Art

Ongoing-November 5: Aune, Voorhies & Havens at River Oaks, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria). Cindy Aune presents “Conversations” in the Bolton-Davis Gallery; Amber Voorhies will exhibit “Light Travel” in the Galerie des Amis; and Jerry Havens presents his exhibition titled “Fridge Worthy” in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

October 8: 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 13-16: Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival. The Alexandria Museum of Art invites you to celebrate their signature arts event, the Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival. This five-day festival will bring artists to Central Louisiana to paint “en plein air” – outdoors! Artists will be in the city as well as surrounding farms, nurseries and Kisatchie National Forest painting the abundant natural beauty of our area. Thursday will feature the Quick Paint Challenge and Farm to Table Dinner at Inglewood; and on Sunday, the Palette Party and Awards Ceremony. Call: Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 17: Artist Workshop with Suzie Baker, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Join 2022 Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival juror, Suzie Baker, for a fun-filled, guided, hands-on learning experience. Students will receive instruction on principles of painting ranging from drawing, color, value, composition, color theory and so much more! Take your newfound skills outside to paint, where you will have a field demo and one-on-one instruction at your easel. Artists should bring their preferred plein air painting materials. Lunch will be provided. Class size is limited to 16 total students. Cost: $150 Juried Artists; $175 General Public. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 29: Van Gogh Gala, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm-10:00pm. While the Van Gogh Gala has been known for its elaborate Halloween masquerade, the original premise remains—pairing guest artists, often well-known members of the community, with mentor artists to create works that are auctioned off on the evening of the gala. This year’s theme is “Folklore & Vintage Halloween”, spanning the decades from the 20s to the 90s. Cost: $75.00. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

November 1: Creativity Launch Pad—Pastels, 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

October 13: Red River Chorale Presents Bridging Generations, First Presbyterian Church (357 Windermere Blvd. Alexandria), 7:30pm. Red River Chorale’s sixteenth season begins with a program that represents its rich choral heritage. The program includes well-known classic pieces, spirituals, and folk songs that have inspired and endured for generations. Tickets are available online and at Red River Music. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $5.00 Students/Children. redriverchorale.com/tickets

October 16: RSO Presents Fall Classics, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St. Alexandria), 2:30pm. Classicism is on the musical menu for a concert of Haydn and Beethoven. Familiar from his time as professor at Louisiana College, the artistry of our piano soloist Joseph Kingma is on display in Beethoven’s Concerto No. 3 in C Minor. Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center one hour before the performance. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $15.00 Seniors (65+); $10.00 Students; $50.00 Family (2 Adults + 4 Students). Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

October 22: Oak Ridge Boys Front Porch Singin’ Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 8:00pm. The legendary country and gospel group, The Oak Ridge Boys, will perform all their hits live, featuring one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. Cost: $55.00-$75.00. rpclive.org

October 24: All Hallows’ Eve Extravaganza, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Guest organist and jazz artist, Dorothy Papadakos, will improvise a soundtrack for the 1929 silent film, “Phantom of the Opera” which will be screened concurrently in the Church. There will be a reception after the conclusion of the concert in the Church Parish Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

Theatre

October 7-9: ASH Theatre Presents “The Color Purple”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St. Alexandria). This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, “The Color Purple” is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. Shows begin nightly at 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Saturday matinee begins at 1:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:00pm. Cost: $10.00+. Call: 318 448-8234. ashtheatre.com

October 13-15: PlayOn Theatre Co Presents Murder on the Orient Express, Kress Theatre (1104 3rd St. Alexandria). The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a train full of remarkable suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot. So wax your mustache and hold onto your passport for what has now become the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world. Performances begin at 7:00pm Thursday through Saturday; Sunday matinee begins at 2:00pm. Cost: $18.00. playontheatrecompany.com

October 27-November 6: CPP Presents “Dial ‘M’ for Murder”, Hearn Stage (1102 3rd St, Alexandria). Directed by Diane Falcone, Frederick Knott’s most famous work revolves around Tony Wendice, who has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. He blackmails a scoundrel into strangling her, and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. Unfortunately, the murderer gets murdered and the victim survives.  “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is not so much a “whodunit” as a “will-he-get-away-with-it” thriller. Performances begin Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2:30pm. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

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 7, 14, 21, 28 & November 4: 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.

October 8: A Walk to Remember, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria), 9:00am. The Walk to Remember is sponsored by the Healing Hearts Community Perinatal Loss Support Group, and open to the public. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7569.

October 8: 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 10: Professional Women’s Network of Cenla (PWN) Meeting, Brocato’s (5515 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 11:30am-1:00pm. PWN is open to all women interested in professional and personal development and is held on the second Monday of each month. Lunch is purchased individually. Cost: Free. Call: 318-880-3033.

October 11, 18, 25 & November 1: 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 12: Cenla Women’s Connection Prayer Coffee, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:30am. The hostess for October is Toni Ihles and Betty Whittiker will led the group in a short devotion and prayer time will follow. Coffee, water, and other refreshments will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 982-814-5858.

October 12: 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 12-16: Rapides Parish Fair, Rapides Parish Fairgrounds (8149 Highway 71 South, Alexandria). It’s that time again!  Time for lots of rides, lots of games, lots of good food, and lots of F-U-N!  Bring the whole family out to the fairgrounds, where “The Fun Starts Here!”  Opens Wednesday, October 12th at 4:00pm. Cost: $2.00 General Admission. Call: 318-767-3968. rapidesparishfair.org

October 15: Cenla Master Naturalists Hike, Wild Azalea Trailhead (Messina Road in Rapides Parish), 9:00am. Cenla Master Naturalists will meet for a hike/nature walk at the Wild Azalea Trailhead on Messina Road in Rapides Parish, weather permitting. All are welcome to participate.  This event is self-paced and open to all skill levels.  Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  You should also bring any water, insect repellent, etc. that you may need. Cost: Free.

October 18: Non-Partisan Rapides Parish Political Forum, Pineville Community Center (708 Main St, Pineville), 4:30pm. The forum is designed to be a way to encourage more citizens to get out and to learn the stance of the candidates as to why they should be elected. All candidates will be given an equal amount of time to present their reason for why they should be elected with a question and answer opportunity for all.  Sponsored by the Rapides Retired Teachers Association, the Cenla Retired Teachers Association and the Alexandria Area of University Women. Doors will open at 4:00pm. Cost: Free.

October 18: Alexandria Mayoral Forum, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St. Alexandria), 6:00pm. The Young Professionals Group of Cenla, in partnership with the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cenla Broadcasting, and KALB, will hold a live, televised forum for candidates running for the office of Mayor for the City of Alexandria. Trish Leleux, co-host of Talk Back from Cenla Broadcasting’s KSYL Radio and Brooke Buford, news anchor for KALB-TV will moderate the forum. Panelists include Greg Hilburn of Gannett, Al Quartemont, co-host of Talk Back on KSYL, and Dylan Domangue from KALB TV. Cost: Free. Call: 337-378-2122.

October 21: Fall Artwalk, Downtown Alexandria, 5:00pm-9:00pm. This outdoor event is a free, family-friendly event featuring artists and craft vendors offering handmade jewelry, original paintings, sculpture, pottery, natural bath products, home décor, and more! Food vendors will also be on hand with a variety of delicious options. The streets of Downtown Alexandria come alive as local artists demonstrate and sell their works of art! Cost: Free. Call: 318-484-4475.

October 22-23: Fall “Steam Up” Festival, Southern Forest Heritage Museum (77 Longleaf Road, Forest Hill), 10:00am. Wonder what it was like when our ancestors traveled on steam engines?  Wonder no more, because you will get your chance to ride one at the SFHM’s Fall “Steam Up” Festival! Along with the train ride, you will get a glimpse into the golden age of lumbering and saw milling and enjoy gospel music, pony rides, vendors, food trucks, museum tours, all followed by a classic Cajun cookout. Cost: $10.00 per car; $6.00 per train ride; 5 and Under Free. Call: 318-748-8404.

October 27: Diabetes Management Class, HP Long Classroom (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.

October 27-29: A Very Merry Market, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 Second Street, Alexandria). Been waiting all year for the Very Merry Market?  Well, the wait is almost over!  The Junior League of Alexandria is hosting its’ 19th Annual “A Very Merry Market” at the Randolph Riverfront Center.  There will be merchants from all over the region featuring a variety of items including apparel, jewelry, home goods, handmade items, food and so much more; you’ll be sure to find some special Christmas gifts to hand out to family and/or friends. Events include the Boots & Bling Ladies Night, Cookies with Characters Events, and General Admission Shopping. Tickets are available at the JLA website. jlalexandria.com

October 29: 5th Saturday Market on Main, Main Street Pineville (930 Main Street, Pineville), 9:00am-2:00pm. Join in for the 5th Saturday Market on Main Street. This event has become a go-to for Cenla residents with Vendors, Live Music, Classic Cars and much more. This 5th Saturday Market is the Halloween edition! Come in costume, get some candy, and spend the Saturday in Pineville! Also, be on the lookout for the Cornhole tournament and special 5k Costume Relay race! Call: 318-589-1195.

November 5: 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.

November 5: 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.

November 9: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center—Four Points by Sheraton (2301 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Enjoy this midweek break with delightful food, fun, fellowship, and Lots of door prizes! This month will feature the Gift Basket Boutique (a silent auction to benefit Stonecroft Missions). Inspirational Speaker, Suzy Stjernstrom Shepherd presents “Shine On”. Please RSVP by Friday, November 4th. Cost: $18.00. Call: 337-349-4776.

Sports

October 11, 18, 25 & November 1: 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 15: Into the Light 5K, Marksville Courthouse Square, 8:00am.  In addition to the 5K, the event will feature a memorial/butterfly launch (a butterfly will be given to the family of each person on the memorial list), music, speakers, vendors, food, information booths, and mostly a good time! Bring a picture of your loved one for the memory board. Come as a team (in memory of someone who has lost their life to suicide, a workplace, school), or solo. Cost: $25.00. Email: [email protected].

October 15: Gleaux For The Girls 1-Mile Fun Run, Walker Toyota (5735 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Join in the “Breast Race in Cenla” for a survivor happy hour, 1 Mile Fun Run, Pink Toyota and Pink Golf Cart Rafffles, and inaugural “Breauxs in Bras” competition. This event brings Breast Cancer awareness and education to Central Louisiana while also raising funds to expand and enhance the local treatment capabilities, rehabilitation programs, education services, support services and community outreach offered in our area. The funds raised stay local, directly benefitting the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center. Cost: $15.00 Survivor; $15.00 Child under 17; $30.00 Adult (17+). Call: 318-448-6580.

October 29: ACDS Monster Dash 5K & Fun Run, England Airpark Community Center (1718 Kegleman Blvd, Alexandria), 10:00am. Join in for the Annual Monster Dash 5K and one-mile Fun Run! Race in the competitive 5K or enjoy trick-or-treating along the route of the one-mile Fun Run/Walk. Trunk or Treat will be open to the community after the race for everyone to enjoy! The 5K top 3 overall male runners and top 3 overall female runners will all be recognized! Costume contest, Pumpkin contest, food and drinks available for purchase, and more! Call: 318-448-1475.

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