guides

Rainbow City: a Comprehensive Guide

Bringing You Magic, Luck & Friendship

By by Mimi Rankin Webb - Shreveport-Bossier Publisher June 5, 2023


Rainbow City is an inflatable, interactive art installation by FriendsWithYou Artist Collective of Arturo Sandoval, III and Samuel L. Borkson that inspired the creation of the popular Netflix kid's series, "True and the Rainbow Kingdom."


Currently, Rainbow City has landed in Shreveport's Caddo Common Park where it will remain for the next 6 weeks. In that time,   various programming will be available to the general public, with both free as well as ticketed events.  Literally there will be something for everyone to enjoy.


Last year during Artbreak, a contest was held to search for the next inflatable character to be chosen from the design submissions from area students who attended the celebration of art.   Bossier Parish student Isaiah Roberts design named, “GumBall,” was the winning creation.  Isaiah won $500 and "Gumball" was made into a giant balloon which led off the opening day parade!


Louisiana artists have been working throughout the year with residents of five Shreveport Common Social Service Organizations to design ten Tall Boy, Arm Waving Sky Dancers that line the route from Artspace down into RAINBOW CITY. They organized the residents of Shreveport Common and members of the general public into Krewes to march in the parade that opened the installation, and to create parade swag to carry or wear giving each Krewe a unique look. Their hard work culminated with the exhibition day opening parade November 2nd.

    

There are so many ways you can enjoy Rainbow City. Keep an eye here for a continuously updated list of scheduled events!


Don't forget to check out the kid friendly and whimsical FriendsWithYou Exhibition at Artspace, too!


Need a fun idea for a birthday party?  Plan an Artspace FriendsWithYou Arty Party OR  a FriendsWithYou Party INSIDE Rainbow City Party!!! Rentals available for both venues for adults as well whether you need the space for a wedding/reception, a holiday office party or a shower!


Ongoing Rainbow City in Caddo Common Park -Open play hours:  11AM-6PM daily. Cleaning updates & private events may change open-play hours. VERIFY HERE



Tuesday's


Ongoing Free Healthy Recipe Tuesdays in Rainbow City - Healthy meal planning & recipe demo's on the big screen. Grab a healthy meal from the food trucks, take a walk around the park while you wait on your order & watch the demo's on the big screen!


Wednesday's


Ongoing Free Walking Wednesdays in Rainbow City -Stroll/walk while you wait on your healthy lunch from area food trucks OR participate in organized exercise programs


Thursday's


Ongoing FREE DRUM CIRCLE THURSDAYS WITH RON HARDY - drumming circle with Musician Ron Hardy. BYO Drum or  borrow one on hand!  Tweens/Teens & Up


11/28/19 SPORTS SPECTRUM TURKEY TROT in Rainbow City -  Race/Run or enjoy the park while watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the Big Screen!


Friday 's


11/08/19 Tipsey the Band in Rainbow City-Enjoy an evening out  & hear Artipsy the Band and dinner at one of the area food trucks while you enjoy the Arts Market & more!


11/15/19 PACE Rainbow Weekend with That Girl DJ -Enjoy an evening out dancing with That GIrl DJ & dinner at one of the area food trucks while you enjoy the Arts 

Market more!


11/22/19 The Interns in Rainbow City presented by White Claw Hard Seltzer -Enjoy an evening out with The Interns & dinner at one of the area food trucks while you 

enjoy the Arts Market & more!


11/29/19 Disco 3000 with Lomax presented by White Claw Hard Seltzer -Enjoy an evening out with Disco 3000 & Lomax & dinner at one of the area food 

trucks while you enjoy the Arts Market & more!


12/06/19 Space Kadet feat. Ryan Viser presented by White Claw -Enjoy an evening out at Friends Fest & dinner at one of the area food trucks while you enjoy the 

Arts Market & more!


Saturday's


Ongoing Saturday Workouts in Rainbow City


12/07/19 WHIMSICAL WAFFLES & WILLIAM JOYCE -Waffle Walk with NICHOLAS ST. NORTH! Munch Waffles, Bacon, and Bananas with Nicholas St. North from Bill 

Joyce's popular movie, “Rise of the Guardians!”  Photos & more!


Sunday's


Ongoing Free Yoga Sundays in Rainbow City -  Enjoy  free yoga classes in the park!


11/17/19 PACE Rainbow Brunch with Kristi Tift of Retro Downtown Cafe -PACE brings brunch served up by Kristi Tift of Retro Downtown Cafe.


11/24/19 PIZZA’S, PJ’S AND WILLIAM JOYCE -Let the Thanksgiving Holiday Week begin with Pizza & MOVIES on the big screen by Bill Joyce and FriendsWithYou!


12/08/19 Balderas Brunch In Rainbow City by Gabriel Balderas of Cabo Verde -Brunch is served up by Chef Gabriel Balderas of Cabo Verde.





 ***Get our FREE Macaroni Kid Shreveport-Bossier Area Calendar HERE***