When people talk about the Red River Revel Arts Festival, they often think of the live music, colorful art booths, and the way Festival Plaza becomes the beating heart of downtown Shreveport for nine incredible days each fall. But ask a true Revel veteran, and they’ll tell you—there’s another tradition just as beloved: the food.

This is where Revel Eats comes in. With 18 unique food vendors and dozens of beverage booths, the Revel transforms into one of the largest open-air food courts in Louisiana. It’s more than just grabbing a bite; it’s an opportunity to taste the culture of Shreveport-Bossier, celebrate Louisiana’s culinary traditions, and try something brand new all in one place.

A Feast for All Senses

Imagine walking into Festival Plaza. Music drifts across the crowd, kids are laughing as they get their faces painted, and everywhere you turn, there’s the smell of something sizzling on a grill or frying in hot oil. One booth serves smoky barbecue ribs that fall off the bone. A few steps away, the scent of cinnamon-roasted pecans wafts through the air. Just ahead, a colorful display of churros and crepes catches your eye, while the sound of gumbo ladled into a steaming cup promises comfort and spice.

Revel Eats isn’t just food—it’s atmosphere. The flavors mingle with the festival vibe, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that feels both exciting and familiar, indulgent yet approachable.

The Vendors: 18 Ways to Eat, 18 Ways to Revel

The 18 food vendors at this year’s Revel represent a blend of local nonprofits, Shreveport-Bossier favorites, and creative small businesses. Together, they form a diverse menu that ranges from Southern comfort food to global street eats. Here’s a closer look at the flavors you’ll encounter:

Barbecue and Southern Comforts

  • Beat the Streets (Non-Profit): Known for hearty plates that taste like they came straight from a backyard pit—think turkey legs, rib plates, chopped beef sandwiches, and BBQ beans.
  • Big Nate’s BBQ: Pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and fried fish with sides like potato salad and BBQ baked beans.

Cajun & Creole Classics

  • Inner City Youth Sports (Non-Profit): Serving authentic seafood gumbo, chicken and sausage gumbo, and blackened catfish with dirty rice.
  • Kajun Korner Express: Cajun shrimp and grits, fried crab cake beignets, and even Cajun-inspired tacos.
  • Bergeron’s Boudin & Cajun Meats: Cracklins, jambalaya, boudin balls, crawfish pasta, and even alligator bites.

Global Bites

  • Efe’s Fine Foods: Mediterranean-inspired fare like gyros, falafel wraps, and Greek salads.
  • Taqueria Flores: Authentic Mexican staples—tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and tamales.
  • The Cajun Asian: Fusion dishes like jambalaya eggrolls, crawfish wontons, and Catfish Lafitte.

Fair Food & Creative Twists

  • Mother Klucker’s: From Big Mac Dogs to elote in a cup, they specialize in reinventing festival food.
  • Fusion Eatz by Shon: Zydeco eggrolls, fried ribs, and loaded seafood fries—playful, indulgent dishes you won’t forget.
  • Bossier City Trailblazers (Non-Profit): Philly cheesesteaks, steak nachos, and cheesesteak waffle fries.

Sweet Treats & Desserts

  • Churros & Crepes Vianey: Churros filled with caramel or cream, sweet crepes, and strawberries topped with chamoy and tajín.
  • Cinnamon Roasted Nuts & Fudge: Fresh-roasted pecans, almonds, cashews, plus decadent fudge.
  • WonderStick: A whimsical vendor offering waffle cones, floats, dipped cheesecake, and their signature “WonderStick” treat.

Vegan & Plant-Based Options

  • Teal Garden: Vegan nachos, burgers, and slaw bowls with optional vegan cheese sauce and protein add-ons.

Together, these 18 vendors ensure that no matter your cravings—or dietary needs—you’ll find something worth savoring.

Beverage Highlights

No festival food experience is complete without something refreshing in hand. The Revel’s bars and beverage booths are destinations in themselves:

  • Revel Sports Bar: Domestic beers, frozen margaritas, and special brews.
  • Fatty Arbuckle’s Pub: Cocktails and mocktails like Margaritas and Summer Mules.
  • Lyons Pride Coffee Bar: Hot and iced coffee, gluten-free baked goods, and sweet treats.
  • Thrifty Main Bar: Draft beers, wines, and frozen drinks to keep the festival spirit alive.

Soft drinks, lemonade, Gatorade, and teas are also available, making it easy to pair your plate with the perfect sip.

Community at the Core

What makes Revel Eats particularly special is the presence of nonprofit vendors. Organizations like Beat the Streets, Inner City Youth Sports, and the Bossier City Trailblazers aren’t just serving food—they’re raising funds to support their missions. That means when you buy a plate of gumbo or a cheesesteak, you’re directly supporting local youth programs and community initiatives.

It’s a win-win: you enjoy a delicious meal while helping make Shreveport-Bossier stronger.

The Experience: Eating with a Soundtrack

The Red River Revel isn’t just about eating—it’s about eating while living in the moment. Picture this: you’ve got a plate of crawfish etouffee fries in one hand and a cold lemonade in the other. A local band takes the stage, filling the plaza with energy. The crowd claps along as kids dance near the stage. You take a bite of smoky, spicy goodness and realize you’re not just at a food festival—you’re part of something bigger, something alive.

This pairing of food with music, art, and community is what transforms Revel Eats into more than a dining experience. It’s part of the memory-making magic of the Revel.

Tips for First-Time Revel Eaters

  • Come Hungry: With 18 vendors, it’s impossible to try everything in one visit—but you can try!
  • Share Plates: Bring friends or family so you can split dishes and sample more variety.
  • Plan Multiple Visits: The Revel runs for nine days. Come back for lunch one day and dinner another to catch different menus.
  • Leave Room for Dessert: Crepes, fudge, and WonderStick ice cream are worth saving space for.
  • Support Non-Profits: Eating at nonprofit booths means you’re also investing in local kids and community groups.

A Foodie Destination in Its Own Right

In recent years, Shreveport-Bossier has become a rising destination for food lovers, thanks to annual events like 318 Restaurant Week, the growth of craft breweries, and our rich blend of Cajun, Creole, and Southern culinary traditions. Revel Eats embodies this spirit.

It’s not just a festival add-on—it’s a showcase of our community’s creativity, generosity, and appetite for good food. For meeting planners, it’s also an opportunity to show clients and groups a true taste of Shreveport culture, all in one setting.

Plan Your Visit

The Red River Revel Arts Festival takes place September 25-28 and October 2- 5, at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. Admission is family-friendly, and there are activities for all ages, from art demos to children’s entertainment zones.

But if you’re a foodie, make sure you circle this one on your calendar. Come ready to explore, indulge, and discover why Revel Eats is the heart of the festival experience.

Bring your appetite, your friends, and your sense of adventure—because at the Revel, every bite tells a story.