Art

September 10: 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

September 28-29: “If At First” Acrylic Mixed Media Workshop, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria). Cindy Aune presents a fast-paced acrylic mixed media celebration, with several pieces completed. Acrylic mixed media will be the focus with a brief artist lecture and demo each morning. Skill level is beginner to advanced. A supply list will be given upon registration. Cost: $95.00. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

September 30-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. An exhibition opening reception has been scheduled for Friday, September 30th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

October 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

September 13 & 27: Cenla Bluegrass Jam, Bless Your Heart Flea Market (970 Highway 1207, Deville), 6:30pm-9:30pm. Like to jam bluegrass style?  Well, get your bluegrass instruments ready and mark your calendars for every second and fourth Tuesday of the month to jam with others down at the Bless Your Heart Flea Market located in Deville, Louisiana.  Starting September 13th, this bi-monthly event is open for all ages no matter your musical level, so come on down and join us for some “no rules” Bluegrass playin’ fun! Cost: Free. Call: 318-446-6440.

September 28: Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Aaron Lewis grew up in Springfield, Vermont, listening to his grandparents’ country 8-tracks. Those roots inspired the multi platinum front man and founder of Staind to return to his origins and since has quietly made an impact on country music. With a decade invested in a genre that’s seen him record with George Jones, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Mickey Raphael, the Cox Family, Ben Haggard and Dan Tyminski and producer Buddy Cannon, he has claimed two #1 Billboard Country Album debuts for his albums “Town Line” and “Sinner”. Cost: $45.00+. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.com

Theatre

Ongoing-September 11: CPP Presents “Becky Shaw”, Hearn Stage (1102 3rd St, Alexandria). City Park Players is happy to present this Pulitzer Prize finalist dramedy by award-winning playwright Gina Gionfriddo under the direction of Jared Guillory. In “Becky Shaw”, Suzanna sets up Max, her best friend, on a blind date with her husband’s co-worker, the mysterious Becky Shaw. What follows is a series of cataclysmic events that forever changes all their lives. This play includes strong language. Performances continue Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2:30pm. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

September 9: Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:00pm. The Arts Council is excited to present Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami as the first event in the 2022-2023 Performing Arts Series! Drawing on 50+ years of cumulative experience working with many of today’s most celebrated international choreographers and directors, Jennifer Kronenberg & Carlos Guerra will bring a unique & promising perspective to the procurement of new & existing balletic repertoire. Tickets are available online at Ticket-Central.org or at the door. Cost: $20.00 Adults; $15.00 Seniors; $10.00 Students; $50.00 Family (2 Adults; 2 Children). Call: 318-484-4474.

September 17: Diamonds & Dancing, The Diamond Grill (924 Third Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. What do you get when you cross fine dining with smooth crooners like Sinatra, Buble, Fitzgerald and the Red River Dance Theater Company? A shining night to remember! Diamonds & Dancing is a fabulous evening of jazzy ballet and delicious cuisine at the beautiful Diamond Grill! Cost: $50.00. Call: 318-443-7500. redriverdance.org

September 29: The Skit Guys, Journey Church (2900 Donahue Ferry Rd, Pineville), 6:30pm. Get ready for a night of laughter and fun. The Skit Guys were recently featured in their movie, “Family Camp” that played in theaters nationwide. The Skit Guys provide Christian videos, church skits, plays, drama scripts, and other quality Christian church media. The Skit Guys (Eddie and Tommy) are huge fans of Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery at Journey Church is bringing in the Skit Guys because in their comedy they use everyday hurts, habits, and hang-ups to show illustration of how Jesus helps us overcome. Due to age appropriate content, only those 13 years and older. Every person who enters will need a ticket. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-640-1273. jcpineville.com/skitguys

Events

Ongoing-September: 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.

September 9-10, 12-13, 15-16, & October 5-6: Save Cenla ASIST Training, 8:00am-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. Sept 9-10: Coushatta Casino, Kinder; Sept 12-13: B22 Fit, Dry Prong; Sept 15-16: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Leesville; Oct 5-6: 1st Baptist Church, Olla. Open to ages 16+. Mental health professionals can receive 12 CEUs after taking this workshop for $60.00 through livingworks.net (a $300 value). Sponsored by Central Louisiana Human Services District and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/asist

September 9, 16, 23, 30 & October 7: 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.

September 10-11: Cenla Shrine Circus, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria). The Shriners are well-known for their philanthropy work in helping sick children, so what better way to help them out by going to the circus! while watching the elephants and munching on that cracker jacks or cotton candy, know that you will be helping out the children of the Shriner’s Hospital, and what better way to spend your day! Saturday: 10:00am, 2:00pm, 6:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm, 5:00pm. Cost: $15.00 (ages 13+); Kids (12 & under) Free with paid adult. Call: 318-443-6149.

September 10: 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!

September 12: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room (501 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria), 6:00pm. The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.

September 13, 20, 27 & October 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.

September 14: 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.

September 15: Tank Fest, LSUA (8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria), 5:00pm. Tank Fest will fill the Quad with food trucks, live music from local talents, and many other family-friendly activities. This year’s event will include musical performances from local favorites, including Deep Water Rehab and The Wild Thornberrys. Open to students and the Cenla community. Cost: Free. Call: 318-767-2604. lsua.edu

September 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Avalon Hotel and Suites (2301 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Enjoy this midweek break with delightful food, fun, fellowship, and Lots of door prizes! This month, celebrate Healthcare Workers! If you are a healthcare worker or know a healthcare worker, invite them to come and let us celebrate them and all they do. Inspirational Speaker, Pat Smith, will present “Finding Pearls” and Christian Recording Artist, OCTAVIA , will perform live. Please RSVP by Friday, September 16th. Cost: $18.00. Call: 337-349-4776.

September 22: LSUA Shrimp Jam, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm. The Generals Athletic Association (GAA) will host its annual Shrimp Jam fundraiser to benefit the student-athletes of LSUA, featuring D-D Breaux, former Head Coach of LSU Gymnastics, nine-time SEC Coach of Year, and an inductee to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. D-D Breaux, former Head Coach of LSU Gymnastics, nine-time SEC Coach of Year, and an inductee to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Cost: $75.00. lsuafoundation.org

September 22: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (501 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. 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. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

September 24: Magical Market Mabon Faire & 2nd Anniversary Bash!, Downtown Alexandria (313 DeSoto Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Magical Market would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our community for two amazing years of celebrating art and artist in Cenla! Your continued love and support is what makes the magic happen! So, bring your family and friends and help us celebrate our beautiful community with great vendors, food trucks and more! Cost: Free.

October 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.

October 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.

October 1: Fall Herb Day, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria), 8:00am-1:00pm. It’s that time again, and Fall is just around the corner!  And who doesn’t love herbs and yard sales?  The Kent Plantation House is hosting their Fall Herb Day in conjunction with their famous indoor yard sale, and it’s time to bring all of your previously enjoyed treasures (no clothing please) to the Kent House. In addition to all the different veggie plants and herbs, there will also be craft vendors on site. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

October 1: Alexandria Zoo Centennial Bash, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Join the party filled with music, activities, animals and fun in celebration of Alexandria Zoo’s 100th Anniversary! What’s a birthday party without cake and presents? The animals will be treated to birthday-themed enrichment items, and visitors can enjoy a slice of cake by Atwood’s Bakery (while supplies last). Tour the Zoo, stop by a keeper chat, and rock and roar at the Festival Plaza with music. There will be plenty of activities for kids with interactive activity stations, face painting, obstacle course, and bounce house. Guests can also journey through the Zoo’s wild past with historical displays. Cost: $5.00 (ages 2 and up). Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

Sports

September 13, 20, 27 & October 4: 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

September 17: Le Tour de Bayou, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria), 7:00am. When colorfully decorated bicycles start being spotted around central Louisiana, Le Tour time is drawing near! Join the Kent Plantation House as it hosts the 11th Annual Le Tour de Bayou! Registration and packet pick up starts at 9:00am Thursday, September 16th, with the ride beginning promptly at 7:00am Saturday, September 17th. Find your stride in our 10, 25, 40, 69, or 101 mile rides or enjoy the quieter pace of our 2 mile family fun run/ride. Enjoy great food and music at the post-ride after party held on the Kent House grounds. Register at www.bikereg.com/le-tour-de-bayou. Cost: $50.00 25+ mile rides; $30.00 10-mile ride; $20.00 2-mile family fun ride/walk. Call: 318-487-5998. letourdebayou.com

September 17: The Broom Tree Footloose Fall Color Run, Buhlow Lake (200 Buhlow Lake Rd Pineville), 9:00am. The Broom Tree of Cenla has a special purpose, “to strive to come alongside one another while assisting with the financial needs and emotional well-being of those with disabilities” in the Cenla area.  So, what better way to help them out then by getting your kids outdoors and participating in their first ever 5k And 1 Mile Color Run! This fun run has an 80s theme, so make sure you wear your best 80s outfit, and don’t forget that poufy hair! There will be a t-shirt provided for each participant.  If you don’t feel up to the long distance 5k, then just settle for the 1-mile run instead.  But, no matter what run you choose, you can rest assure that your day will be a “colorful” one! Cost: $25.00 General Admission; Special Needs Runners/Riders Free. Call: 318-419-1754. broomtreecenla.com

September 17: Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, Holy Savior Menard High School (4603 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 10:00am. The Central Louisiana Great Strides Walk is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest fundraising event. Each year, more than 125,000 people nationwide participate in hundreds of walks to support the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Call: 225-769-9994.

September 24: National Hunting and Fishing Day, Woodworth Outdoor Education Center (661 Robinson Bridge Rd, Woodworth), 8:00am-1:30pm. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosts events on the fourth Saturday in September at regional offices in Monroe, Minden, Baton Rouge and Woodworth. Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day events include hands-on demonstrations in hunting, fishing and conservation. Cost: Free.

October 5: The Fighting Flights Dart Tournament, Fighting Hands Brewery (1600 Military Highway, Pineville), 6:30pm. Attention dart players! The Fighting Flights (that’s you!) will be gathering at Fighting Hand Brewing Co for another round of play. Who will take home the pot tonight? If you couldn’t make it last time, come on by! All skill levels welcome and get to compete for the pot. Cost: $5.00. fightinghandbrewing.com

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