Art

July 11: 38th September Competition Opening Reception, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Enjoy the opening reception for AMoA’s annual juried exhibition, 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. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

July 12 & August 9: 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

July 14-18: Gallery Groove Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Campers will participate in fanciful, imagination-stretching art activities inspired by the art in AMoA’s galleries.  Campers will spend the week working in the gallery to create a variety of works with the guidance of AMoA Educator Cindy Cooper Blair. Ages 6-9 will meet daily from 9:00am-12:00pm; ages 10-12 will meet daily from 1:30pm-4:30pm. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $100 AMoA members; $150 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

July 19: The Commodores, Paragon Casino Resort Ballrooms (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Just like their hit song “Brick House,” the Commodores have created a foundation that just won’t budge. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk groups of all time live on the Mari Center stage. Cost: $50.00+. paragoncasinoresort.com

Theatre

July 7, 14, 21, 28 & August 4: 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.

August 1-3: Seussical Kids, Lagniappe Theatre Company (7521 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria). Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many “thinks.” Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. Cost: $12.25. Call: 318-487-8243. lagniappetheatre.com

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.

Ongoing-August 15: Summer Meals for Kids, Rapides Parish Library. The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Inc. is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children without charge at the Main Library, Martin, Robertson, and McDonald branches and are only available during posted times. Meals must be eaten at the Library. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider. For location specific dates and times, visit the Rapides Parish Library calendar online at www.rpl.org. Cost: Free.

Ongoing-August 29: Paragon Indoor Pool Party, Paragon Casino Resort (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 2:00pm-5:00pm. Make a splash at Paragon Casino Resort with new weekly pool parties every Saturday this summer! Open to all ages, the party will feature swimming, DJ, and the pool bar open for refreshments. Cost: $25.00 (Ages 13+); $10.00 (Ages 2-12); Registered Hotel Guests Free. Call: 800-946-1946. paragoncasinoresort.com

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 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.

July 10: Outreach Storytime with Forts Randolph and Buhlow, Libuse Branch Library (6375 Highway 28 East, Pineville), 10:30am-11:30am. Join us for this interactive and fun storytime as Forts Randolph and Buhlow Outreach invites children to come to the Libuse Branch to listen to a civil war themed story. There will also be demonstrations of Civil War materials and uniforms. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 10: Book Signing with Berchman Richard, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 11:00am-1:00pm.  Local author, Berchman Richard, will be signing and selling his new book, “Death on the Atchafalaya” at the Westside Regional Library. This story weaves together three plotlines: 1. The quest for an ancient treasure chest filled with stolen gold, hidden in the Louisiana swamps, and the men who search and die for it. 2. Two older men embarking on a final adventure aboard a small cabin cruiser, traveling through Texas and Louisiana’s waterways, heading toward the Atchafalaya swamp. 3. The convergence of these two stories as men in the swamp fiercely guard the secret of the buried gold from those who seek to steal it. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 12 & August 9: AMoA Knitting & Crochet Circle, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 11:00am-3:00pm. 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

July 16: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm.  July’s program features are Laine Berry Miller and Denise LaBorde Durbin who will present “How Our Decisions Today Affect All Our Tomorrows,” and includes salad, entrée, dessert and coffee/tea. Please RSVP by Thursday, July 11th. Cost: $25.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

July 16: STEM @ the Library Zoo Visit, Martin Branch Library (801 West Shamrock, Pineville), 2:00pm-3:00pm. Join us for a unique and educational experience as the Alexandria Zoo brings the wild to the library! Meet some amazing animal ambassadors and learn fascinating facts about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts. This engaging program offers a rare opportunity to see and learn about exotic animals up close, right here in the library. Perfect for all ages, this event is designed to spark curiosity and deepen our understanding of the natural world. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 18 & 25: Author of the Month: Artist & Author Morris Taft Thomas, 5:00pm-6:00pm. Artist and author Morris Taft Thomas offers two opportunities to attend a presentation and signing for his latest book, Art and Vision: A Family Tradition. Mr. Thomas has won numerous awards and recognitions for his many talents. His work is in many public and private collections. There will be a door prize giveaway from author. July 18th: King Branch Library (1115 Broadway Avenue, Alexandria); July 25th: Rapides Main Library (411 Washington Street, Alexandria). Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 19: 45th Annual Natchitoches NSU Folk Festival, NSU Prather Coliseum (220 South Jefferson Street, Natchitoches), 9:00am-9:30pm. The 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held inside air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on Northwestern State University’s campus. This year’s festival theme is “Crafting Louisiana” will feature more than 80 crafts vendors, red beans and rice cookoff, Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, line dancing, storytelling, and three stages for live music! Kids Fest will be open from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Cost: $10.00 Adults; $6.00 After 5pm; Children 12 and Under Free. Call: 318-357-4332. louisianafolklife.nsula.edu

July 20: Central Louisiana Orchid Society 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.

July 21: Cenla Diabetes Support Group, New Horizons Living Center (3717 Government Street, Suite 1, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:30am. New Horizons Independent Living Center and the Alexandria Lions Club have partnered to create a support group where you can share your experiences living with diabetes. The meeting will offer a sample tasting of a diabetic-friendly dish. All Cenla residents living with Type I, Type II, or Gestational Diabetes are invited to attend. Cost: Free. Call: 318-484-3596.

July 21: Junk Journaling, Robertson Branch Library (809 Tioga High School Road, Ball), 2:00pm-3:30pm. Join us for a hands-on workshop where creativity meets storytelling! Junk journaling is a fun and expressive way to turn everyday materials—like old book pages, ticket stubs, postcards, and scrap paper—into beautiful, personalized journals. Open to ages 13 and up; all experience levels welcome. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own paper treasures to add a personal touch. Space is limited; please pre-register online. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 21-25: Lady Chops Summer Reading Entertainment, Rapides Parish Libraries. Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops, brings her one-woman drumming show to Louisiana Libraries this summer! She is a talented percussionist whose program titled “Drum Roll Please” is energetic, interactive, and fun as she incorporates over 15 different instruments including buckets, body percussion, and the Cajun rubboard. You don’t want to miss this interactive show for all ages! Visit the Rapides Parish Library website for specific dates, times, and locations. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 22 & 24: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 Fourth Street, Alexandria), 8:30am-4:00pm. Each offering of this one-day class 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 23: Back to School Supply Giveaway, Rapides Mail Library (411 Washington Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. Annual School Supply Giveaway sponsored by Healthy Blue! Limited to the first 500 children. Supplies are appropriate for elementary and junior high grades. Child must be present. This will be a drive-thru event. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 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 John H. Lawrence, former program director at the Historic New Orleans Collection. John will speak on his acclaimed book, “Louisiana Lens: Photographs from the Historic New Orleans Collection.” Cost: Free.

July 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.

July 29: 1920s Summer’s End Soirée, Martin Branch Library (801 West Shamrock, Pineville), 3:30pm-5:30pm. Step back in time and celebrate the end of summer in style at our 1920s-themed Summer Soirée! Join us for an evening of vintage glamour, jazzy vibes, and literary charm as we toast to a season well-read. Dress to impress in your finest flapper or dapper attire, sip on mocktails, enjoy light refreshments, and revel in the golden age of books and bootleg fun. Open to adults 18+. No password required—just a love of reading and a flair for the fabulous. Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 30: Back-to-School Supply Giveaway & Storytelling Celebration, King Branch Library (1115 Broadway Avenue, Alexandria), 3:00pm-4:30pm. Let’s kick off the school year together with stories, smiles, and support! The Back-to-School Supply Giveaway is a special event filled with fun, inspiration, and free school essentials for students along with a story time done by Poncinella the Storyteller! Whether you’re preparing for kindergarten or heading into high school, we’re here to help students start the school year with confidence and excitement! Come early as supplies are limited! Cost: Free. rpl.org

July 31: The Summer’s End Soirée, Martin Branch Library (801 West Shamrock, Pineville), 4:00pm-5:00pm. The summer’s over, but we’re going out with a bang! Join us for the ultimate End-of-Summer Reading Party to celebrate all the amazing books you’ve devoured this season. We’ll have sundaes, games, and a ton of fun as we wrap up summer with friends and good vibes. Whether you’ve read one book or ten, this is your chance to share your favorites, chat about what you’ve been reading, and enjoy a sweet treat. The perfect way to celebrate your summer reading achievements before school starts! Don’t miss out on the sundaes, laughs, and the chance to say goodbye to summer in style. Let’s make it a party to remember! Cost: Free. rpl.org

August 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.

August 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.

August 2: Alexandria Mall Summer Mode, Alexandria Mall Food Court (3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 1:00pm-3:00pm. Summer Mode is all about creating a fun and festive atmosphere for families to come together and enjoy the season. Gather your little ones for an afternoon featuring a screening of “The Dog Who Saved Summer”, games, and crafts that celebrate our four-legged friends! Cost: Free.

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 not required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

July 26: MicroMania Wrestling, Laborde Earles Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria), 7:00pm. MicroMania Wrestling is a high powered, explosive, athletic Pro Wrestling show with just the right touch of comedy thrown in to make for a unforgettable big event–just not necessarily big people! The night will feature two MicroMania singles matches and a Main Event Battle Royale featuring all the stars of MicroMania! Finishing off the show will be a performance by the hottest little band in the world, Mini KISS! This group of talented little people is known for their electrifying KISS-inspired performances that have rocked audiences at venues worldwide. Cost: $31.00+ Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.org

August 2: Bulls, Bands, and Barrels, Laborde Earles Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria), 6:30pm. This ain’t your grandpappy’s rodeo! Your 2025 Bulls, Bands, & Barrels lineup is here! Treaty Oak Revival will headline with special guest, Kolby Cooper after an adrenaline packed night of bull riding and barrel racing. Cost: $35.00-$165. rpclive.org

*All events subject to change.