Shreveport will host the Bayou Classic football game on Saturday, April 17, which is the biggest football rivalry in Historically Black College or University (HBCU) history. The Grambling State University Tigers will go head-to-head with the Southern University Jaguars for year-long bragging rights. The football game is normally held in New Orleans each year, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the legendary football game will be held at the Independence Stadium at 1:30 p.m.
In celebration of the game, Port City Fest was created to promote a long weekend of events that will take place April 15-18. In addition to the Bayou Classic football game, here is a full list of off-the-field events happening during Port City Fest weekend:
Thursday, April 15
Presented by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, the Classic Expo will showcase local Black-owned businesses and provide educational seminars, as well as engaging panel discussions, April 15-17, at the Shreveport Convention Center. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more details.
Party on Remington Suites Hotel and Spa’s rooftop with popular DJs Scooter Man Pro and Bay Bay. General admission tickets are $50. VIP tickets are $350, which includes six tickets, swag bags and a live painting raffle. Click here to purchase tickets.
Libations and Hip-Hop: Volume 5
Sponsored by Loving This Life Jada, partygoers can enjoy libations and a hip-hop music experience in the Red River District at Fat’s Oyster House in a casual setting. Click here to purchase tickets.
Adult Hip-Hop Skate Night at Hot Wheels of Wonder, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.
Shreveport’s Hot Wheels of Wonder is hosting an adult skate night with a hip-hop theme. Skaters can enjoy a kid-free, nostalgic experience at the skating rink with old-school and today’s hip-hop hits from DJ Crowdpleaser. Tickets are $10. Payments will be accepted at the door.
Friday, April 16
Presented by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, the Classic Expo will showcase local Black-owned businesses and provide educational seminars, as well as engaging panel discussions, April 15-17, at the Shreveport Convention Center. The keynote speaker for this event is Supa Cent, creator and founder of The Crayon Case Cosmetics, which is one of the most popular American brands used by make-up artists globally. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more details.
Mayor’s Golf Invitational Tournament, 8 a.m.
The inaugural Mayor’s Golf Invitational Tournament is the official golf tournament of Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. Individual costs are $125 and foursome costs are $500. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit scholarships for students attending Grambling State University and Southern University. Click here for more information.
Bayou Block Party, 4 p.m.-3 a.m.
Hosted by Overload Entertainment, the Bayou Block Party is a three-day event at The Lot in downtown Shreveport, April 16-18. Partygoers can revel in entertainment from female rap artist Trina, various vendors, music by DJ Event Brice, and more late-night fun and celebrity appearances. Tickets are $15-$75. Three-day passes are available. Click here to purchase tickets.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy, Doors open at 8 p.m. Show begins at 9 p.m.
Hosted by the Ratt Packs of Comedy, a four-member comedic group features Comedian Q, Shed G, Comedian Grossmann and D. Elli$, who is also known as Mr. Entertainment, will perform standup comedy bits at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door. Click here to purchase presale tickets.
Big Freedia Block Party 2, 8 p.m.
Downtown Shreveport welcomes New Orleans bounce music legend, Big Freedia, to the Red River District for an outdoor concert. Tickets are $25-$30. Click here to purchase tickets.
Party on the Red, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
The entertainment for Party on the Red, April 16-17, is extensive. This evening event will be held at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. Friday night’s entertainment line-up includes Southern Komfort, Alter Ego, Brandon Campbell, Zydeco and Calvin Richardson. Tickets are $15-$225. VIP tents are $225 and seats eight people. Click here to purchase tickets.
This Grambling State University and Southern University alumni party will be hosted at 601 Spring Street with a DJ and more. This event includes open bar, VIP sections, food and more. Tickets are $30-$500. Click here to purchase tickets.
Expect a twist on traditional brunch vibes at 1925 Brunch during Port City Fest weekend, including Southern-style brunch menu items and the atmosphere. Late-night diners can enjoy popular menu items such as Hennessy wings and waffles, steak and eggs, bottomless mimosas, love potion cocktails and more. Entertainment will be provided by Wildjbrown.
Muzikology Band, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Muzikology Band will perform during the Port City Fest at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets at the fountain near the front entrance. Muzikology is a local band known for their jazz, R&B, and blues performances. This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 17
47th Annual Bayou Classic Football Game, 1:30 p.m.
Since 1974, this Grambling State University and Southern University football game has been a steadfast beacon of legacy and tradition that extends beyond the HBCU community. This NBC nationally televised football game will be played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport on Saturday, April 17. Tickets start at $39.50. Click here to purchase tickets.
Presented by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, the Classic Expo will showcase local Black-owned businesses and provide educational seminars, as well as engaging panel discussions, April 15-17, at the Shreveport Convention Center. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more details.
Sweet Nae and Company, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sweet Nae and Company will perform during the Port City Fest weekend at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets at the fountain near the front entrance. Shreveport native, Sweet Nae, has made her mark performing in the Ark-La-Tex region and beyond. Her skills and infectious entertainment style are what earned her the City of Shreveport’s Artist Fellowship Award in 2016. This event is free and open to the public.
Party on the Red, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
The entertainment for Party on the Red, April 16-17, is extensive. This evening event will be held at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. Saturday night’s entertainment lineup includes Bun B, Tipsey the Band, Hot 8 Brass Band and Tank. Tickets are $15-$225. VIP tents are $225 and seats eight people. Click here to purchase tickets.
Bayou Block Party, 11 p.m.-3 a.m.
Hosted by Overload Entertainment, the Bayou Block Party is a three-day event at The Lot in downtown Shreveport, April 16-18. Partygoers can revel in entertainment from female rap artist Trina, various vendors, music by DJ Event Brice, and more late-night fun and celebrity appearances. Tickets are $15-$75. Three-day passes are available. Click here to purchase tickets.
Hosted by MC Fiji with sounds by DJ Neff and DJ Teddy B., guests can enjoy an evening on Remington Suites Hotel and Spa’s rooftop for a day party celebration. A cash bar will be on-site, as well as reserved seating. General admission tickets are $36.50. Reserved sections are $450 and includes six tickets, hookah, and a premium bottle. Click here to purchase tickets.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy, Doors open at 8 p.m. Show begins at 9 p.m.
Hosted by the Ratt Packs of Comedy, a four-member comedic group features Comedian Q, Shed G, Comedian Grossmann and D. Elli$, who is also known as Mr. Entertainment, will perform standup comedy bits at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door. Click here to purchase presale tickets.
318 Infused Cigar and Spirits Lounge will host Bayou Brunch with Chef Tiff and DJ B Smoove. The menu features popular brunch items such as shrimp and grits, fish and grits, mimosas, chicken and waffles, and more. Call 318-564-3050 to make a reservation.
Tipsey the Band is a local, energetic, party band that knows how to get partygoers on their feet. Performing everything from R&B and pop hits to soul and funk records, and more, you can catch this lively band at Fat’s Oyster House in the Red River District during Port City Fest weekend. Tickets are $10. Click here to purchase tickets.
Sunday, April 18
Bayou Block Party, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Hosted by Overload Entertainment, the Bayou Block Party is a three-day event at The Lot in downtown Shreveport, April 16-18. Partygoers can revel in entertainment from female rap artist Trina, various vendors, music by DJ Event Brice, and more late-night fun and celebrity appearances. Tickets are $15-$75. Three-day passes are available. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Port City Fest weekend festivities sponsors include City of Shreveport, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Caddo Parish Commission, City of Bossier, and Bossier Parish Police Jury.
Organizers request that all participants adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. For more information about Port City Fest weekend, visit www.PortCityFest.com. For a full list of bars and nightlife entertainment in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org.
