Art

Ongoing-June 15: Enduring Concepts and Prints by Picasso, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Enduring Concepts explores recurring themes prevalent within its scope of Modern and Contemporary Louisiana, Southern, & American Art. The Timothy Collins Collection presents an important and insightful gathering of etchings, lithographs and linocuts by one of the great masters of the 20th century. This exhibition provides a unique window into a significant era in art history, and takes a serious and scholarly look at Picasso’s development and creative process, often not as accessible in his paintings. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 9: Creatives Round Table, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join us for the Creative Round Table! Being an artist can be isolating, but we can lift each other up! Do you want to learn about grants and artist calls? Talk about process? Maybe you want to learn how other artists market their art or ship their art? Well, come on! Let’s talk about it! No need to register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 11: Lithography Discussion with Brian Kelly, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. Join AMoA as we welcome Brian Kelly, UL-L Printmaking Professor, for a discussion of the history of Lithography here in Louisiana and the United States. Guest will see the materials used for Lithography and get a chance to see a selection of prints that are not on exhibition. Everyone is welcome to join the presentation. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 13: 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 20: Art for All-Monoprinting, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Participants will be inspired by the printmaking of Pablo Picasso and then learn several methods of monoprinting from AMoA educator, Cindy Blair. This workshop is open to all ages. Bring a friend. Bring family. Bring yourself! Space is limited. Register today! Cost: Free AMoA member group of up to 5; $20.00 non-member group of up to 5. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 20: Music in the Time of Picasso, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 3:30pm-4:30pm. Katrina L. Cox, M.M. will give a lecture about prominent composers and some of their works during the time period of Pablo Picasso’s most prolific artistic career, including Debussy, Stravinsky, Poulenc and Satie. She would include Picasso’s interest in music and poetry. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

May 7: 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 6: Charley Rivers with Avery Michaels, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Don’t miss an electrifying night of country music featuring talented country acts! Cost: $10.00 general admission; $18.00 table seats. Call: 800-946-1946.

April 12: Chase Tyler Band, Fifth Ward Community Center (152 Schoolhouse Road, Marksville), 8:00pm. Chase, along with his remarkable band of extraordinary musicians, plays a mix of Southern Rock, Country, Swamp Pop, and dance favorites. Call: 318-305-7793.

April 13: 38 Special with Lonestar Skynyrd and Cade Roth & the Blacksheep, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Legendary rock band 38 Special will make their first appearance ever at the Rapides Parish Coliseum joined by special guests Lone Star Skynyrd (the #1 Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band in the world) and Cade Roth & The Blacksheep! Cost: $44.00-$84.00. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.org

April 18: Chris Ardoin, Alexandria City Hall (915 3rd St, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Spring into AlexRiverFête on the steps of City Hall for a Downtown Party of music, dancing, and fun! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Rain site: Convention Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

April 20: Picasso’s Playlist, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 3:30pm-4:30pm. Dr. Katrina L. Cox will present an evening of jazz accompanied by Christina Mathis on piano in the Museum’s third floor gallery. Cox, a native of Laurel, Mississippi earned her B.M. degree at William Carey University in vocal performance, a Master of Music degree from the State University of New York-Binghamton, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. Katrina is an Assistant Professor of Music at William Carey University where she teaches voice-related studies and directs Carpenter’s Wood and Musical Theater. Cost: $16.00 AMoA members; $21.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Theatre

Ongoing-April 7: The Gods of Comedy, Richard Gwartney Theatre (8100 Highway 71, Alexandria). LSUA Empty Space Players presents Ken Ludwig’s, “The Gods of Comedy,” directed by Patrick Hunter. “The Gods of Comedy” is a laugh-out-loud, madcap adventure featuring a cast of seven LSUA students. The mythology of ancient Greece comes to life in “The Gods of Comedy,” a contemporary comedy infused with classic characters. When two young classics professors discover an ancient manuscript, their lives will be changed forever. When the manuscript goes missing, they must enlist the help of Dionysus and Thalia, who travel across thousands of years to help them find it. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 7:30pm; Sunday Matinee at 2:30pm. Cost: $10.00 general admission; LSUA Students (w/ ID) Free. Call: 318-473-6438. ticket-central.org

April 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6: Military Monday at the Movies, Grand Theatre Alexandria (2039 North Mall Drive, Alexandria). All military personnel and first responders can enjoy the ultimate movie experience at Santikos Entertainment for just $5.00. Along with $5.00 movie tickets, they’ll also have access to a $5.00 large drink and a $5.00 large popcorn, making their cinema experience even more enjoyable and unforgettable. Valid ID required. Cost: $5.00.

April 11-21: The Odd Couple, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Felix is fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as “The Odd Couple” is born. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12.00 seniors; $7.00 students; $5.00 Thursdays. cpptheatre.com

April 12-14: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, LSMSA Treen Auditorium (715 University Pkwy, Natchitoches). LSMSA’s Theatre Repertory Company, which presents a major production each semester, will present “SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical.” Show times are 7:00pm April 12th and 13th, and 2:00pm on April 14th. No advanced purchase required. Cost: $10.00 general admission; LSMSA/NSU students Free. lsmsa.edu

April 15: Hollow Tree Screening, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Hollow Tree follows three teenagers coming of age in their sinking homeland of Louisiana. For the first time, they notice the Mississippi River’s engineering, stumps of cypress trees, and billowing smokestacks. Their different perspectives—as Indigenous, white, and Angolan young women—shape their story of the climate crisis. Cost: $10.00 General Admission; Students Free. louisiana-arts.org

April 18-19: LSMSA Dance Recital, CPT Black Box Theater (715 University Parkway, Natchitoches), 7:00pm-8:30pm. The Center for Performance & Technology (or CPT) is located on the west side of the High School Building. lsmsa.edu

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 6 & May 4: 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.

April 6: Kent House Spring Herb Day Festival & Sale, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria), 8:00am-1:00pm. An amazing selection of quality herbs and bedding plants will be for sale with gardening experts on hand to help select the perfect plants for your yard or home.  Browse the wide assortment of local arts, crafts and food vendors as well as a gigantic indoor Yard Sale. Herb Day and the Yard Sale serve as fundraisers for programs at Kent Plantation House. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

April 6: Boom on Main, Downtown Many, 9:00am-3:00pm. In years past, Main Street in Many has been lined with vendors offering a variety of items  ranging from spring wreaths, yard flags, beautiful plants, as well as local artwork. With this year’s Events in Many Committee bringing local food trucks, sno-cones, lemonade, arts and crafts, woodworking, jewelry, planter boxes and more, it promises to be another colorful event. The first 100 children to arrive will have the opportunity to paint their own spring blooms with local artist Shanna Gaspard at no cost. Don’t miss this fun, family event! Cost: Free. Call: 318-256-5880.

April 6 & May 4: 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.

April 6: Intro to Judaism, the Jewish Temple (2021 Turner Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Have you ever wanted to know more about Judaism?  Are you in an Interfaith Relationship?  Do you have questions about what is happening in the Middle East?  Then, this class is for you. Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh will give a brief overview of Jewish beliefs, history, customs, holidays, life cycle events, and more. Please pre-register by emailing [email protected]. Cost: Free.

April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7: 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 10: 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 18-19 & 25-26: Save Cenla ASIST Training, 7:00am-4:30pm. Suicide and mental health issues are a growing concern, especially in these trying times. Suicide is preventable. Anyone can make a difference. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an evidence-based, two-day workshop in suicide prevention skills helps participants learn and practice a life-saving intervention model that is widely used by professionals and the general public. Open to ages 16+. Mental health professionals can receive 12 CEUs after taking this workshop for $60.00 through livingworks.net (a $300 value). April 18-19: Hardtner Medical Center, Olla; April 25-26: Louisiana Baptist Building, Alexandria. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/ASIST.

April 20: Sarto Old Iron Bridge & Big Bend Museum Spring Market, Adam Ponthieu Museum Complex (8554 Highway 451, Moreauville), 8:00am-3:00pm. Take the scenic drive along Highway 451 to enjoy a time capsule of old Americana. Call: 318-500-4036.

April 20: Earth Day Celebration, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 10:00am-3:00pm. Join in the Party for the Planet! Explore 10+ Community Exhibitors, Make an Earth Day craft, Explore Discovery Carts, and Attend Keeper Chats where you’ll meet the people who care for our zoo’s residents and discover more about our animals! Cost: Regular Zoo admission. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

April 24: OPH Opioid & Mental Health Symposium, LSUA Brumfield Caffey Ballroom (8100 Highway 71, Alexandria), 9:00am-4:00pm. Region 6 Office of Public Health and partners CLHSD and CLASS urge community members, mental health, and healthcare professionals to learn more about: education on the disease of addiction, youth mental health issues and solutions, programs across Region 6 that addresses mental health and prevention strategies, exploring collaborations in Cenla, harm reduction practices including NARCAN training and take-home NARCAN doses, and more! Cost: Free. http://tinyurl.com/3ecwbne9

April 25: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (501 Medical Center Dr, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. This two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13 and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts and grandmothers are welcome. The class will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Cost: $20.00 per family. Call: 318-769-3445.

April 25: 4th Annual Lobster Boil and Silent Auction, Lagniappe Theatre Company Events Center (7521 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The Family Justice Center’s 4th Annual Lobster Boil and Silent Auction features a delicious lobster meal, live music, silent and live auctions featuring dozens of local businesses. Cost: $50.00 per person. Call: 318-448-0884.

April 25: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Edward Gauthier is considered one of the leading experts in artificial intelligence in our state. He will speak on the benefits and detriments of AI in writing articles, books, plays, and poetry. This will be a don’t miss kind of meeting as he is not speaking anywhere else in North Louisiana but with us. Cost: Free.

April 26: Free Friday Night at T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd St, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Join in every 4th Friday of each month for a great time to “treat” friends and family to a night at the museum! Cost: Free. Call: 318-619-9394.

April 27: CleanAlex, Alexandria Citywide, 9:00am-2:00pm. Spring into action for CleanAlex, a citywide community cleanup effort. As part of “Love the Boot” week, individuals, civic groups, neighborhood organizations, faith-based groups, school groups, and more can team up to pick up litter in their own neighborhood or favorite spot around the city! Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

May 2-4: AlexRiverFête, Downtown Alexandria. AlexRiverFête 2024 kicks off at 5:00pm on Thursday, May 2nd with Dinner on the bricks. The Fete opens on Friday, May 3rd at 4:00pm and continues through Saturday, May 4th. The festival will feature live music, Art Fête, Indie Fête, Kids Fête, Beer Garden, Food Truck Alley, Que’In on the Red BBQ Competition and much more! Cost: Free. alexriverfete.com

May 3-4: 16th Annual Sale on the Trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas (Natchitoches to Nacogdoches). Locals and visitors may travel the trail over the two days for hot sales and deals, food, vegetables, plants, flowers, art, antiques, and homemade, unique treasures. Along the trail, vendors will offer new and used items. Churches, civic groups, families, retail stores, and craftsmen along Louisiana Highway 6 and Texas Highway 21 are encouraged to have sidewalk and roadside sales, as well as garage and yard sales. Cost: Free. toledobendlakecountry.com/sale-trail

Sports

April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Chill out every Tuesday with yoga classes taught by Learn with Laci. Registration is no longer required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 12: Home Builders Association of Cenla 2024 Annual Golf Tournament, Oakwing Golf Club (2345 Vandenburg Drive, Alexandria), 7:30am. The day starts with registration and a light breakfast, followed by an 8:00am shotgun start. Lunch and awards will begin at noon. Course games, Longest drive, Hole in one, & more! Mulligan balls available for $100 for use once per fairway! That’s 18 mulligans for one price. Just don’t lose the ball! Cost: $450 per team of 4. HBAofCenla.org

 April 12: Relay for Life, Downtown Alexandria, 6:00pm. The theme is the 1980s – “Cancer: Let’s Beat It,” and ‘80s party band The Molly Ringwalds are scheduled to perform. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. acsevents.org

April 13: 5th Annual fundraising Bass Tournament, Spring Bayou Boggy Bayou Landing (398 Spring Bayou Boat Ramp Road), 4:00am. A few rules and options are:  5 fish limit (12” minimum), Big Bass (Optional $10.00 per boat), 100% payback on Big Bass participants. Weigh-in is at 2:00pm, prizes awarded as follows:  1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, and a $100 prize going for Biggest Trash Fish. Hamburgers, chips, and drinks will be sold along with must be present raffle tickets for same day prize drawing. Cost: $90.00 per boat. Call: 318-359-2406.

April 13: Fly Fishing 101, LDWF Booker-Fowler Hatchery (10 Joan Stokes Road, Forest Hill), 8:30am-12:30pm. The Kisatchie Fly Fishers will once again hold its “Fly Fishing 101” clinic featuring sessions covering: equipment, casting, knots and leaders.  Refreshments and handouts are provided. Pre-registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 337-531-2275. kisatchiefly.org

April 19: 16th Annual Rotary Club of Avoyelles Scholarship Scramble, Tamahka Trails Golf Course (222 Slim Lemoine Road, Marksville), 1:00pm. The Margaret Plauche Memorial Scholarship annual fundraiser provides scholarships to seniors who meet the criteria for award to further their education. www.app.eventcaddy.com/events

April 20: Rosia’s Walk & Health Fair, Frank O. Hunter Park (2399 Willow Glen River Road, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. The Sickle Cell Anemia Resource Foundation (SCARF), is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals and families with sickle cell anemia. SCARF will hold its 2nd Annual Rosia’s Walk & Health Fair, designed to unite together our community to support those living with sickle cell anemia. Cost: $25.00 adults; $15.00 children. Call: 318-314-3070. https://givebutter.com/NVSuz5

April 26: 13th Annual LSUA Golf Tournament, Links on the Bayou (271 Vandenburg Dr, Alexandria), 12:00pm. This is always a fun day with friends and food while raising money for our Generals Athletic Association to support our student athletes. Teams of 4 compete in a shotgun start format. Cost: $400 per team. lsua.edu

April 26-28: Paragon Invitational Golf Tournament, Tamahka Trails Golf Course (222 Slim Lemoine Road, Marksville). The Annual Scramble & Skills Contests participants will receive a Deluxe Goody Bag! The Welcome Reception at Club MeZazz is Friday, April 26th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Saturday’s events begin with 8:30am registration, 9:30am putting contest, followed by a Par 3, 9-Hole tournament and ending with a Topgolf Party and Closest to the Pin Contest in The Draft Room from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Scramble Tournament will begin at 9:00am on Sunday, participants must be registered by 8:30am to participate. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday! Call: 318-240-6305.

May 4: 2024 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Lake Buhlow in Pineville, 8:00am. The Alexandria Museum of Art is set to unleash the Dragons! Teams of 16 paddlers, with a minimum of 6 female paddlers in the boat at all times, plus 1 drummer 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! Call: 318-443-3458. LouisianaDragonBoatRaces.com

May 4: 15th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Urban Trail Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, Forts Buhlow and Randolph State Historic Site (135 Riverfront Street, Pineville), 8:00am. Join in for a 5K Urban Trail Run and 1 Mile Fun Run at Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site! Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Register at runsignup.com or active.com.  Registration packets are available at Lagniappe Homecare Friday, May 3rd or on site the day of the race. Cost: $20.00 until May 2nd; $30.00 race day. Call: 318-628-4116 or 318-442-9552.

*All events subject to change.