Food lovers, music fans, and families looking for a full day of fun will soon have something to circle on the calendar. The Catfish & Mudbug Festival is set to take over downtown Texarkana on Saturday, April 18, bringing Cajun cooking, live music, and plenty of Southern flavor to Front Street Plaza.
The event will run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 400 E. Front Street and is free to the public, making it an easy outing for families, friends, coworkers, and community groups.
Organizers say the festival will feature live music performances throughout the day, along with food vendors serving up crowd favorites including seafood boils, fried catfish, and Cajun-inspired dishes.
One of the highlights of the event will be a live cooking demonstration from “Cooking with Cajun,” where festival-goers can watch Cajun-style cooking in action. “Cooking with Cajun“ is a rising social media influencer and outdoor chef who has gained a massive following for his rugged, open-fire cooking and “back-to-basics” lifestyle. While often compared to other Cajun creators like Stalekracker, he focuses more on the intersection of Cajun culture and off-grid homesteading.
Attendees will also get the chance to see local culinary pride on display during the Best Catfish Contest, where cooks will compete for bragging rights and the top prize.
Beyond the food and music, organizers are encouraging people to bring lawn chairs and settle in for a relaxed day of entertainment and community gathering in the heart of downtown.
The festival is designed to bring energy and activity to the downtown district while giving residents and visitors a chance to experience great food, live entertainment, and local culture.
Event organizers say the goal is simple: pack Front Street and celebrate Texarkana together.
More information about the festival can be found at FrontStreetTXK.org or on social media at FrontStreetTXK Foodie & Events.
The 2026 Catfish & Mudbug Festival promises a full day of music, food, and fun — and organizers say it’s an event the community won’t want to miss.
