Burp Fest at Shreveport Brew Fest 2026

Shreveport may not be the first city that comes to mind when people think of craft beer destinations, but northwest Louisiana has been quietly building a brewery scene worth celebrating. When the organizers behind two of Shreveport's most beloved events -- Mudbug Madness (the city's legendary crawfish festival) and Red River Revel (its long-running arts festival) -- joined forces to create a dedicated beer festival, they brought decades of event production expertise to the endeavor. The result is Shreveport Brew Fest, an annual October gathering that transforms Festival Plaza into the region's largest outdoor taproom.

The festival's BREWtober branding leans into the Oktoberfest spirit while keeping things distinctly Louisiana. Where other beer festivals might offer pretzels and bratwurst, Shreveport Brew supplements its 100-plus craft beers with smoked meats, boudin, and other Cajun specialties that reflect the local palate. The inclusion of local breweries like Great Raft Brewing and Flying Heart Brewing alongside national craft producers gives attendees a chance to discover what northwest Louisiana is brewing while also sampling favorites from across the country.

For Shreveport, a city that has invested heavily in revitalizing its downtown core, Brew Fest serves as both a celebration of craft culture and an economic driver. Festival Plaza, the same venue that hosts Mudbug Madness each spring, comes alive again in the fall with the sounds of regional bands and the clink of tasting glasses.