Massive F1 Powerboat Showdown Hits Red River This Week

Looking for an amazing way to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend in Shreveport/Bossier?

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Again this year, you want to head for the Shreveport riverfront!

Along with all the fun of Mudbug Madness, Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is making its return to the Red River!

After huge events in 2024 and 2025, fans know that the banks of the Red River will be the place to be for the 2026 return of the incredible three-day Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown, which will take place May 22–24 and will feature more than 50 of America's top high-speed powerboats racing on the Red.

The event is part of the IHRA F1 8-race series spanning North America, showcasing drivers as they tackle tight, technical courses with deck-to-deck intensity and speeds reaching up to 120 mph.

READ MORE: Why You'll See More LDWF Agents on Louisiana Lakes This Week

The weekend kicks off with the IHRA F1 Block Party on Friday, May 22, from 6:00–8:30 PM on Commerce Street in conjunction with Mudbug Madness. This fan-favorite event offers a rare chance to meet the drivers, see the boats up close, get autographs, and even have a chance to sit inside a real Formula 1 powerboat.

A glance at f1powerboatchampionship.com shows that events will run as follows:

• Thursday, May 21 – Pit setup begins at 12:00 PMF
• Friday, May 22 (PM) – Pit area open for public viewing and afternoon test sessions
• Friday Night, May 22 – F1PC Block Party on Commerce Street at, 6:00–8:30 PM
• Saturday, May 23 – Official racing begins after driver registration and inspection
• Sunday, May 24 – Championship races and awards ceremony

General admission to the event is free, but according to visitshreveportbossier.org, they are offering a ticketed VIP experience that includes a premium VIP viewing area at the Shreveport Aquarium, a buffet, bar, one (1) ticket to Mudbug Madness Festival and (1) entry to the Shreveport Aquarium.

There are also prime viewing opportunities at Riverview Park in Downtown Shreveport and at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.