Art

Ongoing-June 21: George Rodrigue—The River is the Road, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Culminating its traveling schedule in Alexandria, this exhibit is the first of its kind and traces 45 years of the river in George Rodrigue’s paintings, exploring the unique ways Rodrigue used the river as a reference to his Cajun heritage, and ultimately as a metaphor for the journey of life. The exhibition, organized by the Life & Legacy Foundation, includes 45 original artworks, including paintings, pastels, and sculptures from the private collection of Wendy Rodrigue, the George Godfrey Rodrigue, Jr. Family Trust, and selected works borrowed from collectors–including AMoA’s “Steamboat”. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 12 & May 10: 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 12: The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm & 4:00pm. Red River Dance Theatre Company & Alexandria Museum of Art present “The Tales of Beatrix Potter Composition” by John Lanchbery in the third-floor gallery. Reserved seating is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 8: Creative 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

May 2: 57th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival Opening Reception, First United Methodist Church Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The ten-day festival showcases more than 60 works by regional artists. Juror Lily Brooks will present the merit awards and deliver a gallery talk during the reception. Art exhibits will be open daily from May 2nd to 10th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and on May 11th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Cost: Free.

Music

April 10: Downtown Rocks with Kelli Roberts Band, Alexandria City Hall (915 Third Street, Alexandria), 5:00pm. Rock, soul & country vibes are coming your way with the Kelli Roberts Band! Get ready for powerhouse vocals, killer guitar solos, and an all-around good time on the steps of City Hall. Food and drinks available for purchase. Assemble your concert-loving crew and meet downtown! Cost: Free.

April 12: Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin’ Cajuns, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 9:00pm.0From their humble beginnings in 2000, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns have become one of south Louisiana’s most popular musical acts, having been awarded the Times of Acadiana’s Best Cajun Bandan incredible 16 years in a row. paragoncasinoresort.com

April 17: Downtown Rocks with Steps Rideau, Alexandria City Hall (915 Third Street, Alexandria), 5:00pm. Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws are bringing their signature sound to the Downtown Rocks stage for a night of accordion-fueled fun. Food and drinks available for purchase. Assemble your concert-loving crew and meet downtown! Cost: Free.

April 19: Silk and Christopher Williams, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Christopher Lawrence Williams was born on August 22, 1967, and is an American singer and actor.  Williams, who emerged during the late 1980s as a recording artist for Geffen Records has scored may R&B hit singles, notably “Talk to Myself”, “I’m Dreamin”, and “Every Little Thing U Do” in 1993. paragoncasinoresort.com

April 26: RSO Presents the Music of Elton John & Billy Joel, Red River Bank (1412 Centre Court, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra presents the Music of Elton John & Billy Joel performed by the touring company Jeans ‘n Classics playing iconic hits like “Piano Man”, “Philadelphia Freedom”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Big Shot”, and more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-9709.

April 27: Fresh Fest Music Festival, Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Central Louisiana’s first indoor music festival will feature Live music from top-tier regional and local artists, Family-friendly vibes and fun for all ages, food, vendors, and an electric atmosphere! This is more than a concert—it’s a movement! Cost: Donation.

May 6: Riverwinds Trio Concert, Rapides Parish Public Library Westside Branch (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The Riverwinds Trio will perform a recital of enchanting chamber music composed or arranged for flute, oboe, and piano. The program will include the “Concerto for Oboe and Flute in G Minor” by Johann David Heinichen, “Menuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits” from Orfeo ed Euridice by Christoph Willibald Gluck, “Trio-sérénade” by Anselm Vinée, “Deux Interludes” by Jacques Ibert, and “Miniatures” by William Grant Still. Cost: Free. Email: [email protected]. Facebook.com/RiverwindsTrio

May 9: Jazz on Jackson, First United Methodist Church Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. Modern Jazz Movement will perform as part of the 57th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Cost: Free.

Theatre

Ongoing-April 13: Four Old Broads on the High Seas, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). All aboard for another round of laughter! City Park Players presents Leslie Kimbell’s “Four Old Broads on the High Seas,” directed by Jim Leggett and Michael Dalme. The sassy seniors you loved in “Four Old Broads” are back—this time, they’re hitting the high seas for a cruise full of chaos, comedy, and a little intrigue! Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors; $7:00 Students; $5.00 Thursdays. cpptheatre.com

April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5: 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 14: Kim’s Video Screening, Kress Theatre (1202 Third Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Physical media reigns supreme in Kim’s Video, an elegiac tribute to the iconic video store in New York City that inspired a generation of cinephiles before it mysteriously closed its doors and sent its legendary film archive to a small and slightly dubious Sicilian village for “safekeeping.” But what starts as an homage to cinema quickly becomes a rescue mission to ensure the eternal preservation of the beloved video collection. Cost: $10.00 Adults; Students Free. louisiana-arts.org

April 16: Pedal Punk, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Cirque Mechanics’ Pedal Punk will give audiences of all ages a “steampunk” inspired acrobatic experience of excitement, artistry, and thrills. Cirque Mechanics, inspired by modern circus, finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. Enter the world of Pedal Punk, a Steampunk inspired place where cycling is the way to escape the technology obsessed society. In the Pedal Punk theater show audiences experience the excitement, artistry and thrill that occurs when a wacky bike shop mechanic interacts with cyclists and bikes. He repairs more than broken pieces. He creates wondrous machines and inspires the cyclist in all of us to become a Pedal Punk. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $20.00 ACCL members/Military/Seniors; $10.00 Children. louisiana-arts.org

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 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6: 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 9: LSU AgCenter Hibiscus Roselle Presentation, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 1:00pm-3:30pm. Join us for a presentation by Molly Lyles from the LSU AgCenter on Hibiscus Roselles! Learn about this fascinating plant and take home your own to grow. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

April 9: 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 10-13: 17th Anniversary Louisiana Country and Ballroom Dancing Hayride, Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria (704 Fourth Street, Alexandria). The Louisiana Country & Ballroom Dance Hayride is a fully sanctioned qualifying tradition on the American Country Dance Association Circuit since 2008. The full slate of competitive dances features country and ballroom dancers. The Hayride includes a social dance party on Thursday; Friday night Crawfish Boil; Saturday Variety Show and more! Call: 318-447-7459. louisianacountrydancehayride.com

April 10: I Heart RPL Community Heart Unveiling, Rapides Main Library (411 Washington Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:00am. Libraries are the hearts of their communities, and we are in the heart of Louisiana! What better way to celebrate National Library Week than with the unveiling of our community heart created in cooperation with Explore Alexandria/Pineville and designed by local artist Gavin Bridges. Join us for the unveiling, photo opportunities, and light refreshments. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

April 10: Easter Party at McDonald, J.W. McDonald Branch (1075 Hwy 497, Glenmora), 3:30pm-4:30pm. It’s Easter time and what better way to celebrate than a party! Children, join us as we play games, have food, and crafts. We’ll even have a visit from the Easter Bunny! Seating is limited. Registrations are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

April 11: LOPA Butterfly Release, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital (501 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria), 1:30pm.  The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and Rapides Regional Medical Center invite you to attend The Gift of Life Service and Butterfly Release outside the Scott Street entrance to honor organ donor silent heroes and their families for sharing the gift of life. Cost: Free.

April 12: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Avenue, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. Kids aged 2 and up will enjoy face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games, prizes, and breakfast! The menu includes pancakes, sausage, and milk. Cost: $10.00. 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

April 12: Community Easter Egg Hunt, Glenmora Ball (Optimist) Field (1000 Turkey Creek Rd, Glenmora), 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us in our first Community Easter Egg Hunt. This is a great family activity to do with your loved ones. There will be face painting, crafts, and more. We look forward to a fun filled time with everyone. The Town of Glenmora, Police Department, Business owners, and Fire Department, and Glenmora Friends of the Library will be there as well. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

April 12 & May 10: AMoA Knitting Circle, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Anyone can come and knit in the galleries. Open to all ages. Just getting started? AMoA has limited materials to get you started. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 16: LSU AgCenter Lawncare Workshop, Rapides Parish Extension Office (300 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Workshop highlights include an Irrigation Audit, where attendees will learn how to evaluate your irrigation system for optimal performance; Sprayer & Spreader Calibration to ensure your equipment is working efficiently; and Mower Maintenance to discover the best practices for keeping your mower in top shape. Call: 318-767-3964.

April 16: New Foster Parent Orientation, Fostering Community (3336 Prescott Road, Alexandria), 12:00pm-1:00pm. Join Fostering Community for a one-hour lunch to learn about the rewarding journey of becoming a foster parent. This session is designed for anyone considering fostering, with insights into the process, support systems, and the impact you can have on a child’s life. Lunch is provided. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. fosteringcommunity.org

April 19: Randolph Easter Fest, Fort Randolph (135 Riverfront Road, Pineville), 11:00am-3:00pm. Spring is in the air, and Pineville is buzzing with excitement! Get ready to celebrate the season with a day packed with family fun, delicious food, egg-citing activities, and beautiful plants! This isn’t your average Easter egg hunt! We’ve crafted a day that promises something for everyone, from the tiniest bunnies to the grown-up hares, all within the historic setting of Fort Randolph. Featuring Timed Easter Egg Hunts, Golden Egg Quest, Potato Sack Races, Inflatable Jumpers, Vendor Village, Food Truck Fiesta, Master Gardener Salle and more! Cost: Free.

April 22: Books & Bites!, Boyce Branch Library (1177 Haywood B. Joiner St., Boyce), 10:00am-12:00pm. Join us monthly for Books & Bites, a fun cooking demonstration where you’ll learn new recipes, enjoy tasty samples, and discover cookbooks from our collection. Each session features a recipe inspired by books, regional flavors, or seasonal ingredients. Open to all skill levels. Come hungry and leave with a new favorite recipe! Spaces are limited, so be sure to register in advance. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-5954. www.rpl.org

April 23: Seeds 4 Trees, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am-12:00pm. Kids need trees! Our seed guide, Lisa Delaney, will guide the children through the entire planting and growing process of tree seeds. The ultimate goal is for children to grasp the significance of planting tree seeds for the well-being of our planet. “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”-Chinese proverb. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

April 24: Family STEM Night, Robertson Branch Library (809 Tioga High School Road, Ball), 5:30pm-7:30pm. Join us for an exciting and hands-on Family STEM Night at the library! This interactive event is designed for families to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through a fun and creative build challenge. Participants of all ages will use common household objects to design and build a unique structure, contraption, or invention, testing their problem-solving skills and imagination. After the build challenge, families can pizza and drinks. Please RSVP in advance as spaces are limited. Don’t miss out on this creative and educational evening of fun at the library! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

April 24: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Cenla Authors’ Club is open to authors and writers of all levels and genres, and anyone interested in learning more about the book-writing process, even if you haven’t written your first word (yet!). This month’s speaker will be Dr. John Doucet. Dr. Doucet is one of the top educators in the state. He is a genetics professor and Dean of Sciences and Technology at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He is also a technical writer and educator, having created scientific writing courses for undergraduates and graduates, as well as a creative writer. His major area of interest is genetic anthropology and genomic bases of genetic traits in Louisiana populations, particularly the Acadian, which is his ancestry. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483.

April 25: 2nd Annual Bolton High School Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony, Lagniappe Theatre Event Center (7521 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The Bolton High School Alumni will honor five accomplished inductees: Scott O. Brame, W.E. “Ted” Pate, Robert G. Ryder, Foster Walker III, and James A. “Jeems” White III, MD. Cost: $50.00. BoltonAlumni.org/WinFame

April 26: Earth Day, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 10:00am-3:00pm. Let’s team up to protect our planet! Discover the amazing world of wildlife and learn how you can be a superhero for the planet. Engage with local organizations sharing their conservation passion through activities, crafts, and demonstrations. Dress up as your favorite super hero. Visit the “Guardian of the Planet” recruitment station. Stop by the education discovery cart and enjoy keeper chats scheduled throughout the day. Cost: Regular admission; FOTAZ Members Free. thealexandriazoo.com

April 26: Live Gator Feeding Show, Paragon Casino Resort Hotel Atrium (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 4:00pm. Join the crowd in the hotel lobby on the last Saturday of each month for a live alligator feeding show. Bring the children for photos with a baby gator after the show. You will also hear traditional songs and stories of south Louisiana’s flora and fauna performed by Tunica-Biloxi tribal members Donna Pierite and family. Cost: Free.

April 27: Central Louisiana Orchid Society Monthly Meeting, St. James Episcopal Church EYC Building (1546 Albert Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. Learn everything you need to know about orchids and how to grow them. Get hands on help with your plants! There is a monthly plant raffle, blooming orchid entry for Show and Tell plus refreshments. In addition, there are opportunities to attend American Orchid Society shows/sales throughout the year.

April 28: Community Holocaust Remembrance Service, Downtown Alexandria Holocaust Memorial, 6:00pm. Participating in the service will be Dr. Chris Thacker, Senior Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church; Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh, Rabbi at Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim; Mayor Jacques Roy; Jeffrey Nolen, pianist/organist at Emmanuel; the ASH Highs and Lows under the direction of Naomi Baker; the Pineville High Chamber Choir under the direction of Adrienne Perkins; and members of the Jewish community.  Our esteemed guest speaker is Michael Berenbaum.  Cost: Free.

May 1-3: AlexRiverFête, Downtown Alexandria. AlexRiverFête 2025 kicks off at 5:00pm on Thursday, May 1st with Dinner on the bricks. The Fete opens on Friday, May 2nd at 4:00pm and continues through Saturday, May 3rd. The festival will feature live music by Con Fun Shun, The Main Squeeze, Rebirth Brass Band, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience; Louisiana Dragon Boat Races; Art Fête; Indie Fête; Kids Fête; Classic Car Fête; Beer Garden; Food Truck Alley; Que’In on the Red BBQ Competition and much more! Cost: Free. alexriverfete.com

May 3: 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 3: 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.

May 3: Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 6:30pm-9:30pm. This year’s fundraiser embraces a festive “Derby Days” theme, encouraging guests to don their best Kentucky Derby attire. Conveniently coinciding with AlexRiverFete, attendees can easily enjoy both events, sampling dishes and drinks crafted by teams of local chefs and mixologists. Cost: $70.00. Call: 318-473-2670. RiverOaksArtsCenter.com

May 10: Mental Health & Wellness Festival, Pineville Riverfront, 9:00am-1:00pm. Join Six Feet Above on the Pineville Riverfront for our Third Annual Mental Health and Wellness Festival! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This fun family event is dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and providing a safe space to access resources and learn the important of self-care and self-awareness. Events include yoga, food trucks, music, inflatables, chair massages, craft tables, vendors and over 20 mental health resources from across the state. The day will culminate with a half mile community unity mental health walk at noon. Cost: Free.

Sports

April 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6: 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 not required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

April 19: Lauren Vaughn Memorial 5K Run/Walk (LV5K), Alexandria Senior High (800 Olla Street, Alexandria), 8:00am. LV5K is a family-friendly event to remember and honor the life of Lauren Vaughn and her commitment to the field of medicine hosted by The Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation. Lace up your running shoes, grab your strollers, wagons, and lawn chairs, and join us as we celebrate Lauren, raise awareness, and have a little fun. The money raised will go towards the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship at NSU for the Accelerated BS to BSN Program to benefit future nurses and raise awareness of drunk and impaired driving. Cost: $25.00. lv5k.com

April 25: 14th Annual LSUA Golf Tournament, Links on the Bayou (271 Vandenburg Dr, Alexandria), 1:00pm. 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. Call: 318-473-6571. lsuagenerals.com/gaagolf

April 26: 3rd Annual Rosia Walk and Health Fair, Frank O Hunter Park (2399 Willow Glen Rd, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join us. Whether you walk, volunteer, or come to show your support, your involvement will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with sickle cell anemia. During the event, participants can visit several vendors on site, donate blood and learn your blood type from the LifeShare Blood Center, enjoy music, food, ice cream from Red River Bank, Kona Ice, networking, and more. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $15.00 Children. Call: 318-314-3070. scarfcenla.org

May 3: 2025 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

 *All events subject to change.