Shreveport and Bossier City are north Louisiana’s sister cities separated by the Red River. Jumping from one city to the other is as simple as crossing a bridge. At the foot of the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge, on the Shreveport side, is an area known as Shreve City. This place is the ultimate street party for young adults during the most prevalent parade weekends, but let’s make sure it’s your type of party first.
Shreveport-Bossier locals know that the ultimate Mardi Gras parade party scene for millennials and generation Z takes place in Shreve City, but there’s a few ways for visitors to prepare to celebrate in this eccentric environment. Walking this route, you are likely to witness the free spirits of young socializers along Barksdale Highway in Shreveport, which includes everything from beer pong table games and loud music to street dancing and drinking. If you’re looking for a risqué style of fun with other revelers, this area will certainly meet your needs. Here’s three things to expect:
- Daiquiris
Shreveport-Bossier is known for their many drive-thru daiquiri shops. Daiquiri Express is on the parade route, located at 1205 Shreveport Barksdale Highway. If you party in Shreve City, you are just walking distance from slushy libations. Keep in mind, you can be arrested for glass containers on the spot, and to have an open container, you must be on the parade route.
- Diverse Crowds
Although this area attracts young adults, you’ll see bright smiles from various cultures that are all there to “lassiez les bons temps rouler,” which means let the good times roll in French.
- Party Camps
Shreve City is near the end of the parade route, so don’t expect to see any floats at the parade start time. However, these partygoers kick-off festivities in the early afternoon. You’ll see tented “camp-sites” with barbecue pits and crawfish boils as well as tables with drinking games and corn hole setups.
Shreveport-Bossier’s two major parade weekends are Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade XXIX, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m., and Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Parade XXXI, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m. If you’re a self-proclaimed party animal, plan to Mardi Gras in Shreve City this year!
DISCLAIMER: Please celebrate responsibly and obey open container laws. The parade routes are secure with heavy police enforcement to ensure that all attendees have a safe Mardi Gras experience in Shreveport-Bossier.
For more information about Mardi Gras celebrations in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.ShreveportMardiGras.com.
