Art

October 8: 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

October 10-13: Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). 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. Call: 318-443-3458. farmtoforestpleinair.com

October 12: 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

October 18: Fall ArtWalk 2024, Downtown Alexandria (900 3rd Street, Alexandria), 5:00pm-8:00pm. The streets of Downtown Alexandria come alive as local artists demonstrate and sell their works of art! This family-friendly event features artists and craft vendors offering handmade jewelry, original paintings, sculpture, pottery, children’s clothing, natural bath products, home décor, and more! Food vendors will also be on hand with a variety of delicious options & our community stage will feature local talent! Cost: Free. louisiana-arts.org

October 26: Van Gogh Gala, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. No one does galas like River Oaks, and this year’s Van Gogh Gala will be over the top as we celebrate our 40th anniversary. The theme this year is “The Surrealist Ball,” inspired by the eccentricities and genius of surrealists like Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo. Cost: $70.00. Call: 318-473-2670.

November 5: Creativity Launch Pad—Acrylics, 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 10: Red River Chorale “Convergence”, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. “Convergence” marks a merging of a variety of vocal pieces from a wide range of time periods. Please join us and celebrate this wonderful display of music which is sure to entertain audience goers of all ages! Cost: $20.00 adults; $5.00 students. redriverchorale.com

October 12: A Time for Choosing, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra thought it would be a good idea to let you, the audience, have a say in this concert. To find out what piece was voted on by the audience (hint: everyone has heard this piece of music before), you will have to come to the concert! A pre-concert presentation begins in the theatre lobby at 6:45pm. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $15.00 Seniors (65+); $12.00 Students; $50.00 Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children). Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

October 18: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Dorothy Papadakos continues her annual Halloween Horror Tour of silent film screenings. The 1923 silent film, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” will be screened in the Church and Ms. Papadakos, will improvise a soundtrack for the film on the St. James pipe organ. Joining Dorothy will be guest percussionist and ULM professor of music, Dr. Mel Mobley. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

October 23: Paragon’s Got Talent, Club MeZazz at Paragon (711 Paragon Place, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Are you ready to shine? Calling all singers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and anyone with a remarkable talent! This is your moment to captivate and entertain at Paragon Casino Resort. Space is limited to the first 150 guests. Cost: Free. paragoncasinoresort.com

Theatre

Ongoing-October 6: Terms of Endearment, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). City Park Players presents this funny and touching story by Dan Gordon which captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers, both old and new. Directed by Jill Dupont. Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors; $7:00 Students; $5.00 Thursdays. cpptheatre.com

October 10: Small Town Universe, Kress Theatre at Hearn Stage (1102 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Join the Arts Council for the second film screening in the Independent Film Series for 2024-2025. Small Town Universe paints an intimate and captivating portrait of life in Green Bank, West Virginia, home to the world’s most sensitive radio telescope and the only U.S. town where Wi-Fi and cell phones are banned. In this uniquely radio-quiet community, scientists use the telescope to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence and advance the field of radio astronomy while residents navigate through pivotal moments of existence, forming deep connections with the universe, science, and one another. Meet the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Katie Dellamaggiore, for a Q&A after the screening. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-484-4475. louisiana-arts.org

October 24-27: Spectral Sisters Fall Showcase, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre (1102 Third Street, Alexandria). Spectral Sisters Productions (SSP) presents “Something. Wicked This Way Comes,” an evening of wickedly fun ten-minute and one-act plays. SSP’s Fall Showcase features contest-winning works by local and regional writers with casts of local players. Shows are at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2:30pm on Sunday. Parental discretion is advised. Some performances may contain adult-themed language or subject matter.

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 8, 15, 22, 29 & November 5: 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 9: Cenla Women’s Prayer Connection, Westside Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am. The group will have a short devotion, small group prayer time, and great fellowship. Marybell Rizzo will serve as hostess for October. Everyone is invited; refreshments are provided. No reservations required; bring a friend. Cost: Free. Call: 318-451-7266.

October 9-13: 2024 Rapides Parish Fair, Rapides Fairgrounds (8149 Highway 71 South, Alexandria). Great entertainment for the whole family, including food vendors, rides provided by the Mighty Thomas Carnival, DeWitt Livestock Barn, games, live entertainment and more! Cost: $2.00 ages 6+. rapidesparishfair.org

October 9: 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 10-12: Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, Zwolle Festival Grounds (1100 South Main Street, Zwolle). The 48th annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta will welcome thousands of visitors from far and wide to celebrate one of Sabine Parish’s greatest traditions including a fun run, 5K race, parade, live music, carnival rides, shopping and, of course, tamales! ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/TamaleFiesta

October 11-12: 14th Annual Powwow In The Pines, Jena Band of Choctaw Powwow Grounds (1052 Chanaha Hina Street, Trout). The 2024 Jena Band of Choctaw Powwow will feature vendors, traditional dancers, drums, crafts, food and more. No alcohol, drugs or firearms will be permitted. Cost: $8.00 per day (ages 6+). jenachoctaw.org/powwowinthepines

October 14: 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.

October 17: A Perfect Fit Foundation Pancake Breakfast, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 6:30am-11:30am. A new date! Come enjoy a stack of hot, fresh, fluffy pancakes for breakfast while helping deserving elementary school children in Rapides Parish. Each breakfast comes with a short stack of pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and a beverage. 100% of proceeds will go directly toward the mission of the Foundation.  Breakfast plates will be available to enjoy at St. James on the morning of the event, packaged to go or delivered to your Alexandria/Pineville place of business for orders of 10+. For patrons dining in, the pancakes are all you care to eat! Presented by P&G. Cost: $7.00. Call: 318-442-8277.

October 18: El Camino Real Day, Caddo Region of the El Camino Real Trail. In conjunction with partners across the trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association will host its inaugural El Camino Real Day. The Caddo Region of the Trail will celebrate ECRD at sites along the trail all the way from the Nacogdoches, Texas to Natchitoches, including Fort Jesup, Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Events will vary from site to site and will consist of activities such as crafts and food demonstrations, presentations, walks along the historic route of the trail, and more!  toledobendlakecountry.com/ecrd

October 18-19: Southern Forest Heritage Museum Fall Festival, Southern Forest Heritage Museum (77 Longleaf Road, Long Leaf). Visit an historic sawmill village. Demonstrations by wood carvers, an artist,  cornmeal grinding and blacksmith artisans. Vendors with their wares and pet adoptions onsite. Visit eight self-guided museums, including a WWII museum, all sponsored by a local hospital. Ride the train, ride in Model T and free pony rides on Saturday. Vintage machine shop with locomotives and a large replica working steam engine display. Music, food trucks and four large inflatables for children. All proceeds are for the nonprofit museum’s improvements for visitor enjoyment. Cost: $10.00 per car; Half off on Friday. forestheritahemuseum.org

October 18-20: FUMC Pumpkin Patch, First United Methodist Church Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria). First United Methodist Church Alexandria’s annual Pumpkin Patch offers a weekend of family friendly fun activities, live music, food trucks, pony rides, axe throwing, fun and more! Cost: Free admission. Call: 318-443-5696.

October 18: Tales Along the Bayou, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:30pm. Have a ghoulishly good time listening to scary tales brought to from the bayou and beyond including musical entertainment from Brian and Terri Kinder, not-so-scary stories by master storyteller Sylvia Yancy Davis and then get ready to be scared right out of your socks by scary storyteller Mike Anderson! Put on your favorite costume and bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and money for some food, drinks, and glow sticks! Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

October 18: Faith House Trivia Night, Paragon Casino Resort (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 6:00pm. Get ready for an exciting evening of fun and community as Faith House hosts its annual Shining Stars of Louisiana Trivia Night! Join us for a night of ten thrilling rounds of trivia, great food, an exciting silent auction, door prizes, and a chance to support survivors of domestic violence. Must be 21+ to participate. Cost: $50.00 Individual; $300 Team of 6. Call: 318-253-2383 or 318-787-2065.

October 19: Zoo Boo, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 10:00am-6:00pm. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and interactive family fun at Central Louisiana’s “wildest” family-friendly Halloween extravaganza. See all of your favorite zoo animals while you explore the trick-or-treat trail, play kid-friendly games and activities in the Funny Bones Zone and Fall on the Farm, plus enjoy spook-tacular displays, characters, entertainment and lots more! Last entry at 4:00pm. Cost: $25.00 Fast Pass (express admission, all-day train pass); $10.00 general admission (ages 2+); $3.00 train rides. thealexandriazoo.com/ZooBoo.html

October 19: Town of Many Fall Fest, Many Square and Main Street. The Fall Fest is a lively atmosphere as kids enjoy classic carnival games with chances to win prizes, arts and crafts, painting with Shanna, a jump house, face painting, cotton candy, a cake walk, and food trucks! This year, Community Bank of Louisiana has partnered with the Many Fall Fest to host a Chili Cook Off benefitting the Pink Sisters of Sabine. Tickets to taste are $5.00 and can be purchased at the event. Cost: Free. Call: 318-581-0631.

October 24: LSUA’s 18th Annual Trick or Treat Street, LSUA (8100 Highway 71 South, Alexandria), 5:00pm-7:00pm. LSUA’s 18th annual Trick or Treat Street celebration on the streets of campus is a fundraiser for LSUA student organizations. More than 40 organizations, clubs, and departments line the streets of campus to give out candy and other Halloween goodies! You do not want to miss it! All ages 3+ will need a ticket. Cost: $5.00. lsua.edu

October 24: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Bill Nash is formally releasing his brand new biography on “Big John”, Governor John J. McKeithen at the Author’s Club meeting this month! Come hear some amazing stories on the man who built the Superdome, and did so much more. Be the very first to have a copy of his book! Cost: Free.

October 26: Cars for a Cause, Holy Savior Menard Central High School (4603 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria), 7:00am-3:30pm. This is the 2nd Annual Cars for a Cause presented by the Knights of Columbus. Cost: $25.00 Show Vehicle Registration; General Admission Free.

October 26: Crush the Crisis, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace (211 Fourth Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. RRMC and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office are partnering for Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Drop off any unneeded medications and prescription drugs from your house to prevent medication misuse. The collection site includes a convenient drive through, medication drop-off option for unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication. Cost: Free.

October 26: Boo Bash, Alexandria Mall (3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 1:00pm-3:00pm. Kids come in costume to enjoy candy stations, selfies, and a dance party with DJ Bow Wow Jones. Sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-619-2742.

October 26: 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.

October 26: Boo at Bringhurst, Bringhurst Field (1 Babe Ruth Drive, Alexandria), 4:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy hot air balloons, foam machine, gaming truck, food trucks, music and more! Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

November 2: 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 2: 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 2: 2024 Cabrini Fest, St. Frances Cabrini School (2215 East Texas Avenue, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. This fun-filled family event will feature music, food, games and raffles for the whole family to enjoy.  Gumbo tickets will be sold before and after the Masses at St. Frances Cabrini Church the weekends of October 12-13 and October 26-27. Raffle and game tickets are $1.00 each. Cost: $35.00 All-day Game Bracelet; $10.00 Gumbo Tickets; $1.00 Raffle & Game Tickets. Call: 318-448-3333.

November 2: Introduction to Judaism, Jewish Temple (2021 Turner Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. The class will be taught by Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh  and will give a brief overview of Jewish beliefs, history, customs, holidays, life cycle events, and more. Cost: Free. Email: [email protected].

Sports

October 8, 15, 22, 29 & November 5: 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

October 12: Gleaux for the Girls, Walker Toyota (5735 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The festivities will feature a variety of activities designed to engage and entertain the community while raising funds for a vital cause. Enjoy a Glow-in-the-Dark 1-Mile Fun Run, Raffles and Prizes, Food Trucks and Vendors, Kid and Pet activities, Survivor Celebrations and more! Cost: Free. christuscabrinifoundation.org/gleaux

October 14-November 11: Biggest Loser Boot Camp, Ward 9 Complex Soccer Pavilion (3311 Donahue Ferry Road, Pineville). Push yourself and see results! Classes will meet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with three times to choose: 9:00am-9:45am, 4:00pm-4:45pm, and 5:45pm-6:30pm. This year’s Biggest Loser will receive a Pamper Prize Package including facial and brow wax, haircut and style, massage, mani-pedi, mini photo shoot with makeover and spray tan, and more! Pre-registration is not required; show up on Monday, October 14th at Ward 9. Cost: $135.

November 2: Strides for Diabetes Awareness 5K & Family Fun Run, England Airpark Community Center (1718 Kegleman Boulevard, Alexandria), 8:00am. The 2nd annual Strides for Diabetes Awareness 5K & Family Fun Run will feature informational tables, stretching/warm-up, 1 mile fun run/walk, 5K and fun for the whole family. Proceeds from the event will be sent for diabetes research as well as to the Louisiana Lions Camp in Anacoco. Cost: $25.00. givebutter.com/doRGLr

*All events subject to change.