Art

 Ongoing-September 28: 37th September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). This annual juried exhibition is selected by a guest juror from national and international submissions. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. Additionally, the September Competition connects the museum with artists that are excelling in their field and media. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

September 10: 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

September 14: 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

September 14: Watercolors Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am-3:30pm. Join local artist, Jerry Havens, for a full day of watercolor exploration. All experience levels welcome; pre-registration is required. Cost: $65.00 AMoA Members; $85.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

September 19: Artist’s Panel Discussion—Textile Art, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Join Louisiana artists, Wendy Starn (included in the 37th September Competition exhibit), Shawne Major, and Ange Rhiel to discuss their exploration of textile as artistic medium in a curator-led panel discussion. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 1: 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 7: Boots & Blues, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm-9:30pm. See electrifying Zydeco acts J. Paul and The Zydeco Nubreedz and Roi Anthony & the Mohitz Family live! Music by DJ Troy-D, hosted by comedian Big Sexxy! Doors open at 7:00pm. Cost: $35.00 General Admission; $45.00 VIP; $500 Table of 10. Call: 800-946-1946. paragoncasinoresort.com

September 14: A Time and A Place, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra presents “A Time and a Place”, with the common element of all four pieces featured is that they musically describe a particular location and/or time. Dallas-based soprano, Molly Fillmore, will join the orchestra. 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

September 25: Koe Wetzel Damn Near Normal Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Gold-selling singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Koe Wetzel is bringing his Damn Near Normal Tour to Alexandria. Described variously as a “blend of rock and country”, “outlaw country”, and “fusing country and grunge”, Wetzel will be  joined by Treaty Oak Revival. Cost: $35.00-$150. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.org

September 28: AMoA Concert Series—Deidre McCalla, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm-8:30pm. Deidre McCalla will present a concert of her socially relevant contemporary folk music. McCalla was awarded the 2023 National Women’s Music Festival Jan Schliessman Award for Outstanding Contributions to Women’s Music and the 19th Annual International Acoustic Music Award for Best Folk/Roots/Americana Song. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

October 4: I Am He Said—A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Don’t miss Matt Vee, singer, guitarist, songwriter, recording artist and nephew of legendary 60s pop-star Bobby Vee. Matt along with cousins Jeff and Tommy Vee, join forces with their family and friends as The Killer Vees to celebrate the music from the timeless catalog of Neil Diamond! Cost: $35.00 Adults; $30.00 Arts Council Members/Seniors 65+/Military; $15.00 Students under 18. Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

Theatre

September 7-16: The Importance of Being Earnest, Martin Performing Arts Center at LCU (1140 College Drive, Pineville). Theatre Louisiana Christian opens its 2024-25 season with “The Importance of Being Earnest” by renowned Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. The show is Wilde’s most celebrated comedy and often regarded as his magnum opus. Performances begin nightly Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00pm. Cost: $5.00 LCU students, faculty, and staff; $12.00 for senior citizens and non-LCU students; $10.00 Groups of 10+; $15.00 general admission. purplepass.com/tlciobe

September 9, 16, 23, 30 & October 7: Military Monday at the Movies, Grand Theatre Alexandria (2039 North Mall Drive, Alexandria). All military personnel and first responders can enjoy the ultimate movie experience at Santikos Entertainment for just $5.00. Along with $5.00 movie tickets, they’ll also have access to a $5.00 large drink and a $5.00 large popcorn, making their cinema experience even more enjoyable and unforgettable. Valid ID required. Cost: $5.00.

September 12-15: ASH Theatre Presents Six the Musical, Alexandria Senior High (800 Olla Street, Alexandria). ASH Theatre presents this full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ international phenomenon Six, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences! Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:00pm. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Military or Senior Citizen; $5.00 RPSB Students/Staff/Faculty.

September 12-15: Cirque Italia Water Circus, Alexandria Mall (3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria). Have you ever imagined a country boy’s adventure from farm life to the bustling lights of the big city? Cirque Italia is thrilled to present this new production, a captivating story about Rafael, a farm boy swept away by a tornado who lands in the heart of the city’s chaos. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey of self-discovery and unity under the stunning white and blue big top tent! Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm; Saturday and Sunday matinee performances begin at 1:30pm and 4:30pm. Cost: $15.00-$55.00. cirequeitalia.com

September 13: Family Tree, Kress Theatre at Hearn Stage (1102 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Join the Arts Council for its first film screening in the Independent Film Series for 2024-2025. Family Tree explores sustainable forestry in North Carolina through the stories of two Black families fighting to preserve their land and legacy. Family Tree’s cinéma vérité approach reveals the vast task of maintaining the land while navigating challenging family dynamics, unscrupulous developers, and changing environmental needs. The forest itself and the beauty of its changing seasons become a primary character in this family drama. Meet the filmmaker, Jennifer MacArthur, for a Q&A after the screening. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-484-4475. louisiana-arts.org

September 26-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

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 7 & October 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.

September 7 & October 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.

September 7: Cenla Duck Derby, TREE House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. Join in for a block-party style event with rubber duck racing, kids crafts and activities, food trucks and food vendors, craft vendors, music, door prizes and much more. The Children’s Museum will be open to the public during the event. All proceeds benefit the mission of the T.R.E.E. House. Call: 318-619-9394. cenladuckderby.com

September 7-8: Cenla Shrine Circus, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria). The Cenla Shrine Circus returns to the Rapides Parish Coliseum for five performances over two days. Showtimes are 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:30pm on Saturday; Sunday performances begin at 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Cost: $20.00 Adults; Free for Children under 12. Call: 318-442-9581. rpclive.org

September 9: 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.

September 10, 17, 24 & October 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.

September 11: Cenla Women’s Prayer Connection, Family of Grace Church (1904 Bolton Avenue, Alexandria), 10:00am. Pat Voss will serve as hostess for September. No reservations required; bring a friend. Cost: Free. Call: 318-664-1192.

September 11: 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 12: A Perfect Fit Foundation Pancake Breakfast, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 6:30am-11:30am. 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.

September 15: Champagne Roses and Gold Bridal Expo, Paragon Casino Resort (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 1:30pm. This Bridal Expo  is your one-stop shop to make your dream wedding come true! If you’re planning a wedding soon, don’t miss this event. Grand Prize: Honeymoon Cruise by Cindy’s Adventures. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $25.00 VIP.

September 17: Artrageous!, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Get ready for an epic art adventure presented by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana! Kick off the 2024-2025 Performing Arts Series with Artrageous—the 5-star, internationally acclaimed show that’s got everyone talking! Let Artrageous take you on a journey where their original music, dynamic art by award winning artists, and imagination collide in a thrilling visual concert. The Artrageous experience transcends the traditional confines of a show–it’s the ultimate immersive family experience into the canvas of imagination. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $20.00 Arts Council Members/Seniors 65+/Military; $10.00 Students under 18. Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

September 18: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Speaker Linda Hudson presents “Looking For Love in all the Wrong Places” plus a special feature by Jessica Lachney with Starfish Ministries. This month’s luncheon will also feature a silent auction of gently used purses. Enjoy this inspirational speaker, special feature, fellowship, and delicious meal. Please pre-register. Admission includes lunch. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

September 19: Tank Fest 2024, The Quad at LSUA (8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria), 5:00pm. LSUA Tank Fest is a vibrant celebration of community and creativity featuring a day of music, art, and delicious food. Enjoy live performances from Capital City Soul. And that’s not all! Tank Fest will also offer a variety of food trucks, a caricature artist, a face painting station, a glitter bar, and many other exciting attractions. Cost: Free. LSUA.edu

September 20: Comedy Jam & Dinner Show, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 7:00pm. Don’t miss out on the ultimate entertainment experience! Join us in the Mari Showroom for an unforgettable evening filled with gut-busting comedy and delicious dining. Hosted by the hilarious Comedian Grossmann, this show guarantees non-stop laughter from start to finish! Featuring side-splitting performances by Derrick Kenner and Piper the Comedian, get ready for a night of pure comedy gold! Admission includes buffet dinner and two drinks. Cost: $50.00. Call: 800-946-1946. paragoncasinoresort.com

September 26: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Author of 11 published books with three more in the works, Tom Aswell is this month’s featured speaker. Cost: Free.

September 26: Tailgating for Sickle Cell Gala, Hotel Bentley (200 Desoto Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm-11:00pm. The Sickle Cell Anemia Resource Foundation (SCARF) invites you to join us for “Tailgating for Sickle Cell: 50 Years of Service,” a special celebration marking half a century of dedication and progress in the fight against sickle cell disease. This festive event will blend the excitement of a tailgate party with our heartfelt gratitude for our community’s support and the strides we’ve made together. Come celebrate with us as we honor our journey, recognize the incredible advancements in research and treatment, and look forward to a future of continued service and hope for all those affected by sickle cell disease. Cost: $50.00. Call: 318-314-3070. scarfcenla.org

September 28: 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 5: Fall Herb Day, Arts & Crafts Fest and Yard Sale, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria). An amazing selection of quality fall herbs and bedding plants will be for sale with gardening experts on hand to help select the perfect plants for your yard or home.  In addition to quality herbs, vendors selling both handmade and garden related items will also be featured. Browse the wide assortment of local arts, crafts and food vendors as well as the gigantic indoor yard sale for your shopping pleasure. Herb Day and the Yard Sale serve as fundraisers for programs at Kent Plantation House to help further their mission to preserve, interpret, and promote the historic site and to educate the public about the history and culture of Central Louisiana between 1795 and 1855. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

Sports

September 10, 17, 24 & October 1: 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

September 14: Red Wagon 5K & 1 Mile Wagon Pull/Run Walk, Louisiana Athletic Club (1135 College Drive, Pineville), 8:00am-10:00pm. Red Wagon 5K & 1 Mile Wagon pull/Run or Walk. Pull the kids or pets. It’s going to be an event filled with joy! Cenla  Runners Heroes is a local Running Group that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Race day registration will start at 7:00am.  Custom finishers medals and top 2 male and female awards. Race will start and finish at the Louisiana Athletic Club in Pineville. Cost: $20.00 1 mile; $25.00 Red Wagon 5K; $25.00 Ainsley’s Angels. runsignup.com

September 21: 13th Annual Le Tour de Bayou, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria). The 13th Annual Le Tour de Bayou features six bicycle events ranging from a family friendly 2-mile fun ride to an ambitious 101-mile ride!  So grab a group of friends, your bike helmets, and come make some memories riding along the bayou. Cost: $60.00 101-, 69-, 40- and 25-mile rides; $40.00 10-mile ride; $20.00 family of 4 2-mile fun run/ride. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

September 21: Puppy Yoga, Growl Studio (2600 Highway 28 East, Pineville), 9:00am. Join Growl Studio for a joyful Puppy Yoga class and help make a difference in our community! Let’s practice yoga surrounded by adorable puppies and support our local animal rescue organization together. Proceeds benefit the U Care Project who mission is sharing the desire for education, the passion for animals, and compassion for people. Class size is limited; pre-registration is required. Cost: $30.00. Call: 318-704-0009. https://tinyurl.com/2p8xdar2

September 28: Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Healing Tribal Strong 5K Walk/Run, Chief Joseph Alcide Pierite Pow Wow Grounds (Marksville), 7:00am. This event is dedicated to generating awareness and support for individuals supporting a loved one with cancer, those journeying through cancer, and in honor of those we have lost to this disease. The Healing Tribal Strong 5K is more than just a race; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and the strength that comes from standing together. Cost: $25.00. hts5k.la

September 28: LDWF National Hunting and Fishing Day, Woodworth Shooting Range (661 Robinson Bridge Road, Woodworth), 8:00am-1:30pm. Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day event includes exhibits on LDWF’s research and conservation efforts, shooting and fishing demonstrations, and exhibits from local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, the Safari Club, and the Coastal Conservation Association, as well as local businesses Attendees can try their skills at the shooting ranges, fishing ponds, and boating activities, and learn about wildlife with live animal demonstrations. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Cost: Free. wlf.louisiana.gov

*All events subject to change.