Art

Ongoing-October 23: 34th Annual September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). 48 works of art have been selected from around the globe to participate in AMoA’s annual competition experience the international competition in person and online. AMoA proudly welcomes Dr. Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D. as the Juror for AMoA’s 34th September Competition. For the last 18 years, Dr. Wulf has served as a passionate creative museum professional at international institutions, directing the strategic, civic and educative mission of museums and serving in key roles to represent, supervise, produce, and sponsor a wide array of compelling public programs and exhibitions on a variety of themes in the arts, sciences, and humanities, in order to promote cultural literacy through community engagement. Currently, Wulf serves as the Executive Director of the AAM-accredited Albany Museum of Art in Albany, Georgia. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 5 & November 2: Creativity Launchpad, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Creativity Launch Pad classes are for any and all skill levels seeking a fun, relaxed, creative, and informative environment in which to learn or work. These classes offer an opportunity to experiment and experience different mediums as an introduction, that could provide a gateway to independent making. October 5: Mindfulness In Your Art; November 2: Pastels. Mindfulness classes are perfect for clearing your creative roadblocks and finding your creative and expressive voice. All materials are provided. Class sizes are limited and registration is required. Cost: Free AMoA members; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 8: Adult Virtual Painting Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 5:00pm-7:00pm. Join Victoria via Facebook for an acrylic painting class featuring sugar skulls. Please pre-register; class size is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org

October 9: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Museum is proud to welcome the community on the second Saturday of each month for open admission during regular business hours. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 13-17: Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival. AMoA’s Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival is centered around the art of open air painting, known as painting en plein air. Plein air painting refers to the act of painting outdoors, capturing the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement.  During the festival, curious observers can watch artists paint on location, register for public workshops and celebrate with multiple days of family-friendly events hosted by the Alexandria Museum of Art. Paintings produced during the festival will be available for sale throughout the week and at the Arts Council’s Fall Art Walk. Join AMoA for the Palette Party, the festival’s final awards ceremony and art sale event featuring local vendors showcasing their signature dishes and drinks! Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 13: Plein Air @ the Zoo, Alexandria Zoological Park (3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:00pm. Participating teens will meet up with AMoA Educator, Cindy Blair at the Alexandria Zoo and be paired up with a Plein Air festival artist who will mentor them while they draw animals live at the zoo. This event is open to teens aged 13 to 19. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free AMoA members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 14-15: Fall Mini Art Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd St, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Join us for an autumn inspired Art Camp! Kids will make their own masterpieces! Registration available for ages 4-12. There is only room for 30 kids at this camp, so reserve your spot today! Cost: $45.00 Members; $50.00 Non-members. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 14: Plein Air Quick Paint Challenge, Inglewood Farm (6287 Old Baton Rouge Highway, Alexandria), 4:00pm-7:00pm. This event is part of the Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival. Join us for a 2-hour open-air painting competition on the grounds of the state’s largest organic farm! Artists who are not registered in the festival are welcome to compete for prizes donated by Blick Art Materials. Painters will be judged in Juried and Non-Juried categories. Artists are responsible for bringing their own supplies. The public is also invited as spectators and can view the works in progress while enjoying the grounds of Inglewood Farm. Finished works will be displayed for judging at Inglewood Farm. Blick Art Materials Awards will be presented at 7:00pm. Cost: $10.00 General Admission; Juried Artists Free; $20.00 Non-Juried Artists. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 15: Children’s Virtual Art Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-10:00am. Join us on Facebook to explore cubism as you create a cubistic Frankenstein masterpiece. Please pre-register; class size is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org

November 1: FAM Day at AMoA, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Alexandria Museum of Art opens its doors to the galleries on the first Monday of each month for those with disabilities for private, stress-free viewing of the exhibits. While those with special needs are welcome any business day, this dedicated day offers specialized interactives for hands-on learning, creative inspiration, and engagement as well as communication tools. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

October 9: RSO Presents New Orleans Ballet, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St, Alexandria), 7:30pm. A chamber orchestra of the Rapides Symphony is joined by dancers from the New Orleans Ballet for an evening performance of classical ballet and modern dance. Masks are required inside the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Cost: $25.00 Adult; $15.00 Seniors 65+; $10.00 Students; $40.00 Family of up to 6. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

October 15: Tiffany Pollack & Co., Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Tiffany Pollack & Co. will be performing a variety of Blues and Americana tracks, from classic covers to original music from her debut album “Blues in my Blood” and her recently released album “Bayou Liberty”. Cost: $20.00 Single; $35.00 Table for 2; $65.00 Table for 4; $95.00 Table for 6. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Theatre

Ongoing-October 10: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1102 3rd St, Alexandria). City Park Players presents one of Tennessee Williams’s more famous works and his personal favorite, directed by Alana Pate. Set in the “plantation home in the Mississippi Delta” of Big Daddy, a wealthy cotton tycoon, the play examines the relationships among members of Big Daddy’s family, primarily between his son Brick and Maggie the “Cat”, Brick’s wife. This is a story of greed and deception within a patriarchal Southern family. Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. Masks are required inside Kress Theatre. Show features mature themes and language. Cost: $5.00 Thursdays; $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Ages 60+ & Military; $7.00 Students.  Call: 318-484-4478.

October 7-9: Rock of Ages, Bolton High School Auditorium. The 80’s rock musical is coming to Alexandria/Pineville! The Bolton Conservatory takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Journey, Night Ranger, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and many more. It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s and the party has been raging hard at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues.  Legendary rocker Stacee Jaxx takes the stage. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star Drew longs to be the next big thing (and for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas). But the rock ‘n’ roll fairy tale is about to end when developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip–and themselves–before it’s too late? Reserve your seats today! The curtain goes on at 7:00pm on Thursday and Saturday; Friday’s performance begins at 9:30pm. Cost: $15.00-$20.00. boltonconservatory.com

October 22-31: Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St, Alexandria). LBM Productions is proud to present Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies of the same name, Descendants is a brand-new musical comedy featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the films performed by 42 adult, teen and youth performers! Showtimes are Fridays at 7:00pm; Saturday, October 23rd at 11:00am and 7:00pm; Saturday, October 30th at 2:00pm; and Sundays at 2:00pm. Socially-distanced reserved seating; masks are required. Cost: 10.00-$20.00. Call: 318-451-3915. LBMproductions.net

Events

Ongoing-October: 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.

October 5, 12, 19, 26 & November 2: 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.

October 5: Alexandria Police National Night Out, Alexandria Zoological Park (3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Join the Alexandria Police for National Night Out at the Alexandria Zoological Park. National Night Out is a nationwide one-night event where citizens and law enforcement strengthens neighborhood spirit with tons of fun! Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036.

October 8: Children’s Virtual S.T.E.M. Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-10:00am. Join Miss Victoria via Facebook to build an impressive mechanical hand using straws. Please pre-register; class size is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org

October 8: Parents’ Night Out: Harry Potter, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-9:00pm. Drop the kids off for a magical night out! Harry Potter themed activities and crafts. Pizza and drinks provided. Open to ages 4-12. Registration is required. Cost: $20.00 per child. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 8: Astronomy Night, Magnolia Plantation (5549 Highway 119, Derry), 6:30pm-9:00pm. Magnolia Plantation, located far from the light pollution of civilization, is the ultimate place to learn about and enjoy the splendor of the night sky. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. A Junior Ranger program for children will start promptly at 6:30pm. Kids will earn their Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. At 7:00pm, Professor Michael Scanlan of Northwestern State University will begin a short indoor program which will be followed with outdoor observational instruction. Reservations are required; limit of 20 participants. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 x316.

October 9: 10th Annual Faces of Freedom Ride, Y-Not Stop LSUA (8091 Highway 71, Alexandria) 7:30am. The motorcyclists and other participants will follow a traditional scenic route beginning at Y-Not Stop, continuing to Paragon Casino Resort and concluding at Taboo Harley Davidson. They will show support to those that have difficulty adjusting to society after incarceration. We encourage the community to attend and represent a Face of Freedom! The Faces of Freedom Ride will be Covid-19 friendly. For that reason, the community will gather outside for food, music, and giveaways! Cost: $25.00 Motorcycle Riders. Call: 318-443-0189. reentrysolutions.org

October 9: Halloween Pony Bead Craft, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 9:00am-1:00pm. Celebrate the haunting of October with a spooky Pony Bead grab-n-go craft that is available while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

October 9: 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!

October 9: All About Owls, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-2:00pm. Join us as we learn about owls! We’ll be dissecting owl pellets! Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 10: Ignite the Mic Poetry Slam, Pedros Tacos (3024 N. MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 6:30pm. What is a poetry slam? A poetry slam is a performance poetry competition featuring poets battling it out for the title of, The Best Poet! Are you a poet and want to participate? The purpose of this event is to promote the creation and performance of art that engages communities and provides a platform for voices to be heard. Bring a date! Bring a friend! You don’t want to miss this event! Online early-bird ticket purchase strongly encouraged! Please be advised: Poets are uncensored and freedom of speech is in full effect. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-446-1768.

October 12: After School Workshop: Llama Pumpkins, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 3:30pm-5:00pm. Bring the kids to TREE House after school on Tuesday, October 12th for Llama Pumpkins! Space is limited to 12 children. Registration is required. Cost: $10.00 per child. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 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.

October 15: Pumpkin Painting, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library (1075 Highway 497, Glenmora), 3:30pm-5:00pm. Get into the fall spirit during an outdoor pumpkin painting session! Contact 318-748-4848 for more information. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

October 16: Prepared Childbirth Virtual Class, RRMC Google Duo, 9:00am-Noon. This virtual class is taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth. This class will be held virtually via Google Duo. The event coordinator will send login instructions via email before the class starts. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440. rapidesregional.com

October 16: Under the Sea Pumpkin Workshop, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 9:30am-11:30am. Drop the kids off with us for a morning pumpkin decorating workshop! Kids Can choose between a mermaid or a shark. Open to kids ages 4-12. Must be registered. Cost: $20.00 per child. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 16: Fall ArtWalk, Downtown Alexandria, 12:00pm-8:00pm. Fall ArtWalk takes over the streets of the Alexandria Cultural District again, with music, dance, visual artists, and craft vendors as well as food and drink. Participating artists from the Farm to Forest Plein air will be downtown painting and doing demonstrations at the museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 16: Tiffany Pollack Lunch & Learn, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 12:30pm. Anatomy of a Blues Song: Tiffany Pollack will present an educational program on the Anatomy of a blues song– a genre that has informed her work as a vocalist and songwriter. They’ll have a brief discussion about the history of blues music, go over the 12 bar pattern and chord progression, discuss call and response lyric history, blues tonality, and more with music demonstrations of each instrument and how it contributes to the sound. Pre-order your meal from Diamond Grill or Hotel Bentley and bring it with you! Discount coupons are available at AMoA! Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 16: Pumpkins!, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-2:00pm. Join us and decorate a pumpkin! Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 18: Virtual Halloween Makeup Tutorial, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-10:00am. Teens will learn tips and tricks for Halloween makeup in this fantastic makeup tutorial on Facebook. Please pre-register; class size is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org

October 20: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center on the Greens (90 Harold Miles Park, Boyce), 12:00pm. Michele Nero presents “Tinker Belle’s Flight 101”. Special Feature: Amanda White from D.A.R.T. We are abiding by CDC guidelines for restaurants to prevent the spread of Covid-19. So wear a mask, social distance of at least six feet and hand washing encouraged.  We will have hand sanitizer as well. So come and join us. Please RSVP by Friday, October 15th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 337-349-4776

October 22: 2021 Women In Business Conference, England Airpark Community Center (1718 Kegleman Blvd, Alexandria), 8:00am-3:30pm. The Women In Business Conference is one of the most dynamic, engaging, and exciting events in the Central Louisiana Region. The conference marks its 9th year, bringing together regional executives and young professionals who will convene for a day of celebration, encouragement, and critical thinking with influential speakers and leaders. The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Women In Business Conference is presented by RoyOMartin. The 2021 program will focus on revitalization, reinvention, and resilience. Participants will also enjoy an opening reception on Thursday, October 21st at 5:00pm at the CLECO Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at CLTCC in downtown Alexandria. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $65.00 Chamber Members; $75.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-442-6671. cenlachamber.org

October 22: Pineapple Night Light, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library Facebook (fb.me/mlkingbranch), 4:00pm-5:00pm. Join us on Facebook for a D.I.Y. Pineapple night light craft tutorial using a mason jar. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

October 23: Spooky Tree Painting, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 9:00am-1:00pm. Paint a spooky tree with this grab-n-go acrylic painting kit that is available while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

October 23: Room On The Broom, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-2:00pm. Join us we read Room on the Broom! We will make story sticks after. Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-619-9394.

October 24: For the Love of Food, Rapides Parish Library Facebook (fb.me/rapideslibrary), 6:00pm. Join Dianne Lundy on Facebook for a delicious cooking demonstration. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

October 27: Frankenstein Puzzle Face, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 1:00pm-5:00pm. Craft a Frankenstein puzzle face with this grab-n-go craft kit that is available while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

October 29: Halloween Splash, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library (1115 Broadway Ave, Alexandria), 5:00pm-6:00pm. Visit us to pick up goody bags of candy. Patrons may come in costume if they wish. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

October 29: Tales Along the Bayou, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:30pm. There is nothing better than tossing a blanket out on the Kent Plantation House lawn at dusk and taking in the spooky décor as you anticipate an exciting night of ghostly tales and ghoulish fun! Come in costume if you like and get ready for Brian & Teri Kinder to entertain you with their silly Halloween antics and music. Then enjoy a few not-so-scary stories told by local storytelling treasure Sylvia Yancy Davis. After a short intermission, where you can purchase food if you like, get ready to be scared right out of your socks by Mike Anderson as he weaves a web of terror with his spooky stories. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904.

October 30: No Tricks, Just Treat Bags, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 9:00am-1:00pm. No tricks just treats! Pick up a treat bag with a special surprise inside while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

November 6: 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.

Sports

October 5, 12, 19, 26 & November 2: 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. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 9, 16, 23, 30 & November 6: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Paul Nettles of The Levee Tai Chi School leads a class in Qi Gong, which is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 9: Yoga for Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am.The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month a Lotus Vibes present a Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 16: Into the Light 5K Run/Walk, Marksville Courthouse Square, 8:00am. Suicide and mental health issues are a growing concern, especially in these trying times. Help raise awareness for suicide prevention while enjoying vendors and information booths, butterfly release, bubbles for the kids, jambalaya cooked on site, cotton candy, popcorn, drinks and more! Please bring a picture of your loved one loss by suicide, to hang on our memory board.  Be prepared to write on the message board. Registration will be available on site. Cost: $25.00 Runners; Walkers Free (donations gratefully accepted).  Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com

October 23: Gleaux for the Girls 5K, Walker Toyota (5735 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 6:00pm.  Join Walker Automotive and CHRISTUS Cabrini Breast Health & Cancer Centers for the “Breast Race in Cenla”!  The race will include a Survivor Happy Hour at 6:00pm, Pink Toyota Raffle, Pink Mower Raffle, Closing Ceremony, Post-Race Tailgate and much more! Cost: $30.00 Adults; $15.00 Youth ages 12 & under; $15.00 Survivor. christuscabrinifoundation.org/gleaux

*All events subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.