 2023, at 2 pm. It will run through Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood. This year’s theme is Highland goes Greek.

Children’s Mardi Gras Parade

The Children’s Mardi Gras Parade on February 21, 2023, will begin at 6 pm, inside the Pierre Bossier Mall in Bossier City.

Shreveport-Bossier City Taste of Mardi Gras

The Shreveport-Bossier City Taste of Mardi Gras will take place on February 24, 2023, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Sample amazing cuisine from twenty of Louisiana’s best chefs and restaurants.

If you’d like to visit Shreveport or Bossier City during the Mardi Gras celebration, you should consider the following hotels. Click on our links to discover how you can save money on your stay.