Art

Ongoing-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

Ongoing-June 18: Environmental Impact II, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Environmental Impact is a traveling exhibition that shares the work of leading contemporary artists who choose to focus on global and local environmental issues; and to heighten public awareness through the power of art. The exhibit includes 75 paintings, photographs, prints, installations, and sculptures. 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

March 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

April 1: Printmaking Basics Class, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Participants will learn the steps and process to be able to design, execute, and print from planning to carving to printing. All supplies are included. Cost: $60.00 AMoA Members; $80.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

March 11: A Vision of Heaven, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:30pm. This concert includes one of the grandest, most ambitious works performed by the Symphony in the last 18 years, Symphony—Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. The evening’s soloist will be Penelope Shumate. Cost: $25.00 Adult; $15.00 Seniors; $10.00 Students; $50.00 Family. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

March 16: Chicken on the Bone, Alexandria City Hall (915 3rd St, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Spring into AlexRiverFête at Downtown Rocks with live music by Chicken on the Bone. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Cost: Free.

March 16: Enduring Psalms, Emmanuel Baptist Church (430 Jackson St., Alexandria), 7:30pm. The Red River Chorale presents timeless psalms in choral music. The program includes Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece,’ “Chichester Psalms,” the evocative “Dorchester Canticles” by Tarik O’Regan, and other beautiful psalm settings. The Chorale will host a pre-concert conversation with the director beginning at 6:45pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $5.00 Students/Seniors. Call: 318-484-4463. redriverchorale.com

March 30: Lil Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers, Alexandria City Hall (915 3rd St, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Spring into AlexRiverFête at Downtown Rocks with live music by Lil Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Cost: Free.

Theatre

March 17: The Vagina Monologues, Gwartney Theatre at Mulder Hall (8100 U. S. Hwy 71, Alexandria), 7:30pm. This now-classic 1996 all-female play, first produced in New York, explores issues related to women’s sexuality.  A must-see for all open-minded adult audiences, the Vagina Monologues, written by Eve Ensler, will be directed by Alana Pate.  Adult language and topics, parental discretion advised. Cost: Free.

March 23-April 2: Escaping the Labyrinth, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 3rd St, Alexandria). City Park Players is thrilled to present “Escaping the Labyrinth” by Thomas Hischak. The play tells the story of a young American professor who happens to meet one of the Greek gods while on a trip to Greece. He sets out on a journey to meet the goddess Artemis. When he meets and falls in love with her, she runs away. He sets on a journey through the rest of the show to find her…but can he? Performances continue Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm; with Sunday matinees set for 2:30pm. Cost: $5.00-$15.00. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

March 23-April 9: POA Presents “Messiah”, Pentecostals of Alexandria (2817 Rapides Avenue, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The POA presents the Easter production that has captured hearts for decades. Performances will begin nightly Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30pm, including Easter Sunday. Cost: $15.00-$30.00. Call: 318-427-6639 or 318-427-6631. Messiahtickets.com

March 24-25: Three Sisters, Paragon Casino Resort (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 7:00pm.  The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company, presents a staged reading of “Three Sisters” by playwright Carolyn Dunn, a descendant of the Tunica-Biloxi and other Native American tribes. “Three Sisters” shares the story of estranged sisters who return home to Avoyelles Parish in Louisiana at the request of their dying aunt. The performance explores familial ties, hidden secrets and death when they meet at the intersection of love, loss, tradition and culture. Cost: Free. Call: 318-240-6400.

Events

Ongoing-March: 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.

March 7, 14, 21, 28 & April 4: 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.

March 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, and small group prayer time. Hostesses will be Christine Baker and Sylvia Coody. Call: 337-349-4776.

March 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.

March 10, 17, 24, 31 & April 7: 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.

March 11: Bloomin’ on the Bricks, Downtown Natchitoches Riverbank, 9:00am-2:00pm. Varieties of plants, flowers, shrubs, and garden décor will be available for purchase. Children’s activities will be available as well! Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-2746.

March 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!

March 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.

March 15: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center—Four Points by Sheraton (2301 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Elaine Sanger presents “My Anchor For Life,” Invite a friend and join us for an inspirational message, delicious lunch, special feature, wonderful fellowship, and door prizes! Please RSVP by Friday, March 10th. Cost: $18.00. Call: 337-349-4776.

March 16-17: Save Cenla ASIST Training, LSU Ag Center (8592 LA-1, Mansura), 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). Sponsored by Central Louisiana Human Services District and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/asist.

March 18: Cenla Kidzfest, Alexandria City Park, 10:00am-1:00pm. This annual event, presented by the Junior League of Alexandria, is designed to promote safety and life skills for women and children through fun activities for children in grades 3-8 and their parents. Kids are invited to visit booths that focus on health, safety, and life skills. There is fun for everyone at Cenla KidzFest, where all booths offer advice and education, but some offer a chance to win prizes or giveaways! Cost: Free. jlalexandria.com

March 18: 3rd Annual Come Out for Health, Pineville Community Center (708 Main Street, Pineville), 10:00am-2:00pm. 3rd Annual Health Fair Event is for all types of community members however, highlighting LGBTQ+ health disparities in CENLA. Have coffee, get to know your PLFAG Chapter, learn about affirming local spaceas and resources, win prizes and wear  your brightest colors to celebrate healthy living for all at the 1-mile pride walk. Cost: Free.

March 18: 6th Annual Cane River Film Festival, Parkway Cinema 6 (1011 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches), 11:00am-4:00pm. Join BK Fulton, Willie D. Powells III and the 2023 winning directors as they discuss what it’s like to be a creative artist in the entertainment industry today. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-5109. caneriverfilmfestival.com

March 20-26: 20th Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week, Eunice. From beginner to advanced levels, adult learners can advance their knowledge and skills in Louisiana-style Cajun/Zydeco guitar, fiddle, accordion, rhythm/percussion, French-language vocals, dance, food preparation, and folklife culture. The Music Camp registration options range from five-day to one-day experiences.  Evening Barn Dances are open to the public for a small donation. The registration form, class schedule, band lineup, sponsor opportunities, and lodging information are found at LAfolkroots.org.

March 23: Trinity Healing Garden Grand Opening, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital Women’s & Children’s Atrium, 10:00am-11:00am. Join in for a special Grand Opening Ceremony and Blessing of this sacred space, paying tribute to all who are honored and memorialized there. The Healing Garden was built as a place of spiritual healing and emotional refuge in honor of the 2020 healthcare heroes and community that stood behind them in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Cost: Free.

March 23: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Robert Gentry will share never-before-told stories on Governors’ Earl K. Long and Jimmie Davis. No one alive today knows more about these two legendary men. Author of 12 books, publishing some himself, he will also speak on the writing/publishing/promoting process. Cost: Free.

March 25: World Bear Day, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 12:30pm-2:30pm. Discover more about bears by visiting the Zoo Discovery Cart, RoyOMartin Louisiana Black Bear Conservation table, StoryWalk with a bear-themed book, and Keeper Chats at 1:00pm at the Black Bear habitat and 2:00pm at the Andean Bear habitat. Cost: Regular admission; FOTAZ members Free (w/ Card and photo ID). Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

March 30: Cavanaugh Lecture Series, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Central Louisiana Historian Michael Wynne has been honored by being selected by LSUA as the Cavanaugh Lecturer for the Spring. He will be speaking on the nationally important and relevant topic of “Lynching In America,” focusing on the incredible and cruel story of lynching in Louisiana. Cost: Free.

April 1: 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.

April 1: Spring Herb Day and Yard Sale, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 8:00am-1:00pm. Always held the second Saturday in April, Herb Day and Yard Sale is a wonderful time with plenty of beautiful herbs and flowers for your selection.  There are also many local artisans, sharing their one of a kind crafted baked/canned goods and beautiful custom-made one-of-a-kind craft items.  The indoor Yard Sale is always huge.  Come early to get the best selection. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

April 1: 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.

April 1: Jeff Foxworthy’s The Good Old Days Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 8:00pm. Comedy icon Jeff Foxworthy is going to take audience members back to The Good Old Days! Jeff will deliver a laughter-packed evening which features all new material. Cost: $55.00+. Call: 318-442-9581. RPClive.org

Sports

March 7, 14, 21, 28 & April 4: 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. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

March 8-11: 20th Annual Coke Dr Pepper Open, Links on the Bayou and Oakwing Golf Club. The week will include a pro-am event, clinics, and a 72-hole championship. Prize money is expected to by $130,000. Proceeds will help Manna House continue its mission to banish hunger in Cenla. www.apt.golf

March 18: Steel Magnolia Run, Downtown Natchitoches Riverbank, 8:00am. Lace up your shoes and start stretching – the Steel Magnolia 5k Run/Walk is back! Join the NRMC Foundation on the brick streets of Natchitoches as we raise money to bring a PET Scanner to the NRMC Cancer Center. Cost: $25.00-$30.00.

March 31: Fifth Color of Courage 5K and Color Run, Rapides Cancer Center (605 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Rapides Cancer Center is hosting its fifth 5K run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. The course features eight color stations. Registration is available online at www.active.com and inlcudes chip timing. Cost: $30.00.

*All events subject to change.