BREW returns to Festival Plaza

Shreveport’s premier beer-tasting festival returns to Festival Plaza downtown on Saturday, Oct 26, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Mudbug Madness Festival produces the event, and Live! Hotel & Casino in Bossier City is this year’s presenting sponsor.

The 2024 BREW will feature over 100 beers for the novice and aficionado. Beers from regional breweries, including those from local craft breweries Great Raft Brewing and The Seventh Tap, will be on hand for sampling.

Downtown Shreveport Unlimited Director Terri Matthews is heading the 15th edition of the event. She said it would, as usual, be an afternoon of sampling internationally acclaimed and domestically brewed ales, pilsners, stouts and everything in between. The entrance fee includes all the sampling and the after-party entertainment. This edition, called Monster Mash in honor of the proximity to Halloween, will feature the Molly Ringwalds.

The band’s website states, “They dazzle and engage their audiences with energy and passion while taking them on a musical journey filled with all the hits that transcended the ’80s and defined a generation.”

This year’s entrance ticket will be $65 and include the Monster Mash After Party admission. $20 single tickets to Monster Mash will be sold at the gate only after the tasting has closed or in advance by emailing terri@mudbugmadness.com for details. The after-party will be held in the same location.

Big screens in the pavilion Tailgate Tent will be the gathering place for those who won’t dare miss the LSU vs. Texas A&M game or another intercollegiate clash. No running too far after more beer, no matter what the score.

Sample brewed ales from far and near.

Local restaurants will again be on hand with examples of their wares for attendees who would rather not sample too many brews on an empty stomach. They will have examples of their signature dishes and local favorites. For non-drinkers and designated drivers, BREW has non-alcoholic beverages available.

Another highlight is the competition among home brewers. Visitors can taste the entries, vote for their favorite and enjoy watching the winner with a trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Matthews said, “It’s always interesting to sample the home brewers’ products.”

Speaking of contests, there will be a costume contest with a $1,000 prize on the line. If you’re not into scary wardrobe, there will also be backyard games such as cornhole, Jenga and Connect 4.

As Matthews has said before, “It’s a great fall afternoon. Where else can you sample over 100 beers and food, watch college football, and hang out with your friends for three hours for only $65? It›s a great deal!

VIP tables of 10 are still available by emailing terri@mudbugmadness.com or by calling 318-455-2001.

Tickets can be purchased at Shreveportbrew.com or by scanning the QR codes on the poster.

BREW is a production of the Mudbug Madness Festival, which also produces Paddy in the Plaza and Rockets over the Red.

Updates and further information are available at shreveportbrew.com.