Art

Ongoing-February 18: No Man’s Land and Renaissance Men, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). No Man’s Land features the work of four Vernon Parish artists Isabelle Massart-Bursh, Tony McDonald, Rickie Smith and Joey Governale is featured in this commemoration of that rough, lawless and primitive area that is now their home and inspiration. Renaissance Men features the work of two celebrated Cenla artists and all around Renaissance Men, Morris Taft Thomas and David Holcombe. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 9: Love at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Join AMoA for cocktails and appetizers on the first floor, dinner by Chef Ben Fidelak of Maison Louisiane in the third floor gallery, entertainment and auctions of exclusive donations in recognition and dedication of the Betty Fay Wellan Lipsey and Joseph Lipsey, Jr. Gallery at the Alexandria Museum of Art. Cost: $100 per person; $1,000 reserved table for 8. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org.

February 11: 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

March 4-April 6: Youth Art Month Competition Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Approximately 40 works created by K-12 students in Rapides Parish will be selected by Juror David Crain for display. Prizes will be announced during the Youth Art Month Festival on Saturday, March 11th. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

March 7: Creativity Launch Pad—Acrylics, 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

February 10: ACCL Presents Leyla McCalla, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:00pm. The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is proud to present singer-songwriter Leyla McCalla, a New York-born Haitian-American living in New Orleans, who sings in French, Haitian Creole, and English, and plays cello, tenor banjo, and guitar. Deeply influenced by traditional Creole, Cajun, and Haitian music, as well as by American jazz and folk, her music is at once earthy, elegant, soulful, and witty — it vibrates with three centuries of history, yet also feels strikingly fresh, distinctive, and contemporary. Cost: $25.00 adults; $17.00 seniors (65+); $10.00 students (3-18); $60.00 family (2 adults + 2 children). Call: 318-484-4475. Louisiana-arts.org

February 23-25: Louisiana Elvis Festival 2023, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria). Performances from some of your favorite Elvis tribute artists highlighting all ears of Elvis’ career, including performances in Louisiana and the 68 Comeback Special, which will be recreated, frame by frame and much more! Cost: $32.99+ per show; $182+ all access. Call: 352-789-7269. etafestivals.com

March 5: Erik Lawrence Trio, Jewish Temple (2021 Turner Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm. A jazz concert “Songs of Spirit, Comfort, and Hope.” There will be a reception following the concert. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3655.

Theatre

Ongoing-February 10: It’s About Time, Martin Performing Arts Center (1140 Collage Dr. Pineville), 7:00pm. Theatre Louisiana Christian presents this play by Dusty Morace about a group of six teenage friends who stumble upon a time machine and accidentally get scattered throughout time. The story follows Drew Murphy in this comedic journey through time to find his friends and escape from a secret time agent society to get home. Performances run nightly Thursday through Saturday. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12.00 students/seniors; $5.00 LCU staff/faculty. LCUniversity.edu

February 9-12: Once Upon a Mattress, Bolton High School (2101 Vance Ave, Alexandria). Come be carried on a wave of wonderful songs by the Bolton Conservatory! With twists and turns this hilarious and raucous spin on the classic tale “The Princess and the Pea” provides some side-splitting shenanigans. For after all, a princess is a delicate thing. Performances begin at 7:00pm Thursday through Saturday with Sunday matinee set for 2:00pm. Cost: $20.00. boltoncoservatory.com

February 10-11: Arsenic and Old Lace, Pineville High School (1511 Line St., Pineville). We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously “acceptable” roomers; the antics of their nephew who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other nephew—these require no further description or amplification here. “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a must-see for all, a ready-made comedy hit! Performances are set for Friday at 7:00pm; Saturday at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday at 2:00pm. Cost: $12.00. tix.com/ticket-sales/pinevillehigh/1845

February 11: Spectral Sisters Productions 10-Minute Play Second Reading, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am-12:00pm. Prospective authors need to bring enough copies of their ten-minute play for all characters.  The plays will be timed and positive comments offered by seasoned area playwrights. Coffee will be served. Cost: Free. Email: [email protected].

Events

Ongoing-February: 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.

February 7, 14, 21, 28 & March 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.

February 8: Cenla Women’s Connection Prayer Coffee, Junior League of Alexandria (1005 Bayou Place, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:30am. There will be refreshments, a short devotion led by Betty Whitaker, and small group prayer time. Hostess will be Brenda Bretchel. Call: 318-541-5443.

February 8: 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.

February 8: Healthy Heart Day, LCU Granberry Conference Center (1140 College Dr, Pineville), 4:00pm. Dr. Gary P. Jones will speak on the benefits of walking for health, and endorsing the Parrish Fuller Fitness Trail at LCU as an excellent location to maintain heart health. Call: 318-442-0106.

February 10: Parents Night Out, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd St. Alexandria), 5:30pm-9:00pm. Drop the kiddos off for an evening of Mardi Gras fun with drink and pizza provided! Open to kids ages 4 to 12. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $30.00 per child; $25.00 each for 2; $20.00 each for 3+. Call: 318-619-9394.

February 10, 17, 24 & March 3: 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.

February 10: Pineville Night of Lights Mardi Gras Parade, Main Street Pineville, 7:00pm. Join Grand Marshal, Louisiana Senator Jay Luneau, for the annual nighttime Mardi Gras festivities in Pineville. The parade route begins on Main Street and ends around Louisiana Christian University. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5660.

February 11: Beauregard Parish Spring Garden Forum, War Memorial Civic Center (250 W 7th St, DeRidder), 8:00am-1:00pm. The Beauregard Master Gardeners present their Annual Garden Forum in anticipation of the 2023 spring growing season. Topics include: School Gardening, Ms. Beth Thomas & Junior Master Gardeners from Rosepine Elementary School; Improving Garden Soil Naturally, Mr. George Giltner & Mr. Kirk Gillard, Beauregard MGs; Container Gardening, Ms. Elaine Hicks, Cenla MG; Landscaping for Wildlife, CC Richmond, LA Dept. Wildlife & Fisheries; and   Wind Resistance Trees: Planting & Care, James Burnett, Jr., Beauregard MG. Cost: Free. Zoo Zoo’s Baked Potatoes and More food truck will be on site. Cost: Free. Call Keith Hawkins: 337-463-7006.

February 11 & 25: Hands-Only CPR Demonstration, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 9:00am-11:00am. e a demonstration and learn hands-only CPR from Rapides Regional Medical Center educators, as well as hear from cardiologist Kanna Posina, M.D., on the importance of knowing how to administer CPR during an emergency. Cost: Free.

February 11: 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!

February 13: Professional Women’s Network Meeting, Brocato’s (5515 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 12:00pm. The Professional Women’s Network meets on the second Monday of each month. Each individual is responsible for their own lunch cost. No reservations are required. Cost: $50.00 Annual dues. Call: 318-451-7722 or 318-542-8736.

February 16-17, 24-25: Save Cenla ASIST Training, 8:00am-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. Feb 16-17: Journey Church in Pineville; Feb 24-25: First Baptist Church in Jena. Open to ages 16+. Mental health professionals can receive 12 CEUs after taking this workshop for $60.00 through livingworks.net (a $300 value). Sponsored by Central Louisiana Human Services District and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/asist.

February 17: Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Alexandria (Murray-Fifth-Jackson-Third-St. James Streets), 4:30pm. The Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade will kick off Alexandria’s family-oriented Mardi Gras weekend. The Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders follows the same route as the Children’s Parade in downtown Alexandria. It features classic cars paired with college cheerleaders from colleges, universities, and high schools in Louisiana. This year’s Grand Marshal is legendary Peabody Magnet High School Basketball Coach and former Cenla-ian of the Year, Charles Smith. Cost: Free. Contact: [email protected].

February 17: Taste of Mardi Gras, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 2nd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm-11:00pm. Come out and dance the night away, eat, drink and have fun, all for a good cause! Dress code is dressy-casual and fun, and Mardi Gras attire is highly encouraged! Bring out the beads, wigs, and purple, green and gold! The family-friendly event will bring restaurants from across the region under one roof. All proceeds raised for this event benefit local charities. Live entertainment by the Chee-Weez and the Cenla Brass Band. Cash Bar will be available, no trays or coolers. Cost: $75.00 VIP tickets; $30.00 general admission; $10.00 children (up to 10 years). Call: 225-240-7189.

February 18: AMGA Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria (Murray-Fifth-Jackson-Third-St. James Streets), 10:00am. Join in the fun for the Children’s Mardi Gras Parade! Grand Marshal: Mary Laura Hunt, Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2022. Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

February 18: Alexandria Zoo Mardi Gras Party, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. The animals are askin’ for you at Alexandria Zoo! Don your purple, green and gold and parade over to the Zoo for king cake, music and more following the AMGA Children’s Parade. Sponsored by Atwood’s Bakery. Cost: Regular admission; FOTAZ members Free (w/ Card and ID). Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

February 18: 8th Annual Garden District Mardi Gras Block Party & Mutt Strut, Alexandria Garden District (Albert & 20th Streets, Alexandria), 3:30pm. This year’s event will begin with the infamous Mutt Strut, a Mardi Gras-themed dog costume competition and parade-style second line.  There will be prizes for the best and most unique costumes judged on by local celebrities. Following the canine festivities will be a live band and food trucks. For entrance to the post-Mutt Strut Block Party, please bring along some canned or other shelf-stable food for donation to the wonderful Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Bring as much as you can! Every little bit makes a difference in the fight against hunger in our communities.

February 19: AMGA Mardi Gras Krewes Parade, Midcity Alexandria (Texas Avenue–Masonic–Memorial–North Boulevard–Alexandria Mall), 2:00pm. Join in the fun for the AMGA Mardi Gras Parade! Grand Marshal: Chris Chelette & Special Guest: Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana. Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

February 19: AMGA Finale Royale, Huckleberry Brewing Company (4724 Sterkx Rd., Alexandria), 2:00pm. The official Krewes’ Parade afterparty! Huckleberry Brewing taproom opens at 2:00pm. Live music by Deaf Jam starting at 4:00pm. Food will be available for purchase by Shep’s Fresh Cracklins and Johnny Wingo’s. alexmardigras.net

February 21: Happy Mardi Gras!

February 23: The Folding Chair, Hotel Bentley (200 Desoto St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The Folding Chair Diversity Dinner & Dialogue Experience is back for its second year! Hosted by Board Member, Ingrid Johnson, this event invites a diverse audience to come together, share a meal and exchange ideas! Limited seating; reserve your spot today! Cost: $25.00. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 23: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. This month’s speaker will be Steve Mayeaux. Steve has written the definitive book on Civil War era Fort De Russey that is located in Avoyelles Parish. He will speak on the history and preservation of the fort and his incredible efforts to publish his notable book and preserve the fort. Cost: Free.

February 25: Down and Dirty Garden Seminar, Cypress Bend Resort (2000 Cypress Bend Pkwy, Many), 8:30am-3:00pm. The Sabine Master Gardeners present the Down and Dirty Garden Seminar, featuring presentations by Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard, Dr. Kiki Fontenot, Stacey Elston, and Bob Nolen. Registration includes morning coffee, lunch, door prizes, famous wagon raffle, silent auction, plant vendors, yard decor and more! Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-256-3406.

March 3-4: Krazy Larry’s South Beau Auto Show, South Beauregard Recreation Center (6719 Highway 12, Ragley), 8:00am-5:00pm. When you attend Krazy Larry’s South Beau Auto Show your donations will all be given to Boundless Pennies Ministry to help those in our communities who need a hand up, not a handout! Too often there are families that “fall through the cracks” because they don’t make quite enough money to provide for unexpected emergencies, yet make too much money to qualify for government assistance.  Boundless Pennies Ministry (BPM) focuses on helping these families get through their crisis. Call: 337-515-4551.

March 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.

March 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.

Sports

February 7, 14, 21, 28 & March 7: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. 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. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

*All events subject to change.