Art

Ongoing-May 27: 9th Annual Dirty South Cup Exhibition, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St., Alexandria). Join River Oaks for the Dirty South Cup Competition Exhibition and other exhibited works by Sylvia Kerry, Dirty South Guest Juror Gwendolyn Yoppolo, and Friends of the Juror featured in the River Oaks Square Arts Center galleries. Cost: Free. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

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

 May 2: Creativity Launch Pad—Figure Drawing, 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

May 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

June 6: Creativity Launch Pad—Mindfulness, 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

May 2: Chanticleer Presents “Labyrinths”, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Grammy-award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will sing a meditative and sometimes even healing program entitled “Labyrinths”. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Underwritten by a generous grant from The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845. stjamesla.org

May 4: Whiskey Meyers 2023 Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers have played more than 3,000 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. The band is known for their high-energy live show and unique sound. Cost: $25.00+. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.com

May 11: Music That Molded Us, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Red River Chorale presents music for everyone, including well-known choral gems and selections from jazz, musical theater, spirituals, and popular music. A reception will follow in the St. James Parish Hall. Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. redriverchorale.com

May 13: Gaither Vocal Band, Calvary Baptist Church (5011 Jackson St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Calvary is excited to host Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band with Ladye Love Smith, Gene McDonald, and Kevin Williams for “The Darker the Night, the Brighter the Light” tour. Cost: $32.00 adults; $29.00 seniors/children/groups 10+; $50.00 artist circle. gaither.com

Theatre

May 11-14: Greater Tuna, Fox Theatre (111 S Washington St, Marksville). “Greater Tuna” is a hilarious and heartwarming play that follows the antics of the quirky residents of Tuna, Texas, the third-smallest town in the state. With only two actors portraying all twenty eccentric characters, the play is a tour-de-force of comedic acting and storytelling. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-623-6561. playontheatrecompany.com

May 12-14: Finding Nemo, Jr., Lagniappe Theatre Center (7521 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria). Based on the family favorite Disney/Pixar film “Finding Nemo”, this 60-minute musical adaptation is sure to thrill! With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, father and son, Marlin and Nemo, both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Showtimes are 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday; Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12.00 seniors (55+); $13.00 students/children. Call: 318-487-8243. lagniappetheatre.com

May 18-28: CPP Presents “Ondine”. City Park Players is thrilled to bring a grown up faerie tale, “Ondine”, by Maurice Valency and Jean Giraudoux, to Hearn Stage as a Gwartney Series selection for 2023. “Ondine” is a completely engrossing grown-up, epic faerie tale; at once hilarious and heartbreaking. Showtimes: Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors; $7.00 Students; $5.00 Thursdays. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

May 27: The Wizard of Oz Ballet, Tioga High School Auditorium (1207 Tioga Road, Ball), 7:00pm. Get To The Pointe Ballet presents a new version of the classic Wizard of Oz featuring the students and choreography of GTTP Ballet Academy! Cost: $25.00 adults; $12.50 children (ages 2-12).

Events

Ongoing-May: 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.

 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6: 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.

May 4-6: AlexRiverFête 2023, Downtown Alexandria. Ready. Set. Fête. Alexandria’s premier downtown event includes the return of the popular Que’In on the Red BBQ Competition, ArtFête, IndieFête, Fête Stage featuring live music and performances, delicious food and drinks, vendors and more! Find the Fête on Facebook and Instagram @OfficialAlexFete and on Twitter @RealAlexFete. Cost: Free. AlexRiverFete.com

 May 5-6: Mayfest 2023, Historic Downtown Leesville (3rd Street, Leesville). Mayfest, winner of the Louey Award for Festival of the Year, features live music, food & fun! Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the courthouse lawn for two free days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer home-made items and food made from scratch. Cost: Free. LegendCountry.com/Mayfest

May 5, 12, 19, 26 & June 2: 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.

May 6 & June 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.

May 6 & June 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.

May 6: World Labyrinth Day, Rapides Cancer Center (605 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria), 1:00pm. he Labyrinth at Rapides Regional Medical Center will host an event to mark World Labyrinth Day, which is an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society held on the first Saturday of May. Anyone may walk during daylight hours. Cost: Free.

May 8: Professional Women’s Network of Cenla (PWN), Brocato’s (5515 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria), 12:00pm-1:00pm. PWN meets on the second Monday of each month. No reservation needed. Lunch available for purchase. Call: 318-880-3033.

May 10: Cenla Women’s Connection Prayer and Coffee, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:30am. Refreshments will be followed by a short devotion led by Cheryl George and small group prayer time. Everyone is welcome! Cost: Free. Call: 318-664-1192.

May 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.

May 12-13: Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura. The Cochon de Lait Festival mixes great Cajun food, good times, and Louisiana music with the famous cochon de lait (French for roast suckling pig). There is plenty to see and do for the entire family to “pass a good time.” Come by and experience a true Louisiana culinary tradition, Mansura style! Cochon de Lait dinner tickets are $13.00 each and may be purchased at Mansura Police Department, Mansura Knights of Columbus Members, or Mansura Fire Department Volunteers. cochondelaitfestival.com

May 13: 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!

May 16: Cenla Author’s Club Special Presentation, Pineville City Hall (910 Main Street, Pineville), 6:00pm. C. Errol Barron, Jr. is the pre-eminent master of architecture as well as historical architecture in Louisiana, the former renown professor of architecture at Tulane and the author of four nationally-known books on Louisiana architecture. Errol, a local hometown hero, is returning to Alexandria/Pineville to tour for the very first time the “old” Pineville City Hall building that his father designed and built in 1931. Sponsored by the City of Pineville and the Historical Association of Central Louisiana. Cost: Free.

May 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2301 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Cenla Women’s Connection is Celebrating Mother’s Day and we have a gift for you! Come and Enjoy a wonderful meal with speakers, fellowship, and many door prizes. Cheryl Tyler will present “I Found A New Lease On Life” and a special feature by Jessica Lachney from The Book Nook. Please RSVP by Friday, May 12th. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

May 18: Cenla Author’s Club Master Class, LSUA Auditorium (8100 Highway 71, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Robert Olen Butler will teach a master class on writing and editing and will read from his works via Zoom. This unique program is co-sponsored by LSUA and the Rapides Parish Library. Cost: Free.

May 20: Holi Fest 2023, Downtown Alexandria, 11:00am-2:00pm. This is the only event of its kind, where colors are free, and fun is abundant for adults and children of all ages. This unforgettable experience has been an Alexandria Tradition since 2012. The day starts with a walk/jog/run, the proceeds to benefit Children’s Advocacy Network. Call: 318-445-5678.

May 20: Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St., Alexandria), 6:30pm. Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix invites local food enthusiasts, chefs, and guys who simply love to cook, to prepare their favorite food or drink recipes for taste testing. The event draws a crowd of well over 500 people each year. MWCAM is a ton of fun for all involved, from the chefs to its organizers. If you want to showcase your culinary expertise, or experience a plethora of taste testing options, attend this annual event! Cost: $70.00 in advance; $75.00 at the door. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

May 20-21: 25th Annual Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds (171 Melacon Road, Marksville). Pow Wow welcomes various regional indigenous tribes to celebrate culture through vibrant craft displays, music performances, dance presentations, and cultural exhibits. An assortment of interactive events and live performances throughout the weekend aim to highlight the history and traditions of the Tribe. tunicabiloxi.org

May 23: Find Your Fit Event, Dillard’s (Alexandria Mall), 11:00am-8:00pm. Don’t change your body, just change your bra! If your straps slip, the back rides up, or your bra is just uncomfortable, come in and get fit by an expert for a great cause! For every regular price bra or shapewear purchase that day, Dillard’s will donate $2.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Cost: Free.

May 24: Diabetes Management Class, HP Long Clinic (213 Hospital Blvd, Pineville), 9:00am-11:00am. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; 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.

May 25: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Jim Smilie, former editor of the Alexandria Town Talk will be the featured speaker offering stories of editing a newspaper and developing good writing skills for story writing and publishing. Cost: Free.

May 27: Magical Market, Embers (313 DeSoto Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Magical Market is a Cenla community vendor event. Established in 2020 with the vision of bringing local artists, crafters, and fellow visionaries together in unity, Magical Market celebrates turning the mundane into magic through the beauty of our unique creations. At Magical Market, all handcrafted makers are welcome. Open to all ages. Cost: Free. magicalmarketla.wordpress.com

June 2-3: Cenla Pride Weekend 2023, Downtown Alexandria. This year’s family-friendly event includes an opening reception and art auction at Alexandria’s Convention Hall on Friday and Pride Walk followed by live music, outdoor games, arts and crafts, food trucks, and vendors on Saturday. New Orleans band B. Street Benny will headline the entertainment. This year’s theme is “Create the Future”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-1010.

Sports

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & June 6: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Classes taught by Learn with Laci. 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

May 6: 2023 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Lake Buhlow in Pineville, 8:00am. For the 11th year, the Alexandria Museum of Art will unleash the Dragons! Teams will compete in three heats for the final awards. But that’s not all! The competition also includes Spirit Awards for Best Dressed Drummer, Best Team Spirit, and Best Tent Area, so bring your A-game and prepare to dominate! 16 paddlers and one drummer form a team—at least six paddlers must be women. Cost: $2,100. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

May 19: “Hole Lotta Fun” Golf Tournament, Tamaka Trails Golf Course (222 Slim Lemoine Rd, Marksville), 11:30am. Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana’s “Hole Lotta Fun” Golf tournament features lunch at 11:30am followed by 1:00pm Shotgun Start for teams of four. The tournament will feature several specialty contests throughout the day. Call: 318-305-8055 or 318-445-2401 ext. 510. Cost: $500 per 4-person team. cccenla.org

*All events subject to change.