Shreveport, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport is reintroducing its downtown block parties with a National Night Out event on October 7. Staged on Texas Street, this marks the first such gathering since the 1990s, aiming to showcase a vibrant downtown and foster community bonds between residents, businesses, and law enforcement. Featuring live music, food vendors, and children’s activities, the event seeks to create a festive atmosphere while emphasizing safety in downtown Shreveport.
Shreveport is set to revive its downtown block parties with a significant National Night Out event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This will be the first downtown block party since the 1990s, taking place on Texas Street, evoking memories of the popular “Neon Saturday Night” celebrations from that era.
The initiative, spearheaded by local police and city leaders, aims to showcase the downtown area as a vibrant neighborhood, working against the longstanding perceptions of it being unsafe. According to data, downtown Shreveport is one of the safest places in the city, as stated by Cedric Glover, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith emphasized that over 1,200 people reside in downtown, with more than 5,000 visitors daily for work.
The kickoff of National Night Out will include a variety of activities such as live music, food vendors, children’s activities, and an opening ceremony. Additionally, more than 100 registered block parties will take place across the city as part of this community-building endeavor. The event’s goal is to strengthen ties among residents, businesses, and law enforcement.
Last year, over 120 block parties were registered for National Night Out, and this year’s participation levels are expected to exceed that number. Residents who want to host their own block party must register with the police department’s Community Oriented Policing Bureau by September 30, 2023, to ensure proper planning and resource allocation. Those also wishing to request road closures must submit their requests by the same date for barricades and traffic control arrangements.
The downtown kickoff for National Night Out will commence at 4 p.m. at Texas Street and Louisiana Avenue on October 7, inviting all community members to come out and engage with their neighbors and local law enforcement in a festive atmosphere.
Event Details
- Event: National Night Out
- Date: October 7, 2023
- Location: Texas Street, Shreveport
- Start Time: 4 p.m.
- Activities: Live music, food vendors, children’s activities, opening ceremony
- Registered Block Parties: Over 100 across the city
Important Deadlines
- Block Party Registration Deadline: September 30, 2023
- Road Closure Requests Deadline: September 30, 2023
Community Engagement
The event primarily focuses on enhancing community links between residents, businesses, and law enforcement, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of safety and togetherness in the downtown area.
Background Context
Once a common feature of Shreveport’s social calendar, block parties took a back seat since the 1990s due to various factors. The revival of this community tradition marks a pivotal moment for downtown Shreveport, as it seeks to reestablish itself as a lively hub and dispel negative perceptions. The National Night Out serves not only as an entertaining event but also as a platform for community safety and neighborhood solidarity.
FAQ
What is the National Night Out event in Shreveport?
The National Night Out event is scheduled for October 7, 2023, and will feature a significant block party in downtown Shreveport for the first time since the 1990s.
What activities will take place during the National Night Out event?
The event will include live music, food vendors, children’s activities, and an opening ceremony.
How can residents participate in National Night Out?
Residents wanting to host a block party must register with the police department’s Community Oriented Policing Bureau by September 30, 2023.
When and where does the downtown kickoff begin?
The downtown kickoff for National Night Out will begin at 4 p.m. at Texas Street and Louisiana Avenue on October 7.
FAQ Schema
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | National Night Out |
| Date | October 7, 2023 |
| Location | Texas Street, Shreveport |
| Event Start Time | 4 p.m. |
| Expected Attendance | Over 100 registered block parties across the city |
| Registration Deadline | September 30, 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: New Location Announced for Shreveport’s Annual Block Party
- Wikipedia: National Night Out
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: National Night Out Block Party Registration
- KSLA: 19-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Block Party in Shreveport’s Morningside Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Event
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
