This article is a part of the 2022 Summer Travel Guide, a sponsored collection brought to you by our travel advertising partners. You can find more summer travel destinations and events here.

Located in Northwest Louisiana, Shreveport-Bossier is full of things to do year-round, but the sister cities especially light up in the summertime. Take a drive to see sunflowers bloom along the Sunflower Trail, see hot air balloons take flight during the Red River Balloon Rally, watch as Thoroughbred horses race at Louisiana Downs, tango with lady luck at riverboat casinos, and sink your teeth into Louisiana soul food. With two dozen attractions, more than 200 local restaurants, and festivals all season, there’s something for everyone in Shreveport-Bossier.

See and Do

Bakowski Bridge of Lights

The sister cities have welcomed a new addition to its skyline with the lighting of the Bakowski Bridge of Lights on February 22, 2022. The new 13,000 LED interactive lights illuminate 2,982 feet of the bridge and have forever transformed the cityscapes of Shreveport-Bossier. See daily light shows on the banks of the Red River.

Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack

Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack is home of the Super Derby, one of the premier races for three-year-old horses in North America. Enjoy thoroughbred racing May through September, quarter horse racing January through March, and year-round live simulcast.

Riverfront Casinos

Lady Luck is wearing her dancing shoes and is ready to take you for a spin! Shreveport-Bossier is home to five riverfront casinos. Whether you get your fill of fun with penny slots, placing a bet on your favorite sports team, or prefer the high-octane thrill of the high-stakes games, get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience on the banks of the Red River.

Mudbug Madness Festival – May 27-29, 2022

Mudbug Madness Festival began in 1984 as a two-day street festival in downtown Shreveport and is now one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals, featuring renowned Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, and Jazz artists, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, crawfish eating contests, and fun for all ages.

Sunflower Trail and Festival – June 18, 2022

View the beautiful, blooming sunflowers at Sunflower Trail and Festival along Hwy. 3049 in Gilliam. Enjoy crafts, entertainment, food, and family fun. Pro-tip: bring your own shears to cut your own free sunflowers! (Peak Bloom: Mid-June thru Mid-July.)

CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally – June 24-25, 2022

See hot air balloons fly up, up, and away at the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally. The event features the US Team Nationals competition, tethered balloon rides, a magical balloon glow at dusk, and live entertainment.

Eat and Drink

BeauxJax Crafthouse

BeauxJax Crafthouse is a restaurant and bar located in Bossier City’s East Bank District serving Cajun and Creole classics such as chicken and sausage gumbo, po’ boys, beignets, and more. Their newly opened Hurricane Alley, located behind the restaurant, is the perfect spot to see a live show and enjoy a cold beer.

Orlandeaux’s Café

Orlandeaux’s Café is a Creole and Southern restaurant serving up Shreveport’s famous stuffed shrimp, gumbo, chicken fried steak, pork chops, po’ boys, and more. Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp is a local delicacy. These large, succulent shrimp are stuffed with fiery Creole dressing, deep-fried, and served with a spicy tartar sauce.

Fatty Arbuckle’s

Located in the Red River District across from Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel, the pub offers craft beer, refreshing cocktails, and live music. With more than 300 bourbons to choose from, it has been named one of the “Best Bourbon Bars in the World” by GoBourbon.com.

Shop

Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets

The Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets consists of national retail stores and restaurants located on the scenic river front in Bossier City. From arcade games to ice cream, sporting goods to kitchenware, latest fashions to great food, Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets is the place to visit.

The Agora Borealis

Located in downtown Shreveport, The Agora Borealis is an artisan marketplace that offers locally made products like art, clothes, food, housewares, jewelry, soaps, and up-cycled items from artists in the Ark-La-Tex region.

Stay

Remington Suite Hotel and Spa

Relax at The Remington Suite Hotel and Spa, where you will find luxurious accommodations in one of the 22 newly renovated suites. Indulge in all of the luxurious amenities The Remington has to offer, including a full service salon and spa, fully equipped fitness center, indoor heated salt-water pool and Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast

At historic Fairfield Manor, feel as though you are miles away, yet have the feeling of home. Enjoy the serene oasis of greenery and relaxation in lush courtyards and patios.

Plan your trip today to the sister cities!


For more information about Shreveport-Bossier, visit Shreveport-Bossier.org.