Art

Ongoing-September 28: 37th September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). annual juried exhibition is selected by a guest juror from national and international submissions. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. Additionally, the September Competition connects the museum with artists that are excelling in their field and media. Special AMoA Member opening is set for 6:00pm on Friday, July 12th. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

July 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

July 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

August 1: Renegade Tour—Clyde Downs, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Join September Competition artist, Clyde Downs, for an unconventional tour of the exhibit. Clyde Downs is an abstract painter from Natchitoches whose work explores an emotional response to nature. Come see what surprises he has in store! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

August 3: Professionalize Your Practice, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 11:00am-3:00pm. Professionalize Your Practice is a half-day interactive workshop hosted by Dr. Sharbreon Plummer. Bring your questions, ideas, and goals as we dive into the operational elements of artistic practice, including tools and resources tailored to creative solo-preneurs. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alexandria. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

August 6: Creativity Launch Pad—Watercolor, 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

August 3: Rock Show NOLA, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Get ready for an unforgettable night with Rock Show NOLA on the Mari Showroom stage! An evening tribute to the classic rock of Foreigner and STYX. Cost: $18.00+. Call: 800-946-1946.

Theatre

July 8, 15, 22, 29 & August 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.

July 25-August 4: Four Old Broads, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). City Park Players presents “Four Old Broads” by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Jim Leggett and Michael Dalme. Four sassy senior ladies: Beatrice, Eaddy, Imogene, and Maude need a break from bingo and macramé. They want to take a Sassy Seniors Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, things have not been pleasant at Magnolia Place Assisted Living since nasty nurse Pat came to work there. A mystery unfolds with laughter as the gals try to outsmart her. Throw in a senior citizen beauty pageant, an old Elvis Impersonator, a trashy makeover and a bizarre thigh exerciser incident and you have a laugh a minute evening of theater! Performances begin nightly Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors; $7.00 Students; $5.00 Thursdays. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

August 10: A Non-Fictional War, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Share the experiences of Oleksandra Basko’s experience during the Russian invasion of Ukraine through a screening of her play about one woman’s experience during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Learn about the human consequences of an unprovoked invasion of a peaceful country on one woman and her friends and family. Presented in collaboration with Spectral Sisters Productions, Louisiana’s only developmental theatre,  located in Alexandria. Parental discretion is advised. Cost: $10.00 Adults; $8.00 Seniors/Children.

Events

Ongoing-July: 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.

July 8: Professional Women’s Network of Cenla (PWN), Brocato’s (5515 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 12:00pm-1:00pm. Join PWN for networking and a delicious lunch. No reservations required. Lunch is available for purchase prior to the meeting. Cost: Free. Call: 318-880-3033.

July 8, 15, 22, 29 & August 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.

July 10: Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 Second Street, Alexandria), 11:00am-1:00pm.  The program offers the opportunity for Chamber members to hear from the Central Louisiana State Legislative Delegation about the outcomes of the Legislative Session and to thank them for their work. Cost: $35.00 Chamber members; $40.00 non-members. Call: 318-442-6671. cenlachamber.org

July 10: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Cenla Women’s Connection Celebrates teachers at its July luncheon. Speaker Lisa Worley presents “Facing Your Fears” with a special musical feature by Renee Rollins. Invite a teacher and join us to enjoy this inspirational speaker, special feature , fellowship, and delicious meal. Recognizing teachers with a special gift and lots of fun and door prizes! Please pre-register. Admission includes lunch. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

July 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.

July 13: The Muse Teen Summer Solstice Ball, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. Teens celebrate summer during this costume ball in the museum galleries. Costumes will reflect what summer means to you! This is an event for teens between the ages of 13 and 19. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

July 14: Cenla Genealogical Society, Louisiana Historical Genealogical Library & Museum (503 Washington Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm. Cathy Lemoine Sturgell, an Avoyelles descendent who lives in Tennessee, has delved into French and Canadian documents, placing particular emphasis on Avoyelles Parish. Grab your notebooks and come with questions!

July 18: City of Alexandria Back to School Bash, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 Second Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-8:00pm. The City of Alexandria’s annual Back to School Bash Supply Giveaway will be an event you will not want to miss! All Rapides Parish School District students between Kindergarten and 12th grade are invited! The student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This year, the City expects to serve approximately 1,000 students, while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

July 23 & 25: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 Fourth Street, Alexandria), 8:30am-4:00pm. This one-day class, offered twice this month, is 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. Space is limited for each session. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.

July 25: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Jack Townsend rose to internet notoriety when his series of horror-comedy short stories collectively known as “Tales from the Gas Station” received the award for “Best Series of 2017”. His stories have been translated into six languages and have appeared in podcasts, books, viral creepy pastas, and people’s dreams all over the world. Cost: Free.

July 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.

July 27: 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway, Walker Kia (1515 Dorchester Drive, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. Join Walker Automotive as they kick off the back-to-school season with their annual backpack giveaway. Cost: Free.

July 27-28: Slavery to Solider, Fort Randolph and Buhlow Historical Site (135 Riverfront Street, Pineville). Did you know that approximately 198,000 men served in the United States colored Troops during the Civil War? Another 20,000 served in the Navy. More black Civil War soldiers came from Louisiana than any other state. Come hear their stories from historian Jerilyn Lee. She will present “The Black Soldier in America’s Civil War: A Timeline from Slavery to Solider” at 2:00pm on Saturday and “The Louisiana Regiments: A Storied History” on Sunday at 2:30pm. Cost: Free.

August 1-2: Save Cenla ASIST Training, Pineville Park Baptist Church (2455 Highway 28 East, Pineville), 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). Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/ASIST.

August 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.

August 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.

Sports

July 8, 15, 22, 29 & August 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

July 26-27: Mud Riding Nationals, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Get ready, Cenla! Do not miss the return of the Mud Racing Nationals inside the Rapides Parish Coliseum! Trucks, ATVs, UTVs in several classes! Entries are limited to only 16 in each class! Truck tractor tire division limited to 8 and they race only on Saturday night! Special VIP Tickets get the best seats, admission to pre-show pit party, pictures, meet the drivers, and kids get a monster truck souvenir! Special 2 day VIP tickets are available. Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-442-9581.

July 27: American Kombat Alliance 39, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 7:00pm. The heart-pumping MMA action will feature fights between several top-name athletes. Cost: 60.00+. Call: 800-946-1946.

August 2-4: LA State Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw, Country Inn and Suites (2727 Monroe Highway, Pineville). The Louisiana State Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw will welcome shooters from 10 states competing for $5,000 in cash and prizes! Call: 318-451-3043.

August 3: Bulls, Bands, and Barrels, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Brace yourselves for a legendary night of bull riding, barrel racing, and a live concert featuring Ian Munsick with Gavin Adcock! The Behind The Chutes Experience includes access to the standing pit in front of the stage to see Ian Munsick, an exclusive entrance to the front of the stage for VIPs only, participation in a Q&A session with some of the riders and entertainers from Bulls & Barrels, a $20 off merchandise coupon, 1 (one) drink ticket, photo opportunity and chance to sit on a live bull, souvenir VIP laminate & lanyard, and on-site VIP host. Cost: $34.00+. rpclive.org

*All events subject to change.