The Fourth of July in downtown Shreveport will come with a new level of flavor in 2026 as the Bourbon & Barbeque Festival brings together seven of the region’s most celebrated pitmasters and culinary talents for an exclusive holiday experience benefiting the Red River Revel.

Festival organizers recently unveiled the culinary lineup for the event, offering a preview of what guests can expect when they gather for an evening of barbecue, bourbon and fireworks. While the full menu has yet to be announced, organizers are already building anticipation as ticket sales continue for the limited-capacity event.

The festival combines premium barbecue tastings, curated bourbon selections and one of the area’s best views of the Fourth of July fireworks display. 

Organizers say attendees can expect a first-class experience centered around food, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere while supporting one of the region’s most recognizable arts and culture organizations.

One of the event’s signature features will be a private viewing area for the holiday fireworks celebration. Rather than competing with large crowds for a place to watch the show, attendees will have access to a reserved viewing space designed to provide a comfortable and memorable experience. 

Leading the lineup is Big Nate’s BBQ & More, a downtown Shreveport favorite based in the MS Kick facility. Known for offering natural and flavorful barbecue options, Big Nate has built a reputation around quality and taste, earning a loyal following among local barbecue enthusiasts. 

Joining the festival is CalTex Barbecue, a local barbecue operation with a permanent location inside Great Raft Brewing. CalTex specializes in barbecue catering throughout Northwest Louisiana and has become known for delivering memorable barbecue experiences. 

The festival also will feature the talents of Chez Niema, one of the region’s most recognizable culinary figures. Operating from Robinson Film Center on Texas Street, Niema’s West African & Caribbean Cuisine has earned acclaim for its Afro-Fusion dishes and vibrant flavors. 

Chef Niema also is a champion of Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” and appeared on “Chopped” with sous chef De’Unaka Haley, also of Shreveport. Her participation brings national television recognition to a festival already showcasing some of the area’s top culinary professionals.

Shreveport native Dylan Teekell will bring his award-winning creativity to the event. Known for co-founding Ghost Ramen in 2020, Teekell is a two-time Food Prize Golden Fork champion, winning the title in both 2023 and 2025. 

Good Ass Bar B Que, led by Shreveport Mudbugs owner Tommy Scott and his wife, Leslie, adds competition barbecue expertise to the roster. The team has competed throughout the region and brings years of experience in traditional barbecue. 

In addition to competing, Tommy and Leslie are known for traveling to barbecue events and concerts across the region, giving them a deep appreciation for the culture surrounding smoked meats and outdoor cooking.

Gullo’s Fresh Produce & Bake Shop will showcase its newer barbecue concept, launched in 2025. The venture quickly gained attention, earning praise from many locals online and helping expand the business beyond its well-known cafe offerings.

Rounding out the lineup is The Magnolia Pit, operated by Valerie and Taneia Benn. The locally owned restaurant has gained a strong following for its authentic pit barbecue and regularly appears across social media feeds from locals, visitors and influencers. 

The restaurant continues to build momentum as one of the area’s emerging barbecue destinations.

In addition to food tastings from the festival’s seven featured culinary teams, attendees can expect six bourbon samplings, including three barrel picks selected specifically for the event. 

Organizers say the bourbon offerings will be paired with the food experience, giving guests an opportunity to explore a variety of flavors throughout the evening.

Every ticket also includes reserved and secure parking, eliminating one of the common challenges associated with downtown holiday events. 

The event’s VIP-focused format is designed to create a comfortable experience from arrival through the fireworks finale.

The event serves as a benefit for the Red River Revel, supporting arts and culture in the community while providing an elevated Independence Day celebration. 

Tickets are limited, with attendance hard-capped for the exclusive event. 

Additional details, including the full barbecue menu and bourbon flight selections, will be shared on the Bourbon & BBQ Festival website. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bourbonandbarbeque.com.

This article was originally published in the July 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine.