Art

Ongoing-June 15: Enduring Concepts and Prints by Picasso, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Enduring Concepts explores recurring themes prevalent within its scope of Modern and Contemporary Louisiana, Southern, & American Art. The Timothy Collins Collection presents an important and insightful gathering of etchings, lithographs and linocuts by one of the great masters of the 20th century. This exhibition provides a unique window into a significant era in art history, and takes a serious and scholarly look at Picasso’s development and creative process, often not as accessible in his paintings. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

May 9: Courageous Conversation Series, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. Join AMoA and facilitator Connie Cooper, LSUA Chief Civil Rights Compliance and Access Officer, for discussion on challenging topics surrounding Picasso and his work. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

May 11 & June 8: 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

May 14: 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

May 16: Renegade Tour at AMoA, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. AMoA welcomes guest tour guide Wanda Campo, longtime owner of Fine Print, for a Renegade tour of current exhibition A Graphic Journey: Prints by Pablo Picasso. Renegade tours are led by selected community members and offer unconventional tour experiences at AMoA. Wanda’s experience in the printing industry will bring a unique perspective. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

June 4: 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 16: Red River Chorale Common Threads Concert, First Presbyterian Church (357 Windermere Blvd., Alexandria), 7:30pm. For centuries, composers have addressed recurring themes, such as love, sorrow, or devotion, using all kinds of styles and traditions. This concert cohesively presents such themes with a variety of selections. Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. Call: 318-484-4463.

May 26: The Chee-Weez, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. The Chee-Weez are a 5-piece tribute show band that specialize in making sure you have a great time and leave with a smile.  With an ever-expanding stage show including video wall, light to the off-the -cuff antics, you never know what you’ll see next at a Chee-Weez performance!  Be warned, you will be entertained. Cost: $15.00 general admission; $20.00 table seats. Call: 800-946-1946.

Theatre

May 13, 20, 26 & June 3: 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.

May 30-June 9: Star on the Door, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). The story follows cinema legend Doreen Lewis who is nervously about to make her Broadway debut opposite her ardent admirer Paul Burnside.  She intercepts a phone call for her dresser (who is secretly wed to Doreen’s son) confirming that “Mrs. Lewis” is pregnant! A loony resolution caps this evening of nonstop guffaws. Performances Thursdays through Sundays. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12.00 seniors; $7.00 students; $5.00 Thursdays. cpptheatre.com

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 7, 14, 21, 28 & June 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.

May 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.

May 11: Six Feet Above Mental Health and Wellness Festival, Pineville Riverfront (Under the Flag), 9:00am-2:00pm. This family-friendly event is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment to access Mental Health  resources, learn about self care and promote hope in Cenla!  We will have over 20 community mental health resources, numerous local vendors, food trucks, music, and free mental health crafts and activities led by community volunteers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-625-8801.

May 15: Kitchen Skills with LSU AgCenter, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 9:30am-12:00pm. The Rapides Parish LSU AgCenter Nutrition Agents will be hosting a Learning Lab at our Johnson Branch. They will cover topics such as: knife skills, canning, food preservation and demos and incentive items for patrons. There will be four section classes that will last 30 minutes each. Registration is required as seats are limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

May 15: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Belle Chatelain presents “Where Have You Been & Where Are You Going” with a special feature by Christelle Carly with “Light of Mine,” Playhouse Cafe. Enjoy this inspirational speaker, special feature , fellowship, and delicious meal. Invite a friend! Please RSVP by May 10th. Kindly sponsored by Avalon Hotel Group & 4 Points. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

May 18: Holi Fest 2024, Downtown Alexandria, 11:00am-2:00pm. Holi is a tradition which dates back millennia. In Alexandria, Holi is a 1/2-day event combining Indian and Cajun spirit. The event starts with a 4K Color walk for kids. All proceeds from the to benefit Children’s Advocacy Network. Join in the fun! Cost: $45.00 4K Run/Walk; Colors Free. rapidescac.kindful.com/e/holi-fest-2024

May 18-19: 26th Annual Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Pow Wow, Chief Joseph Alice Pierite Pow Wow Grounds (Tunica-Biloxi Reservation, Marksville). The 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. Not only does this historic, cultural event celebrate the traditions of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, but also neighboring tribes from across the region, who are invited to share their own culture and heritage as well. Cost: $8.00 ages 5+; $5.00 under 5. tunicabiloxi.org/2024-pow-wow/

May 23: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. James H. “Jim” Brown, former Secretary of State and Insurance Commissioner. Jim has a well-known publishing company and he will tell YOU the inside story on how to publish your book and publish it well. Jim is a fabulous speaker in his own right and has many fascinating and humorous antidotes on our state and its leaders. Jim also will have a new book out that day, “My Louisiana Odyssey; A Memoir” that you could be the first person to obtain a copy. Cost: Free.

May 24: 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.

May 29-30 & June 4-5: Save Cenla ASIST Training, 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). May 29-30: Rapides Health Unit (5604 Coliseum Blvd Suite A, Alexandria); June 4-5: Paragon Casino Resort (711 Paragon Place, Marksville). Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/ASIST.

May 31: Michael Palascak Comedy Show, Fighting Hand Brewing Company (1600 Military Highway, Pineville), 7:30pm. Enjoy a fantastic night of comedy from the very talented Michael Palascak in the cool a/c with a 12 oz pour of one of twenty craft beers and dinner from the food truck on site. Non-alcoholic options include craft sodas with endless flavor combinations and packaged soft drinks. Open to ages 21 and over. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-704-0272.

June 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.

June 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.

June 1: Kent House Bug & Reptile Day, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 9:00am-1:00pm. The USDA Forest Service and Kent Plantation House invite children of all ages to the 15th Annual Kent House Bug & Reptile Day at Kent Plantation House. There will be bug and reptile encounters galore. Come hold a bug or even eat one if you dare! Watch a scorpion glow in the dark, pet an alligator, play games, make a craft, watch a movie or purchase pet rocks. Concessions will also be available for purchase. So many things to do at this family friendly event! Cost: $2.00 cash only. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

Sports

May 7, 14, 21, 28 & June 4: 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

May 17-19: Sealy Outdoor’s Big Splash, Cypress Bend Park (3462 Cypress Bend Drive, Many). Family, Fishing and Fun at the Big Bass Splash, where amateurs win like the pros. $500,000 guaranteed in cash and prizes with 1st Place Overall winning a Phoenix 721 Pro XP powered by Mercury equipped with Minn Kota, Humminbird, and Power Pole; RAM Truck; plus $5,000 cash! Grand prize package valued at $100,000! Cost: $165 one-day, $215 two-days, $265 three-days. Call: 888-698-2591. sealyoutdoors.com

May 18: 1st Alexandria SERA Black Rodeo, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Southeastern Rodeo Association’s mission is all about providing affordable family entertainment. Southeastern Rodeo Association showcases professional cowboys in events such as Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Steer Undecorating, Team Roping, Bull Riding, and Junior Barrel Racing for kids. The Association is committed to keeping the cowboy way of life and upholding the important contributions the African American Cowboys played in helping tame the Old West. Cost: $26.00. rpclive.org

June 1: Trailblazers Cup Golf Benefit, OakWing Golf Club (2345 Vendenburg Drive, Alexandria) 9:00am. Register your team or sponsor the inaugural Trailblazers Cup Golf tournament benefitting The Alzheimers Association. Cost: $500 per 4-Player Team. Email: [email protected].

*All events subject to change.