1. Shreveport-Bossier’s New Brand & Destination Master Plan
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau will reveal a new brand for the region that’s designed to appeal to visitors as well as locals. In first quarter, we will wave goodbye to “Louisiana’s Other Side!” Stay tuned for what’s next! We can tell you; it’s going to be awesome! Also, the Bureau is moving forward with a new 10-year Destination Master Plan for our region. More to come on that, as well!
2. Sci-Port’s Goodman IMAX Dome
The only IMAX® Dome theater in Louisiana just got even better! Shreveport’s Sci-Port Discovery Center just updated their IMAX® Dome theater, now called the Goodman IMAX® Dome! The 4K laser projection system immerses you into the movie experience with incredible sound and color. This immersive cinematic experience features blockbusters, documentaries, and family favorites, like Top Gun Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. See for yourself! Find out what’s playing HERE. In Summer 2023, Gameport returns to Sciport featuring an interactive science playground of gaming!
3. East Bank District Updates
Bossier City’s East Bank District is a must-see in 2023. Even if you’ve been before, there is so much new to see and do! Join in the “East Bank Mafia” vibe in Hurricane Alley, the open-air eating, drinking, greeting, game playing and music-listening space behind BeauxJax Crafthouse, Bayou Axe Throwing Co., Frozen Pirogue (pronounced “PEA-row”) and the new Chef’s Table. It’s one spot where walking with an open container won’t get you in trouble. Safety of guests is a priority, and strolling is encouraged! There’s a new Streetcar Station featuring New Orleans-style “Snoballs.” (We hear they’re getting boozy ones.) Oh! And yes, it is Snoball. Not “snow cone.” Then just down the way, get unique sweets and treats from Sugar Sheaux. Round the corner and you’ll find the ALL-NEW Red River Brewpub at the Garage!!
4. New Shreveport Mural
The new From Shreveport with Love Mural is bringing a corner of downtown alive with its colorful postcard montage of things that make Shreveport-Bossier a place to love to live. Can you spot icons from around the city? And it’s also a great “Instagrammable” spot!
5. The Hilton Shreveport Convention Center Hotel
The Hilton Shreveport connected to the Convention Center is renovating meeting spaces in 2023! It’s also updating furnishings, sprucing up the front entrance and renovating the pool area.
6. Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Park in Blanchard, Louisiana, is nearly 160-acres of forest filled with nature trials and wildlife. It will close in February 2023 to begin its metamorphosis into a new, high-tech, state-of-the-art science park.
7. Gators & Friends Zip Lines
Gators & Friends in Greenwood, Louisiana, will expand its zip line options at the popular exotic petting zoo and adventure park in 2023. That means the “ultimate adventure with a Zipline Course” over alligators will come back better than ever in 2023.
8. Louisiana Downs‘ Inside Rail Bar & Grill
Watch, wager and whet your appetite in 2023 at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City! The Inside Rail Sportsbook Bar & Grill just opened with a savory menu that is sure to satisfy. From Boudin Egg Rolls and the Touchdown Platter to the Inside Rail Grand Slam burger, it’s a comfy spot to catch all the sports and place your bets! There’s word that the Downs will bring back the Super Derby, although nothing is concrete, yet. And the Downs will be the site of the 2023 Balloon Rally in summer.
9. Shreveport Common Expansion
Shreveport Common is a project that includes 50 partners and $56 million in long term improvements to transform a blighted area of Shreveport into a cultural “hub.” Caddo Common Park’s new Outdoor Pavilion just debuted, and the park already has 30 out of 52 weekends booked! It’s the city’s first programmable greenspace on the western edge of downtown. FREE exercise, fitness and wellness activities are available every week along with a diverse offering of arts programming. In 2023, expect to see more revitalization in the area. Here is a video on Shreveport Common.
10. Shreveport Aquarium
The Shreveport Aquarium is bringing back the Paddlefish Festival in March 2023! A Party for the Planet is planned in April, along with chance to have breakfast with a Mermaid! With more than 300 species and 1,000 animals, the Shreveport Aquarium is always a pleaser for people of any age. Hand-feed stingrays and touch jellyfish! And when you plan your Aquarium adventure, be sure to check out the Fossil Mining Experience. Dig in the dirt for buried treasure. Gemstones, fossils, and shark teeth are just waiting to be found.
11. Hilton Garden Inn Shreveport Bossier City & Homewood Suites
The Hilton Garden Inn Shreveport Bossier City and Homewood Suites by Hilton® in Bossier City will undergo a top-to-bottom upgrade! The hotels will begin full renovations of rooms, common areas and meeting spaces in 2023.
