Art

November 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

November 12: 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

December 3: Creativity Launch Pad—Watercolors, 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

November 8: Diamond Rio, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Get ready for an unforgettable night with Diamond Rio! This legendary, award winning country band comes to the Mári Showroom stage. Cost: $38.00. paragoncasinoresort.com

December 7: Lonestar, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Get ready for an unforgettable holiday show when multi-platinum, award-winning group, Lonestar hits the Paragon stage! One of country music’s most celebrated bands comes to the Mári Showroom. Cost: $38.00+. paragoncasinoresort.com

December 8: RSO Presents A Jolly Holiday, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. This Rapides Symphony Orchestra concert will be full of traditional holiday favorites, including Christmas carols, Hanukkah music, and, of course, an audience sing-along. Our guest vocalist for this concert was a big hit when he sang with us on 2023’s “Pops on the River Concert”, so we’ll welcome back Alexandria native and LCU music professor Enrico Cannella to the Symphony stage. Cost: $10.00 – $25.00 Adults. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

Theatre

December 5: Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia’s, light up the stage. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits! Cost: $25.00 Adults; $20.00 Arts Council Members/ Seniors 65+/Military (w/ ID); $10.00 Students (under 18). Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

Events

Ongoing-November: 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.

November 9: 31st Annual Sugar Day Festival, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 9:00am-4:00pm. The 31st Annual Kent House Sugar Day Festival is a family friendly festival that celebrates the harvest of sugar cane by making cane syrup in our very own sugar mill.  There will be live music, dancing, house tours, and plenty of children’s activities including petting zoo and face painting! There will be a variety of food and craft vendors. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, corn grinding, wood carving, fly fishing and more will be included. Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

November 9: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Launch Party, Country Inn & Suites Convention Center (2727 Monroe Highway, Pineville), 9:00am-12:00pm. Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital and The Rapides Foundation are partnering to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library into Rapides Parish through the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center Foundation, and the Louisiana Department of Health is throwing a party! Enjoy an amazing morning of stories, songs, arts, games and books. Residents of Rapides Parish may sign up their children under age 5 at this event to receive a free DPIL book each month until they turn 5. Cost: Free.

November 11: 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.

November 12, 19, 26 & December 3: 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.

November 13: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon and Basket Boutique, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Mary Fruge’ will present on “New Beginnings”. This is always a fun event featuring a Silent Auction with Gift Baskets and more. This is the annual fundraiser to benefit Stonecroft ministries. Invite a friend and enjoy a delicious meal with a inspirational speaker and get some holiday shopping done! Please RSVP. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

November 13: 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.

November 14: Cavanaugh Lecture Series, LSUA Nursing Building (8100 US-71, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Filmmakers Robert Gonzalez Freedman and Dustin Lee will conclude this fall’s series of Cavanaugh Lectures with a viewing and a discussion of their latest film “Kiddo” in Room 132 of  Coughlin Hall on the LSUA  campus. The film examines “a young boy’s curiosity about love” and the complications that ensue “when his mother leaves him alone with his favorite babysitter for the weekend”. It was a Semi-Finalist at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival and was awarded Best US Drama Short at the Alternative Film Festival in Toronto. Freedman is an Alexandria native. Cost: Free. LSUA.edu

November 15 & 23: Author Andrea Wardsworth Beasley Book Signings. Join Andrea for her first Book Signing Events as the “November Author of the Month” at the Rapides Parish Library” and discussion about her writing journey. Friday, November 15th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Westside Regional Library; Saturday, November 23rd from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Rapides Main Library. Refreshments will be provided. Cost: Free. www.rpl.org

November 21: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The November meeting will be the last of the year and a double-header featuring two of the nations’ leaders in completely different fields, husband and wife team Warren and Mary Perrin. Mary is a nationally-known and accomplished author, visual artist and a Cajun traiteuse. Warren is considered the premiere historical preservationist of the Acadian culture in America and this is their only appearance in north Louisiana. There will also be a few surprises at this meeting! Cost: Free.

November 21-23: McDonald Branch Book & Bake Sale, McDonald Branch Library (1075 LA-497, Glenmora). The Friends of the Rapides Parish Library will host their annual Book and Bake Sale at the McDonald Branch in Glenmora. The sale will be open Thursday from 9:00am-5:00pm; Friday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm; and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

November 25: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 Fourth Street, Alexandria), 8:30am-4:00pm. This is a class 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; pre-registration is required. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.

November 29-30 & December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 & 26-28: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 5:30pm-9:00pm. Guests are invited to explore the zoo’s pathways, now aglow with a dazzling array of lights and playful lighted animal figures, creating a captivating atmosphere. The adventure is enhanced by a train ride through festive music and additional light displays, crafting a memorable journey for visitors of all ages. Meet and share wish lists with Santa Claus until December 21st, indulge in holiday cookies and crafts at Atwood’s Merry Creations, and visit the holiday-themed Cajun Cabin, rounding out a night of magical holiday experiences. Cost: $10.00 General Admission (ages 13+); $8.00 Children (ages 2-12).

November 30: 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.

December 5-7: Alex WinterFête, Downtown Alexandria. Join in the family-friendly festival in Downtown Alexandria packed with festive fun for all ages! Glide across the outdoor skating rink, marvel at the dazzling fireworks over the Red River, and explore Jolly Junction, a magical children’s area filled with activities. Enjoy the thrill of live performances, including stilt walkers, fire breathers, and live music. Don’t forget to browse the downtown shopping vendors and savor the delicious food that Fêtes are famous for. The celebration kicks off with the traditional lighting of the tree during Holiday Magic and Santa’s arrival at Santa’s Village. alexwinterfete.com

December 7: 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.

December 7: 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.

December 8: FUMC Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. FUMC Alexandria’s Live Nativity returns to its origins this year. Instead of wrapping around the church, the event will feature a drive through its parking lot across the street. The Live Nativity will feature scenes from Bethlehem, including children, adults, and live animals. Vehicles are advised to dim lights (if possible) and slowly enter the church property off Jackson Street, opposite North City Park Boulevard. Exit onto Pierson Street. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696.

Sports

November 12, 19, 26 & December 3: 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

November 16: PFC 40, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 5:00pm. Get ready for an electrifying night of combat sports! This historic event will feature a thrilling lineup of both professional and amateur fighters, showcasing their skills across multiple disciplines. Whether you’re a fan of the intense grappling and striking of MMA, the raw, unfiltered power of Bare Knuckle, or the precision and speed of 4 ounce Muay Thai, this event has it all. Cost: $40.00+. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.org

 *All events subject to change.