Shreveport beer festival supports local events

Something’s brewing in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza.

Red River Revel and Mudbug Madness are throwing a beer festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the plaza’s lower pavilion.

It’s called Brew, and this will be the 14th annual gathering of what has traditionally been over 800 beer enthusiasts and socialites sampling local craft brews, food, music and fun.

“Brew is co-produced by Mudbug Madness and Red River Revel, the two premier festivals in North Louisiana,” said Terri Matthews, executive director of Downtown Shreveport Unlimited. “By supporting Brew, you are supporting the mission of these two great festivals in our community. You can’t go wrong with over 100 craft and homebrewed beers to taste from distributors, breweries and home brewers.” Matthews added there will also be college football on big-screen TVs for the sports-addicted.

It is planned to be an afternoon of sampling internationally acclaimed and domestically brewed ales, pilsners, stouts and everything in between. In addition to more than 100 beers to sample, Brew patrons will experience live music by David Deaton, football games on the big-screen TVs, and samples of signature dishes from some of Shreveport’s most popular dining spots. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take their chances on winning some raffle items.

Some of the local restaurants and eateries that will be on hand with samples of signature dishes for guests to enjoy include Dripp Donuts, Dripp Hot Chicken, Big Nate’s BBQ, Newk’s Eatery, We Olive and Wine Bar, Kajun Korner, Texas Roadhouse, Hooter’s, Hippies and Cowboys, and Mi Meza Latin Cuisine.

“Brew is a staple event in our community and is organized by two major festivals held in downtown Shreveport,” said Logan Lewis, the Red River Revel executive director. “We are anticipating an excellent social event filled with unique and staple beer, a great live band, wonderful food samples and a variety of college football games on TV. It’s not hard to have a great deal of anticipation for a fall beer festival.”

Individual tickets are $65, and a table of 10, which includes early admission, is $850. Tickets are available at https://shreveportbrew.com.

“It’s a great fall afternoon,” Matthews said. “This year we are adding a ‘tailgate area’ with cornhole and other yard games. As it is co-produced by Mudbug Madness and the Revel, we call it ‘Revel in the Madness.’

“Where else can you sample over 100 beers, food, watch college football and hang out with your friends for three hours for only $65. It’s a great deal!”

Matthews said if you are a designated driver or do not drink beer, Brew will be offering non-alcoholic beer this year, which has become one of the fastest-growing beer segments.