Party at the Paddlefish Festival

The Shreveport Aquarium proudly announces the 4th Annual Paddlefish Festival. Come out on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for this celebration of all things about the Paddlefish. For over 300 million years, these fish swam our world’s water and in Caddo Lake until the 1970s. Due to the dam at Lake O’ The Pines, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, the American Paddlefish vanished from the lake.

Since 2017, the Shreveport Aquarium and the Caddo Lake Institute teamed up to reintroduce the fish back into the lake. Now they celebrate the release of the paddlefish as part of the festival.

During the Paddlefish Festival the family can…

Enjoy animal feedings and interactions

Enter the recycled art contest and win prizes

Participate in fun games and crafts

Learn from educational displays and speakers

Say goodbye to the paddlefish as they head out to the Mooringsport City Boat Ramp for their new home in the Caddo waterways. Release is set for 2:15 p.m.

The Paddlefish Festival is free with admission to the aquarium. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance here.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the Shreveport Aquarium? Click here to find out.