Top Chef Stars Coming to Shreveport for Prize Fest 2026 Come & Get It
Calling all Shreveport-Bossier foodies! Prize Fest season is officially upon us, and if you know me, you know this is hands-down my favorite time of the entire year in downtown Shreveport. Prize Fest 2026 is bringing serious heat from October 14–18 with five massive days of film, food, music, and comedy, and this year’s Food Prize lineup is next-level delicious.
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First up, mark your calendars for Celebrity BBQ on Friday, October 16, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Prize Island (700 Texas St.). Celebrated pitmaster Lewis “Sweet Lew” Donald, the founder of the Carolina BBQ Festival and guest expert on Top Chef, is bringing his award-winning Carolina barbecue right to our backyard.
"Sweet Lew" will be serving up three delicious meats across carving stations, paired with mouthwatering sides crafted by five of our favorite local chefs: Kelsie Mayeaux, Niema DiGrazia, Cindy Johnson, Stu Dyson, and Melvin Nelson Jr. Tickets are $55 and include locally sourced meats, sides, dessert, beer, and drinks.
The culinary magic actually kicks off earlier that week with Come & Get It on Wednesday, October 14, at the Remington Suite Hotel. This incredible grand tasting pairs six local culinary stars, including chefs from Fat Calf Brasserie, El Cabo Verde, and The Noble Savage, with national Top Chef and Chopped champions. Guests get to taste original collaborative bites, sip craft cocktails from local mixologists, and vote on who advances to the Battle of the Golden Fork on Saturday! Passholders also enjoy wine tastings, dessert, and valet parking.
From Carolina pitmasters to powerhouse chef duos, Food Prize continues to show why our local culinary scene is second to none. Grab your tickets now at prizefest.com.