Red River Revel Returns to Shreveport with a Latin Twist!
Shreveport is buzzing with excitement as the vibrant Red River Revel festival gets ready to kick off its 48th season! The annual celebration of arts, culture, and community is set to fill Festival Plaza with color, laughter, and delicious smells from September 28 through October 6. This year promises a unique flair with the festival theme “Vamonos Riendo,” which translates to “We all go together laughing.” And let’s be honest, isn’t that just what we need in our lives?
Art and Culture Unite
The Revel is known for bringing people together, and this year’s festival is paying homage to the lovely Latin community that has flourished in Shreveport over the past decade. Local artists will be showcasing their magnificent works, influenced by Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead festival. Expect to see stunning art installations throughout the plaza that celebrate life and culture.
Logan Lewis, the Executive Director of the Revel, shared a bit about the festival’s direction: “There’s going to be a lot of Day of the Dead influence in the art installations that we’re doing on-site to beautify Festival Plaza.” Who doesn’t want to see vibrant colors and beautiful art scattered around while enjoying their day?
Musical Extravaganza
Get your dancing shoes ready because the music lineup this year is sure to get everyone moving! The festival will feature Jefferson Starship, kicking off the festivities on September 28 as part of their 50th-anniversary world tour. This rock band, famous for hits as part of Jefferson Airplane and Starship, is ready to bring nostalgia and excitement.
But that’s just the beginning! Enjoy performances from various artists like country sensation Frank Foster, the soulful T.K. Soul, and the lively Lost Bayou Ramblers. With genres ranging from Southern soul to Cajun rock, there is surely something for everyone’s taste.
Art for Everyone
Art lovers rejoice—this festival is crafted to cater to every type of art enthusiast! Lewis assures that the Revel isn’t just about high-priced artwork but also about accessibility. “There really is something for everybody there,” he said. Visitors can explore various art forms, including paintings, photography, jewelry, and even handmade crafts from artists all over the country.
Being crowned the Best of Show is an honor for many artists, and this year’s award went to Nichol Brinkman, also known as Pink Cheeks Studios, showcasing the vast talent present in Shreveport.
Delicious Treats Await!
No festival is complete without food, right? The Revel has always had a reputation for delightful culinary offerings, and this year is no exception. Indulge in classic festival favorites like funnel cakes and seafood mac and cheese. But don’t miss the chance to try new vendors like Mother Kluckers, serving mouthwatering street tacos and a unique taco dog. And let’s not forget the famous offerings from Bergeron’s Boudin!
Getting Around with Ease
As with any bustling festival, parking can be a bit tricky. However, this year the Revel introduces pedicabs to make getting around downtown easier and more fun! Movemint, an Austin-based company, will provide pedicabs, meaning you can zip around town conveniently. Riding a pedicab is not only quicker than a traditional cab but also a unique experience, adding to the festival fun!
Unique to Shreveport
The Red River Revel has come a long way since its inception in 1976, where it lasted just a few days and took place over a small area. Today’s festival transforms Festival Plaza into an arts and cultural hub for an entire ten days. As Lewis states, “it’s unique to Shreveport,” making it one of the hallmark events that set the city apart.
With a mix of vibrant arts, soulful music, delectable food, and a sense of community, the Red River Revel is sure to create memorable experiences for all who attend. So grab your friends and family and join the fun this year—let’s all go together laughing!
