Don’t miss these July events in northwest Louisiana | Food & Entertainment

Independence Day Celebration – July 4

Don’t miss the Shreveport-Bossier celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The event includes a Bourbon and Barbecue Festival, a pie contest, a USA quilt display and a fireworks show.

Entertainment will be provided by The Victory Belles, Professor Porkchop and the Dishes, Shreveport Symphony Brass Ensemble featuring performances by the Mt. Canaan Choir and Max Chambers – finalist on The Voice.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Shreveport.

Farmers Markets – Saturdays

The Bossier City Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday. This family-friendly event is free, open to the public and offers children’s activities including face-painting and balloons. The event is leashed pet-friendly.

The Bossier market includes more than 100 vendors including farmers/produce vendors, food trucks with varying cuisines, unique handmade good/crafts, local honey, pickles, salsa, handmade soap and candles, jams, jellies, handmade clothing, baked goods, and much more!

The Bossier City Farmers Market is held at Pierre Bossier Mall located at 2950 E. Texas St in Bossier City. 

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. The event is held at 101 Crockett St., under the pavilion in Festival Plaza.

Metered public parking is free on the weekend. Parking is also available behind Riverview Hall, or on the lower level of Festival Plaza adjacent to SciPort. Accessible parking is available on Commerce Street or in the overlook lot near the pavilion.

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is a program of the Red River Revel.

Red River Balloon Rally – July 10, 11

The Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally is a family-friendly event, featuring kid zones, tethered balloon rides, and entertainment suitable for all ages.

Each night has live entertainment, food, retail vendors, and a balloon glow at dusk.

Louisiana State Ballooning Championship held on July 10-11, 2026 bringing 20+ hot air balloons to Shreveport-Bossier City!

The event is held at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City.

Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival – July 18

A celebration of traditional Louisiana culture and “America the Beautiful,” held in the air-conditioned Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will feature over 100 invited craftspeople, authentic folk foods, KidFest activities, and live bluegrass and country open jams.

Guests can enjoy free Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons, watch the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, and taste their way through the gumbo cookoff. It’s a full day of fun, food, music, and culture—celebrating Louisiana traditions!

Admission is $10 at the door for all events or $6 for an evening pass to events after 5 p.m.