MARDI GRAS JAN. 7: 12TH NIGHT, presented
by the Krewes of Centaur and Gemini, this is the annual kick-off of the
Mardi Gras season with music from Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.
Denim and diamonds attire. $40; $10 bottomless drink cup. 6:30 p.m.
Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City. 
JAN. 14: KREWE OF SOBEK PARADE, this
krewe is dedicated to bringing the time-honored traditions and
experience of Mardi Gras in the Queensborough neighborhood. 1 p.m. Start
at the State Fair of Louisiana Fairgrounds, 3701 Hudson Ave.,
Shreveport. Visit www.kreweofsobek.org or call 222-0132.
JAN. 14: KREWE OF ARTEMIS-SPRINGHILL GRAND BAL XV, join
the Krewe of Artemis with the “Oh, The Places We’ll Geaux” event with
live music. Black tie. $50, advanced reservations. Doors open at 6:30
p.m. 24130 Hwy. 157, Springhill. Call 539-5951.
JAN. 16: KREWE OF HARAMBEE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE, this
is a huge, familyfriendly parade that celebrates the legacy of Martin
Luther King Jr. in downtown Shreveport and features marching bands,
stilt walkers, dozens of floats and more. 1-3 p.m. Starts on the corner
of Milam Street and Texas Street and ends at the Shreveport Municipal
Auditorium. Visit www.kreweofharambee.org or call 617-7886.
FEB. 4: KREWE OF CENTAUR GRAND BAL XXVI, the
annual krewe bal will feature music from Mayday by Midnight. Black tie.
Mask recommended. $80. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Tableaux begins at 8
p.m.; breakfast served at 9:45 p.m. Shreveport Convention Center, 400
Caddo Street, Shreveport. Visit www.kreweofcentaur.org.
FEB. 17: KREWE OF CENTAUR FLOAT LOADING PARTY, see
the floats up close and meet krewe royalty as they prepare for the
parade the following day. Free. 6-9 p.m. Krewe of Centaur Den, 948 North
Market Street, Shreveport. Call 222-9391.
FEB. 18: RED RIVER MARDI GRAS BASH, is
an exclusive tent party for visiting groups during the Krewe of Centaur
Parade. Admission includes access to a private tent with live music,
Creole and Cajun food, being the scene Mardi Gras experience and more.
For groups of 10 or more. $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Call
800-551-8682.
FEB. 18: KREWE OF CENTAUR PARADE, this
annual Mardi Gras parade features masked revelers on floats and
marchers tossing beads, toys and other goodies. Family zones are
available along the route. 4:30 p.m. The parade starts on the corner of
Lake Street and Clyde Fant Parkway and ends on the corner of East Kings
Highway and East Preston Street. Visit www.kreweofgemini.com.
FEB. 19: KREWE OF BARKUS AND MEOUX PET PARADE, this
family and pet-friendly parade features vendors as well as
face-painting, animal adoption and much more. $1. 12-4 p.m. 2000 Reeves
Marine Drive, Bossier City. Visit www.barkusandmeaoux.org or call 549-3266.
FEB. 25: KREWE OF GEMINI, the
first parading Krewe in Shreveport-Bossier will feature revelers on
floats and marchers tossing beads, toys and other goodies. Family zones
are available along the route. 4 p.m. The parade starts on the corner of
Lake Street and Clyde Fant Parkway and ends on the corner of East Kings
Highway and East Preston Street. Visit www.kreweofgemini.com.
FEB. 26: KREWE OF HIGHLAND PARADE, one
of Shreveport’s most eccentric parades with a variety of throws
including hot dogs, moon pies and beads. 1 p.m. The parade begins at
Gilbert Drive and Ockley Drive. Visit www.thekreweofhighland.org.
