Art

Ongoing-June 18: Environmental Impact II, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Environmental Impact is a traveling exhibition that shares the work of leading contemporary artists who choose to focus on global and local environmental issues; and to heighten public awareness through the power of art. The exhibit includes 75 paintings, photographs, prints, installations, and sculptures. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 8: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Enjoy the Alexandria Museum of Art without admission charge on the second Saturday of the month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 8: Three From Shreveport Opening Reception, Gallery One E111even (111 Third Street, Leesville), 6:00pm. Uriah Oxford, Michael Miller and Lauren Ross Simmons will display their large, colorful abstract works in the gallery in the Leesville Historic District. The exhibit will remain on display Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through April 22nd. Call: 337-208-1762.

April 13: 9th Annual Dirty South Cup Competition, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St., Alexandria), 5:00pm-7:00pm. Join River Oaks for an opening reception for the Dirty South Cup Competition and other exhibited works by Sylvia Kerry, Dirty South Guest Juror Gwendolyn Yoppolo, and Friends of the Juror featured in the River Oaks Square Arts Center galleries. The exhibit will run through May 27th. Cost: Free. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

April 15: The Muse—Upcycled Sculpture, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Teens will create mixed media art pieces inspired by work in the Environmental Impact exhibition. Open to ages 13-19. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 20: Community Luminary Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. AMoA will be shining during the River Fete Illuminated Procession! Join in this Community Luminary Workshop to make your own luminary and join the procession! Everyone is welcome. This year, participants will be creating lovely luminaries from recycled items in the spirit of AMoA’s ongoing Environmental Impact II Exhibition. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 21-30: 55th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, First United Methodist Church-Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. The ten-day Festival begins with an Opening Reception on April 21st at 6:00pm. The competitive exhibit showcases 73 works by regional artists. The 2023 Juror is Juror Philip R. Jackson. A special exhibit, In Memoriam, features a collection of works by Henry Blount and Joseph Appalucci. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696. www.fumca.org/artsfestival

April 22: Art for All—Upcycled Animals, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Inspired by the Environmental Impact exhibition on view at AMoA through June 2023, museum educator, Cindy Blair will guide participants as they learn how to create fanciful creatures from recycled items. This workshop is open to makers of all ages. You can bring a friend, family members or enjoy the class yourself. Cost: AMoA member Free; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

May 2: Creativity Launch Pad—Figure Drawing, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Launch your creativity in this on-going adult (21+) art education series for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment in which to learn, receive instruction, experiment with mediums with other adults. Launch Pad classes offer a rotation of mediums to provide a well-rounded art experience, designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students. All supplies are included. Classes meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Cost: $10.00 AMoA Members; $20.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

April 8: A Time to Dance String Concert, Fox Theatre (111 S. Washington Street, Marksville), 3:00pm. The Fox Theatre and The Avoyelles Arts Council are partnering to bring the Brigham Young University-Idaho Symphony Orchestra to our community in concert. Complementary tickets are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-253-8105. marksvillefox.com

April 13: Downtown Rocks, Alexandria City Hall (915 3rd St, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Spring into AlexRiverFête at Downtown Rocks with live music by Wayne Toups. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Cost: Free.

April 21: A Night of Refreshing with Southbound, Guinn Auditorium (1040 College Drive, Pineville), 7:00pm. Grammy-nominated group Southbound is composed of talented and seasoned gospel musicians, including Clint Brown, Jody Braselton, and Seth Elbe. Each member of the group brings a unique and dynamic sound to their music, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend their performances. Cost: $15.00 General admission; $25.00 VIP admission. southboundtickets.com

April 28: Jazz on Jackson, First United Methodist Church-Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. This popular alfresco concert for the entire family is part of the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival and features live music from Asaph Project in the Courtyard at First United Methodist Church. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696. www.fumca.org/artsfestival

April 29: Pops on the River, Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater, 7:30pm. The 2023 Pops concert will feature a mix of popular tunes, movie music, Broadway medleys, and light classics. Joining the Symphony will be two outstanding vocalists, both professors at nearby universities—Enrico Cannella from Louisiana Christian University and Nancy Carey from UL-Monroe. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

May 2: Chanticleer Presents “Labyrinths”, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Grammy-award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will sing a meditative and sometimes even healing program entitled “Labyrinths”. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Underwritten by a generous grant from The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845. stjamesla.org

May 4: Whiskey Meyers 2023 Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers have played more than 3,000 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. The band is known for their high-energy live show and unique sound. Cost: $25.00+. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.com

Theatre

Ongoing-April 9: POA Presents “Messiah”, Pentecostals of Alexandria (2817 Rapides Avenue, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The POA presents the Easter production that has captured hearts for decades. Performances will begin nightly Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30pm, including Easter Sunday. Cost: $15.00-$30.00. Call: 318-427-6639 or 318-427-6631. Messiahtickets.com

April 14-16: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Bolton High School (2101 Vance Ave., Alexandria). Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Directed by Bolton High School seniors! Performances begin Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Cost: $15.00. boltonconservatory.com

April 14-16: The Revolutionists, Richard Gwartney Theatre (8100 Highway 71, Alexandria).  Four beautiful women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. The play contains mature language and is intended for audiences aged 13 and up. Performances begin nightly at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday; Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Cost: $10.00 General admission; $5.00 Students/Seniors; LSUA Students (w/ ID) Free. ticket-central.org

April 20: I (Still) Want My MTV, LSUA Mulder Hall Room 145 (8100 Highway 71, Alexandria), 3:00pm-4:00pm. Three LSUA professors dress up in 80s outfits and share their different takes on 40 years of evolution in youth culture and entertainment technology. Cost: Free. lsua.edu

April 22: 2023 Spectral Sisters Ten-Minute Play Festival Announcement, 402 Hillcrest Drive, Alexandria, 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Come join the excitement as the 2023 lineup will be announced. Production of the 2023 SSP Ten-Minute Play Festival will take place from June 22nd to 25th in the Kress Theatre in the Rapides Foundation Building Cost: Free.

Events

Ongoing-April: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church (1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria), 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5: Live Auction, Auction Barn at the Trotter Center (1634 Military Highway, Pineville), 6:30pm. Join in the excitement of live auctions every Friday night! Proxy bids are welcome. Call Earl Hayes: 318-730-8676.

April 8: Second Saturday Market, Huckleberry Brewing Company (4724 Sterkx Road, Alexandria), 1:00pm.  On the second Saturday of each month, Huckleberry Brewing Company will be hosting a vendors market on the Huckleberry grounds! Come check out some awesome local vendors at the Second Saturday Market! If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or through Facebook messenger!

April 10: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 8:30am-4:00pm. This is a class designed to teach boys and girls, aged 11-14 years old, how to be safe babysitters. It is a fun way for babysitters to learn important topics such as how to handle emergencies, how to entertain kids, CPR/choking rescue for children and infants, basic child care skills, babysitting business skills, and how to keep themselves safe while babysitting. Please pre-register. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-469-4440.

April 11, 18, 24 & May 2: Alexandria Farmer’s Market, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:00pm. The Alexandria Farmers Market is a weekly gathering that connects the community of Alexandria with the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural artisans of Central Louisiana. This connection strives to improve the physical, social, and economic well-being of the region by providing access to fresh, healthy, local food for residents, fostering community relationships, and serving as a business incubator for growers and producers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-441-3407.

April 12: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center Main Entrance (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

April 14: Cavanaugh Lecture Series, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Former Louisiana Poet Laureate Julie Kane will read from her published works. Cost: Free. lsua.edu

April 15: Titanic Tea Party, Hotel Bentley Ballroom (200 DeSoto Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm. Put on your best vintage or modern dress for afternoon tea, served promptly at two. Seating is limited; reservations are required. All proceeds benefit the Louisiana History Museum Restoration Fund. Cost: $30.00. Call: 318-769-2216.

April 15: Poetry Workshop, Rapides Main Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Former Louisiana Poet Laureate Julie Kane will present a poetry workshop. Space is limited; please RSVP. Cost: Free. Contact: [email protected]. lsua.edu

April 17: Holocaust Memorial Event, Alexandria Holocaust Memorial (Fourth and Elliott Streets, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The program features musical selections, presentations by community leaders, and will immediately be followed by a keynote presentation by Ira Forman, former U.S. State Department Envoy to Combat and Monitor Anti-Semitism and Senior Fellow on Anti-Semitism at the Center for Jewish Civilization.  Mr. Forman will speak on “The How and Why Behind the Resurgence of Anti-Semitism 80 Years after the Holocaust” at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Cost: Free.

April 19: RRMC Blood Drive, RRMC South Tower Lobby (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-6:00pm. LifeShare Blood Center will be on hand to receive donations. Cost: Free.

April 20: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (501 Medical Center Dr, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. This is a class just for girls. It is geared towards opening conversations between Moms and Daughters about female development from a female’s point of view. Topics addressed include breast development, hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, hygiene, feminine products, exercise, emotional changes, etc. This is not a sexual education class, but more of a fun, educational session on female development during puberty. Grandmothers and Aunts welcome, too! Please pre-register. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-769-4440.

April 22: South Alexandria Revitalization Organization Clean-Up Event, Antioch Baptist Church (2308 Houston St, Alexandria), 8:00am. Teams will fan out across the city in assigned areas to clear litter. The day culminates with a delicious meal for volunteers and shared fellowship celebrating a job well done. Cost: Free.

April 22: Earth Day, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 10:00am-3:00pm. Engage with local organizations to learn fun, simple ways we can protect our planet at interactive booths with activities, games, and giveaways. Keeper chats include: 11:00am Cotton-top tamarin; 12:30pm Jaguar; 1:00pm Clouded leopard; 2:00 Black bear. All Earth Day activities are included with regular admission. thealexandriazoo.com

April 24: Diabetes Management Class, HP Long Clinic (213 Hospital Blvd, Pineville), 9:00am-11:00am. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore, no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease.  The course is taught by a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

April 27: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Captain Richard Moran, Curator of the Military Museum at Camp Beauregard will be the featured speaker. Cost: Free.

April 28: Wild Brew at the Zoo, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 6:00pm-9:00pm. Tap into your wild side during a grown-up night for Wild Brew at the Zoo! Sample craft brews, wine and more while feasting on flavors from local restaurants and caterers. Atlanta based duo Andrea & Mud will be live on stage bringing an exciting and invigorating experience through a blend of 60’s style music branded as Surf-Western. Admission includes drink samples, a free drink, and a food item. Guests must be at least 21 years old with a valid photo ID. Guests under 21 or without a valid photo ID will not be permitted to enter. Cheers! Cost: $45.00 (thru April 21st); $45.00 (after April 21st). thealexandriazoo.com

April 29: Magical Market, Fighting Hand Brewing Company (1600 Military Highway, Pineville), 5:00pm-9:00pm. Magical Market is Cenla’s fastest growing community vendor event. Established in 2020 with the vision of bringing local artists, crafters, and fellow visionaries together in unity, Magical Market celebrates turning the mundane into magic through the beauty of unique creations. Find Magical Market on Facebook @magicalmarketlouisiana. Must be 21+. Cost: Free.

May 4-6: AlexRiverFête 2023, Downtown Alexandria. Ready. Set. Fête. Alexandria’s premier downtown event includes the return of the popular Que’In on the Red BBQ Competition, ArtFête, IndieFête, Fête Stage featuring live music and performances, delicious food and drinks, vendors and more! Find the Fête on Facebook and Instagram @OfficialAlexFete and on Twitter @RealAlexFete. Cost: Free. AlexRiverFete.com

May 5-6: Mayfest 2023, Historic Downtown Leesville (3rd Street, Leesville). Mayfest, winner of the Louey Award for Festival of the Year, features live music, food & fun! Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the courthouse lawn for two free days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer home-made items and food made from scratch. Cost: Free. LegendCountry.com/Mayfest

May 6: Experimental Aircraft Association 1st Saturday Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport (200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville), 7:30am-10:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, milk, orange juice, and more! Anyone interested in aviation and general cordial chatter with lakeside ambience is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $10.00 Donation.

May 6: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers First Saturday Gathering, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 9:00am-12:30pm. A delicious day with Dutch oven cooking enthusiasts. There is no charge for food, however, donations are accepted. Regular park admission applies. Call: 318-625-1762.

Sports

April 11, 18, 24 & May 2: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Classes taught by Learn with Laci. Register online by selecting the class you would like to attend. Out of courtesy for our class waiting list, please cancel at least two hours prior to class start time. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 13-15: Bassmaster Open Series, Cypress Bend Park (3462 Cypress Bend Drive, Many). The event is planned with the entire family in mind. The public is invited to come out and watch the pros cast off at 6:45am and weigh in at 2:45pm each day. There will be vendors with fair-styled funnel cakes and lemonade, sno-cone stands, and delicious food trucks so no one goes hungry. The Sabine River Authority (SRA) of Louisiana is making this fun, family event free to the public. Cost: Free. Call: 318-256-5880.

April 28: 12th Annual LSUA Golf Scramble, Links on the Bayou (271 Vandenburg Dr, Alexandria), 11:45am. Support the athletes of LSUA and the Generals Athletic Association while having a great time out on the links. Lunch is included before the 1:00pm shotgun start. Cost: $400 (team of 4). Call: 801-520-5742. lsuagenerals.com

April 28: Relay for Life of Cenla, Buhlow Lake (Pineville), 5:00pm. The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up to make a difference. Light up our community and honor every life touched by cancer. Dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Call: 337-519-2395.

April 29: Rosia’s Run & Walk, Frank O. Hunter Park (2399 Willow Glen Road, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Come and help support resources and research for sickle cell disease right here in Cenla. Sponsored by Sickle Cell Anemia Resource Foundation. Call: 318-314-3070. scarfcenla.org

May 6: 2023 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Lake Buhlow in Pineville, 8:00am. For the 11th year, the Alexandria Museum of Art will unleash the Dragons! Teams will compete in three heats for the final awards. But that’s not all! The competition also includes Spirit Awards for Best Dressed Drummer, Best Team Spirit, and Best Tent Area, so bring your A-game and prepare to dominate! 16 paddlers and one drummer form a team—at least six paddlers must be women. Cost: $2,100. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

*All events subject to change.