Shreveport, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The 49th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival is set to begin this Thursday in downtown Shreveport, featuring food, art, and live performances. A second line parade will kick off the festival, led by Mayor Tom Arceneaux. Attendees can look forward to music from John ‘Papa’ Gros and Mariah Dawne, showcasing local talent and cultural heritage. The festival emphasizes community engagement and education, hosted by the nonprofit organization Beat the Streets.
Shreveport’s 49th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival is set to kick off this Thursday in downtown Shreveport, marking a vibrant celebration of food, art, and live entertainment. This year’s festival promises to be a community gathering, showcasing local talent and celebrating cultural heritage.
The festival will officially begin with a second line parade, which will be led by Mayor Tom Arceneaux at 10:55 a.m. starting from Gate No. 2 at the corner of Commerce and Crockett streets. The parade will journey through the festival grounds, culminating at the main stage where Mayor Arceneaux will formally open the festival. The second line is a traditional Louisiana celebration that embodies community spirit, and the public is encouraged to participate in festive attire. The Beat the Streets Band will provide live music as part of the parade festivities.
Following the parade, festival-goers can indulge in lunch from a variety of food vendors situated throughout the festival area. One of the highlights of the entertainment lineup includes a performance by John “Papa” Gros, a renowned musician from New Orleans, who is scheduled to take the stage on the Chase Main Stage after the parade.
The Red River Revel has also partnered with the nonprofit Beat the Streets, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through music and arts. This partnership aims to foster creativity and provide opportunities for young people in the community.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Mariah Dawne, a Shreveport native recognized in the music industry for her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show and her song “Hold On Me,” which she licensed with R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn, will perform on Sunday evening at 6:45 p.m. Dawne is signed to SRG ILS, a label known for representing artists like Keke Palmer, Chaka Khan, and Lalah Hathaway. In addition to her music career, Dawne works full-time as a NICU and pediatric home health nurse and is a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ambassador. Fans can stay connected with her on Instagram at @IAmMariahOfficial and stream her music across various platforms.
The Red River Revel festival is organized as a nonprofit event that focuses on cultural programming through art, music, and food. The festival emphasizes the importance of education and non-commercial activities, aiming to bring the community together through shared experiences.
Event Details
- Festival Name: Red River Revel Arts Festival
- Starting Date: Thursday
- Location: Downtown Shreveport
- Parade Time: 10:55 a.m.
- Main Performance: John “Papa” Gros
- Mariah Dawne Performance: Sunday at 6:45 p.m.
FAQ
When does the Red River Revel Arts Festival start?
The 49th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival is set to kick off this Thursday in downtown Shreveport.
What is the second line parade?
The second line is a traditional Louisiana celebration representing community spirit, and the public is invited to participate in festive attire.
Who will perform after the parade?
John “Papa” Gros, a New Orleans musician, is scheduled to perform on the Chase Main Stage after the parade.
When will Mariah Dawne perform?
Mariah Dawne will perform on Sunday evening at 6:45 p.m. at the festival.
Key Features of the Red River Revel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Red River Revel Arts Festival |
| Duration | Starts Thursday, ends Sunday |
| Location | Downtown Shreveport |
| Main Events | Second line parade, food vendors, live music |
| Highlighted Performers | John “Papa” Gros, Mariah Dawne |
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Mariah Dawne Set to Light Up Red River Revel Stage
- KTBS: Second Line Parade to Kick Off the 49th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival
- KSLA: Red River Revel Arts Festival Returns for its 49th Year
- Bossier Press: Red River Revel Announces 2025 Event Schedule and Format Change
- Wikipedia: Red River Revel
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.
