Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the Red River Revel Arts Festival (RRRAF) returns Oct. 1 – 9, 2022. The RRRAFl is the largest outdoor festival in North Louisiana, attracting tens of thousands of locals and visitors to “Celebrate the Arts” together.
The festival brings an extensive array of exciting and unique experiences to the Shreveport Riverfront. This multi-award winning festival features more than 75 juried visual artists from across the country, over 80 musical, theatrical and performing arts entertainment options on two stages, over 20 vendors serving delicious food and an area dedicated to introducing children to the arts. Each day will offer new experiences and memories for festival-goers. The following is a guide to the 46th Annual RRRAF.
Artists from across the country make the Revel their home the first week in October. Experiences and offerings will be available to a variety of art enthusiasts from art collectors to the novice. Over 75 juried artists will have one-of-a-kind works of art including painting, jewelry, photography, pottery and more. The wide price range of pieces allows for shopping options to fit multiple guests’ budget. Art Alley will offer chance to view the varied artworks of established artists, visit the Emerging Artist Tent to see up-and-coming artists and their work, and support local artisans in the Market Area. Some artists rotate during the week, so guests are encouraged to return to see who is new. Guests can make shopping plans before heading to the Revel by previewing the artists’ portfolios at redrivedrevel.com/rrr/artists.
The RRRAF is synonymous with bringing in chart-topping names in music from across the country along with local and regional acts. With over 80 performances on two stages, music will fill Festival Plaza every day of the Revel. Headliners for the 46th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival include - Everclear from 8:30 to10 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, Neal McCoy from 8 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, Big Freedia from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, The Motet from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, and Mannie Fresh from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 9.
The music schedule includes local, regional and national musicians along with cheer and dance group performances, martial arts and gymnastic demonstrations, theatrical performances and more. The full entertainment schedule can be found at redriverrevel.com/rrr/music-lineup.
The RRRAF will offer unique menu items such as boudin balls, jerk chicken, blackened catfish, bacon caramel donuts, chicken and waffles, funnel cakes and more. Food stations are operated by local nonprofit organizations, booster clubs, schools and other community groups along with for profit vendors. Menus can be found at redriverrevel.com/rrr/food.
The RRRAF is dedicated to providing an opportunity for children to experience first-hand performing and visual arts. Children can channel their inner artist at the sand art station, build art structures at the Memo Brix tent and show off their creativity at the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s Artist for a Day activity. Children can also become an archaeologist in the mock geological dig, use their imagination in Shreve Memorial Library Land, shop for the perfect ingredients at the Brookshire’s Mini Grocery Store and put their physical health to the test in the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport obstacle course. Face painting will also be available.
Stilt walkers, magicians and balloon animal artists will be throughout the festival.
Many of the kids’ activities are free with admission, while others may be ticketed or have a nominal fee. All of the kids’ activities can be found at www.redriverrevel.com/rrr/kids-activities.
The RRRAF officially opens Saturday, October 1 and runs through Sunday, October 9. The festival hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Daily admission is $5 during peak hours and days, which is 5 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A $10 Reveler Pass allows guests access into the festival any day/time.
Military and First Responders with a valid ID receive one free admission any day/time of the festival.
Children ages 12 and under are free of charge any day/time of the festival. (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
The festival is located at the Festival Plaza at 101 Crockett St., Shreveport.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends on metered spots in downtown Shreveport. Free parking is available in designated Revel parking lots. Parking map can be found atwww.redriverrevel.com.
A free shuttle will run on Thursday and Friday Oct. 6 -7 from 5 p.m.. until 10.p.m., as well as 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on both Saturdays Oct. 1 and 8. The free shuttle will be running in a loop around downtown allowing Revelers to park wherever they like in downtown Shreveport and attend the festival, downtown restaurants and attractions. For shuttle route, stops, attractions and special downtown deals, visit https://downtownshreveport.com/revel-plus-deals-downtown/.