Art

Ongoing-February 17: The Global Language of Headwear, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality explores the vital role of ceremonial headwear throughout diverse cultural customs, beliefs, and rituals. The exhibit features approximately 89 hats and headdresses from 43 different countries spanning five continents. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 8: Honoring Friends of the Arts Center Opening Reception, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St. Alexandria), 5:00pm-7:00pm. The year’s programming kicks off with Amy Glisan’s exhibition, “Precious Things,” in the Bolton-Davis Gallery; Martin Welch’s show, “SPLASH,” in the Galerie des Amis; and the “ART for ALL Outreach Programs” show in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Cost: Free. Call: 318-473-2670.

February 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

February 13: 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

February 26-29: Throwing & Altering Vessels, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St. Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Instructor Conner Burns will lead an intermediate to advanced level class. Registration includes a 25 pound bag of clay. Additional supply list provided upon registration. Cost: $125.00. Call: 318-473-2670.

March 5: 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: Wayne Toups, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Dubbed “The Cajun Springsteen,” Wayne Toups is known worldwide for his “Zydecajun” style of music—a combination of Cajun, Zydeco, R&B and Rock n’ Roll genres. In 2013, Toups won a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for “The Band Courtbouillon.” Opening for Wayne Toups will be swamp pop artist, Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition. Cost: $30.00+. Call: 800-946-1946.

February 20: Twenty Songs from Twenty Years, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. The St. James Episcopal Church Concert Series continues the 2023-2024 season with the much anticipated return of the incomparable London based choral ensemble, VOCES8. The group celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2023 and will perform a concert of their favorite and most popular pieces. Immediately following the concert, there will be a reception in the Church parish hall with the group. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

February 24: Chris Janson, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Chris Janson will bring his award-winning singing and songwriting, including his best-selling 2015 single, “Buy Me a Boat,” to Cenla at Paragon.  Cost: $45.00+. Call: 800-946-1946.

Theatre

February 8-11: Legacy III, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria). Join ASH Theatre as they present Legacy III, a muscial celebration of Black culture. Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:00pm. Friday is HBCU Night; Saturday is Greek Life Night; Sunday is Senior Citizen Day. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $10.00 Student/Faculty/Discount. Call: 318-448-8234.

February 12: Butterfly in the Sky, Kress Theatre (1102 3rd St, Alexandria), 7:00pm. “Butterfly in the Sky” tells the story of the beloved PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” its iconic host LeVar Burton. Directors, Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, will join us for the screening and for some discussion afterward. Cost: Adults $10.00; Students Free. louisiana-arts.org

February 17: Spectral Sisters Productions Ten-Minute Play Festival Second Reading, Rapides Foundation Building (1101 4th St, Alexandria), 10:00am-12:00pm. Bring scripts of your original work for a reading, followed by helpful critiques by experienced playwrights. Light refreshments provided. Cost: Free.

February 17: Black Angels Over Tuskegee, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Get ready for the most anticipated stage play to hit this area. It’s Black History month and one of our very own, Layon Gray, presents “Black Angels Over Tuskegee”. Cost: $35.00 Floor Seating; $30.00 Upper Level. Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

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 8: Cenla Work Ready Network, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 N MacArthur Dr, Alexandria), 7:45am-3:30pm. The Cenla Work Ready Network is a system designed to link education with workforce development and align them with regional economic needs. The Workforce Summit is a one-day conference that will offer valuable insight on connecting employers to a credentialed workforce, and provide the tools needed to hire smart. The summit will dive into how this network benefits employers, job seekers, and students. More than 200 employers, education professionals, economic development professionals, and community workforce partners from across the 10-parishes of Central Louisiana will be attending to learn from national presenters and develop the tools they need to implement smart hiring practices in our region. This event is presented by The Orchard Foundation, The Rapides Foundation, and Louisiana Central. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. www.cenlaworkready.org

February 8: Darwin Day, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Join AMoA and LSUA for videos and discussion on the topic, “What is a species?” Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 9: Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 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. Route: Downtown Alexandria – Murray – Fifth Street – Jackson – Third Street to St. James Street. Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

February 9: Taste of Mardi Gras, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 Second Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm-11:30pm. The Louisiana Restaurant Association proudly presents the 30th Annual Taste of Mardi Gras event, celebrating  Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, featuring live music by New Natives Brass Band and The Chee Weez. All proceeds benefit local charities and the advancement of culinary education in Cenla. Ticket prices increase by $10.00 on the day of the event. Cost: $50.00 adults; $25.00 children. Call: 225-240-7189.

February 10: AMGA Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:00am. Join AMGA and Grand Marshal Laura Jane Kirkpatrick, Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2023 as they parade through Downtown Alexandria: Murray – Fifth Street – Jackson – Third Street to St. James Street. Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

February 10: LDAF Indian Creek Mardi Gras 2024, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 10:00am. Join in for informational programming for kids to learn the history of Mardi Gras, followed by a Golf Cart Parade, judging, and prizes. Cost: $7.00. Call: 318-487-5058.

February 10: Alexandria Zoo’s 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. Sponsored by Atwood’s Bakery. Regular admission will be charged. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

February 10: GDNF Block Party & Mutt Strut, 20th & Albert Streets (Alexandria), 2:30pm. Alexandria’s Garden District Neighborhood Foundation (GDNF) presents its famous Mutt Strut, doggy costume contest, live entertainment, plus food and beverage food trucks. In true Garden District fashion, the Foundation asks attendees to bring along canned food items for the annual contribution to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Cost: $15.00 1st Dog Entry; $10.00 Additional Dogs; Spectators Free.

February 10: Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade, Natchitoches, 6:00pm. Join the Krewe of Dionysos as they parade through Natchitoches starting on South Drive to Keyser, crossing Cane River Lake to University Parkway, 2nd Street, Texas Street and ending on Front Street. Cost: Free.

February 10, 17, 24: The Enslaved Experience In Cenla—Living Life In Bondage, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria). Tours of Kent House will be exclusively given during the month of February focusing on the experience of the enslaved people of Central Louisiana and at Kent House by Historian Michael Wynne. The tour includes the main house and selected cabins that were used by the enslaved people as well as the marker dedicated there to the enslaved children. Tours begin at 1:00pm on February 17th and 24th. A special candlelight tour will be offered February 10th at 6:00pm. Tours limited to the first 15 registrants. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

February 10: A Night In Old Hollywood-Prom for ages 50+, Ball Community Center (100 Municipal Lane, Ball), 7:00pm. Christus Hospice is so pleased to announce A Night in Old Hollywood: Senior Prom, featuring live band, refreshments, and door prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Hospice Promise Foundation. This prom is designed for those age 50 and above, but guests under 50 may accompany a VIP (50+). This is an alcohol-free event. Formal wear encouraged! Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-266-8656.

February 11: AMGA Krewes Parade, Mid-City Alexandria, 2:00pm. Grand Marshal Alex Smith will lead the Krewes of the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association and local marching bands through the streets of Alexandria, starting on Texas Avenue – Masonic – Memorial Drive – North Boulevard and ending at the Alexandria Mall. Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

February 12: NRBIA Legislative Event, Granberry Conference Center (1140 College Dr, Pineville), 11:30am. Join the North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance and the entire Central Louisiana Legislative Delegation to preview the upcoming Regular and Special Legislative Sessions in Baton Rouge. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear from our elected officials and express your thoughts and concerns directly to our Representatives and Senators. Call: 318-484-3911.

February 13, 20, 27 & March 5: 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 14: 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 15, 19, 20: Medicare Education Classes. Join Cori Richerson, Medicare Benefits Specialist, for a 1-hour Medicare overview class at the library. Get your questions about Medicare answered and an honest, straightforward overview of the facts that are important to you. February 15: 10:00am at Westside Regional Library and 12:00pm at Hineston Branch; February 19th: 5:30pm at Libuse Branch; February 20th: 10:00am at Libuse Branch. Please RSVP to [email protected]. Cost: Free.

February 15: Diabetes Management Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (501 Medical Center Dr, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. This is a basic diabetes program for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management; 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.

February 23: 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.

March 1-2: Krazy Larry’s South Beau Auto Show and Swap Meet, South Beauregard Recreation Center (6715 Highway 12, Ragley). The Swap Meet will be open Friday and Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The Auto Show will be Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm, with judging ending at 1:00pm. Top 20 will be awarded. All proceeds benefit Boundless Pennies Ministry. Cost: Donation based. Call: 337-884-6586.

March 2: 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 2: 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.

March 9: Holy Savior Menard Shamrockin’ Fest, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 2nd St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Join us for a Pub Crawl, Silent Auction, Food, Live Music and Dancing. Wear your favorite festive St. Patrick’s Day attire. Cost: $50.00. Call: 318-445-8233. givebutter.com/hsmfest

Sports

February 13, 20, 27 & March 5: 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

February 22-25: Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament, Toledo Bend Reservoir (Town of Many). The Tournament features events for everyone, including daily weigh-ins, the B.A.S.S. on the Bend Festival, Zwolle Tamale Tasting and Cultural Demonstration, a Salute to Active Duty Military, Veterans and First Responders, delicious food from local vendors, and live music by Derrick Mclendon, Spencer Brunson, Joey Greer, Wayne Toups and more! Cost: Free. www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com

*All events subject to change.