What is Shreveport-Style Stuffed Shrimp? Find Out at the 2026 Festival

The Eddie E. Hughes Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Stuffed Shrimp Festival, a family-friendly celebration officially set for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Taking place at the iconic Festival Plaza in Downtown Shreveport, this event is more than just a food festival; it’s a tribute to the culinary soul of our city.

The festival was established to honor the legacy of the legendary Eddie E. Hughes, the man who popularized Shreveport’s signature style of stuffed shrimp.

This isn't just a recipe, it’s a cultural landmark that has put Northwest Louisiana on the map.

In fact, our local delicacy recently caught the world’s attention in a major way. If you’ve been watching the hit series Cross, you might have caught the Shreveport shout-out in episode three. One of the characters, a bit of a "bad guy" spots a D.C. eatery serving "Shreveport-style Stuffed Shrimp." Being from "The Bottoms" himself, he makes it clear that he takes his hometown shrimp very seriously.

That "serious" passion is exactly what this festival celebrates. While honoring our rich food history, the event provides a wholesome and welcoming environment for the whole family.

Guests can look forward to a day packed with live musical performances, cooking demonstrations, and historical presentations that tell the story of the Hughes legacy.

Between bites of the city’s best shrimp, you can browse local vendors, enjoy arts and crafts, or let the little ones run wild in the kid-friendly play area featuring bounce houses and more. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a fan of the show, curious about the hype, Festival Plaza is the only place to be this Mother’s Day.