City Park Players presents: The Odd Couple

Hearn Stage in the Kress Theatre

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

April 18th-21st

Time: See "Tickets"

This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as “The Odd Couple” is born. Directed by Allen Rowlen.

Exhibition Opening: The 10th Annual Dirty South Cup Call

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM

Exhibition featuring the 10th Annual Dirty South Cup Call, Guest Juror Randy Brodnax, Friends of Juror, and Bridie Rollins. Opening reception will be April 18, 2024 at 5 pm. The exhibition will be up from April 18 - May 25, 2024.

ASH Theatre presents: Funny Girl

ASH Auditorium

800 Ola St. Alexandria, LA 71303

April 18th-20th

Time: See "Tickets"

Hello, gorgeous!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

You don't want to miss ASH Theatre's production of Funny Girl!

Downtown Rocks: Chris Ardoin

City of Alexandria

3rd & Murray St.. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM

Everyone's favorite FREE Spring Concert Series is BACK! Join us on the steps of City Hall as we SPRING into Alex River Fête 2024! Chris Ardoin

- 5pm-8pm

- Food and beverages will be available for purchase

Garden District Day: Live Music

Garden District in Alexandria

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM

Get ready Cenla!!!! Come enjoy our beautiful Alexandria Garden District!! Community wide yard sale, food drive for the Food Bank of Central LA, Block Party with street dance and live music, Mutt Strut with Parade. Food and Beverage Vendors.

Earth Day at the Zoo

Alexandria Zoo

3016 Masonic Dr. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM

Join us for the wildest party in town as we celebrate Earth Day!

-Explore 10+ Community Exhibitors

Discover their conservation passions through hands-on activities or crafts.

-Make an Earth Day craft

We're celebrating the wonders of forests at the 2024 Earth Day celebration; make a recycled tree craft to remember the day.

-Explore Discovery Carts

Visit with a Zoo Volunteer to find out about the amazing forest biomes and the animals that call these places home.

-Attend Keeper Chats

Meet the people who care for our zoo residents and discover more about our animals.

11 am Black Bear

12:30 pm Sloth

1 pm Jaguar

2 pm Pine Snake

Thank you to our event sponsor; Cleco.

Louisiana Jazz & Art Brunch

For the Love of Alexandria

1434 E. Dorchester Dr. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM

Come and enjoy some live entertainment while you paint a Louisiana Jazz themed painting. You will have guided instruction from our artist throughout the entire event. Also, enjoy a flavorful Louisiana themed Brunch and check out our Mimosa station. All food and drinks will be catered by local food vendors.

AMoA Concert Series: Katrina L. Cox

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time Change!

Presentation: 2:30 PM

Event: 5:30 PM

Lecture and Jazz Concert Event

Lecture: "Exploring Music and Art"

Join us for a captivating lecture by Dr. Katrina L. Cox, M.M., as she delves into the world of music and art during Pablo Picasso's most prolific artistic era. Discover the works of renowned composers such as Debussy, Stravinsky, Poulenc, and Satie, alongside Picasso's fascination with music and poetry.

Free and Open to the public!

Jazz Concert: A Night to Remember

Be serenaded at the AMoA with a mesmerizing jazz concert featuring guest musician, Katrina L. Cox, accompanied by the talented Christina Mathis on piano. Immerse yourself in the soulful tunes on the museum's enchanting third-floor gallery.

$15 for AMoA members and $20 for non-members!

Rapides Symphony Orchestra presents: Hollywood-Heroes & Heroines

Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater

Downtown Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM

We invite you to POPS ON THE RIVER!!

Saturday, April 20th at 7:30PM

Come out and enjoy music from movies featuring your favorite Hollywood Heros and Heroines played by the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Maestro, Joshua Zona!

You don't want to miss this year's featured soloist, Claire Marie Miller!

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘!

𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟬 𝗮𝗿𝗲 $𝟯𝟱𝟬

To reserve a table call 318.442.9709

The Louisiana Elvis Festival

Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

1202 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

April 25th-27th

Time: See "Tickets"

Join us for the "Louisiana Elvis Festival", the third Elvis Festival in our new home, beautiful Alexandria, Louisiana! This will be a three-day weekend event with some of the world's top Elvis Tribute Artists at the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center! We’ll have five different shows covering multiple eras of The King and other special events. Make your plans now to be in Louisiana for this historic weekend! The King is back in Louisiana!

If you are in need of ADA Seating please contact our box office for more info at 352-789-7269

PHS Theatre presents: The Play That Goes Wrong

Pineville High School Auditorium

1511 Line St. Pineville, LA

April 26th-28th

Time: See "Tickets"

TAP & Grind

Tamp & Grind

828 4th St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM

Grab your tap shoes! TAP & Grind is happening again at Tamp & Grind! We're throwing down some wood and jammin'. All ages (yes, adult students, that includes you!) and abilities welcome. Students from all local dance studios - and students with no studio affiliation at all - are invited. Come to watch or to participate.

While there is NO CHARGE for this event, we will be passing the hat to raise funds for one of our students. Come watch her dance and improv, and help her raise a little money to attend Soul 2 Sole Tap Festival in Austin, TX this summer.

This event is definitely family friendly - kids LOVE tap. If you don't have tap shoes, no worries. Bring yourself and your desire to have fun. Let's TAP!

2024 ALEX RIVERFETE

Dinner on the Bricks

Downtown Alexandria, LA

May 2nd-4th

We're kicking off Alex River Fête with Dinner on the Bricks! Come enjoy some great music and great food from local vendors!

Alex RiverFete Saturday

Downtown Alexandria, LA

May 2nd-4th

Join us Friday, May 3rd for LIVE MUSIC at Alex River Fête 24!

ArtFete begins!

Stay tuned for music artists and the performance schedule!

Alex RiverFete Saturday

Downtown Alexandria, LA

May 2nd-4th

Join us Saturday, May 4th for LIVE MUSIC at Alex River Fête 24!

ArtFete continues!

Stay tuned for music artists and the performance schedule!

MayFest

Downtown Leesville, LA

May 3rd & 4th

Time: See Line-up

MayFest, winner of the Louey Award for Festival of the Year, is an annual, FREE event with live music, food & fun held in historic downtown Leesville on the first weekend in May – May 3-4, 2024

Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer homemade items and food made from scratch.

Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the courthouse lawn for two free days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Download the Brochure and make plans now!

MUSIC LINE-UP - 2024

FRIDAY, MAY 3

4:00 pm-5:00 pm – OLD MAN BAND

5:15 pm-6:15 pm – GYPSY LA BLUE

6:30 pm-7:30 pm – HURRICANE JUNCTION

7:45 pm-8:45 pm – BAD MOON RISING

9:00 pm-10:30 pm – ROCKIN DOPSIE

SATURDAY, MAY 4

9:00 am – 9:50 am – OPENING CEREMONY

10:00 am – 10:50 am – JOHNSON TEMPLE CHOIR

11:00 am – 11:50 am – HEART UNITED CHOIR

12:00 pm – 12:50 pm – PLEASANT HILL CHOIR

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – THE AMAZING RHYTHM DISCIPLES GROUP

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm – LOUISIANA SCRAMBLE

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm – JOSH HYDE AND THE LOST PARISH

4:45 pm – 5:45 pm – DASH PAZ

6:00 pm – 7:15 pm – DAVID SYLVESTER

7:30 pm – 8:45 pm – JOHNNY EARTHQUAKE & THE MOON DOGS

9:00 pm – 10:30 pm – ALEX SMITH

ACTIVITIES - CLAYFEST VERNON PARISH

From starting your day with a delicious Lion’s Club Pancake, to letting out your inner child (or actual child) to create a chalk masterpiece, to shopping for that perfect something from vendors from throughout the region, and dining on all that festival food, there’s plenty to do when you’re not singing with your favorite band! Come throughout the day for all the fun! 

And, don’t forget ClayFest 2024 at Gallery One Ellleven showcasing clay pottery works, including some with Vernon Parish clay!

WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS, CAMPS & GRANTS

Community Luminary Workshop

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

AMoA will be shining at River Fête! Join us for a FREE Community Luminary Workshop. On Thursday, April 18 from 6-8 you can make your own Water Bird Illuminated Hat and join the procession on Friday, May 3 during River Fête.

Due to the materials we're using, we're asking people to register ahead of time this year. Please register all attendees in your group using the link provided.

To volunteer for the procession, please contact Cindy Blair at cindy@themuseum.org

Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Fest-Children's Art Workshop

FUMC Gym

2727 Jackson St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM, K-2nd Grade 10:30 AM, 3rd-5th Grade

Brushes & Bright Stars

A VAN GOGH CELEBRATION

FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

Pre-registration required.

Children have the opportunity to learn about Vincent van Gogh and create their own multimedia masterpiece inspired by The Starry Night.

Rapides Parish Library: Teen Poetry Contest!

Applications deadline: April 22, 2024

Attention all poets! Show off your poetry writing skills by entering our RPL Poetry Writing Contest!

We will have two winners library wide, one from high school and one from junior high (6-8th grade).

The winning poets will have the choice of having their poem published on our social media or perform their poem in a video that the library will post on social media. Get your submissions in today!

Email completed poems to craig@rpl.org by the deadline Monday, April 22, 2023 at 8:00am.

Winner will be announced Thursday, April 25th.

Quilting 101 Class: 4 of 5

Aunt Nell's Quilt Shop

1688 Hyland Park Dr. Pineville, LA

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Class fee is $125 and this fee is for all 5 weeks. Please note that ALL classes need to be prepaid in order to secure your seat. classes will be every other week.

please make checks payable to Finish Line Quilting or drop by the shop to pay in cash Allison will write you a receipt.

Class Fees are non-refundable

2024 Creativity Launch Pad Classes

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Launch Pad classes are for ANY and ALL skill levels seeking a fun, relaxed and creative environment in which to learn something new or work on your own. They offer an opportunity to experience different mediums as an introduction, that could provide a gateway to independent making.

All materials are provided. Mindfulness classes are perfect for clearing your creative roadblocks and finding your artistic voice.

For Beginners - a great way to test the medium and see what you like.

For Intermediates - great for constructive critique.

For Advanced students - work at your own pace.

Classes meet on the first Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 in the AMoA classroom.

$10 for AMoA Members ~ $20 per class for non-members

You must be 21 to attend this class.

May 7 - Figure Drawing

June 4 - Mindfulness

July 2 - Acrylic

August 6 - Watercolors

September 3 - Drawing

October 1 - Mindfulness

November 5 - Acrylics

December 3 - Watercolor

The Muse: The Alexandria Museum of Art Teens

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

The following events are FREE and open to participants between the ages of 13 and 19.

Please register participants individually.

WORKSHOPS



The Muse Origami Workshop

Saturday, May 18

1-4pm

Muse Teens will practice the Japanese art of paper folding during this workshop!

The Muse Summer Solstice Costume Workshop

Monday, June 24- Friday June 28

1-5pm Each Day

Muse Teens will create summer solstice themed costumes by upcycling clothing and creating their own accessories. These costumes can be worn at the Muse Summer Solstice Ball in July.

SPRING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

AMoA River Fête Procession

Friday, May 3

Volunteer Time: 7-9pm

Volunteers will help set up luminaries and carry them in the procession and then help clean up at the end of the procession.

TREE House Children's Museum Summer Camps 2024!

1403 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Ways to Register

-Online: Click below!

-Coming into the museum

-Calling us 318-619-9394, and giving your information over the phone!

Sunflower Van Geaux Art

6501 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA

New painting classes each weekend! Click below for schedule.

Public painting event!! Come paint with the artists at Sunflower Van Geaux ART! Bring drinks and food to snack on while you paint.

When entering the location, Sunflower Van Geaux Art is on the right side of the building facing Walker BMW dealership, through the door with the light blue bench and sunflower next to it.

Walk-ins are welcomed, but if you would like to reserve your spot, please go to the website’s Contact page at www.SunflowerVanGeaux.com to sign up, or you can call, text, or message me to let me know you’re coming and what size canvas you are wanting.

Seating is limited.

The Rapides Parish Library: Events!

The Rapides Parish Library

Various Branch Locations

Click below to be up-to-date with all the creative events the Rapides Parish Library has to offer!

Art Vendors! Avoyelles Art & Music Fest Registration is Open

Avoyelles Arts Council

" Calling all talented vendors and food trucks! Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your artistry and crafts at the 12th Annual Avoyelles Art and Music Festival! Big changes are happening with our festival! We are joining forces with the Paragon Casino Resort and we will have several vendor spots located in the AIR CONDITION!

Join us in celebrating creativity and culture as we bring together artists and musicians from all over Louisiana. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, jewelry maker, or any other artisan, this festival is the perfect platform to showcase your work at a vibrant festival with thousands of visitors. Sign up now on our webpage to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable event!

Join Culturalyst!

REGION 6's NEW ARTIST DIRECTORY!

ARTISTS, ARTISANS, PERFORMERS + MAKERS, ART ORGANIZATIONS, WRITERS, MUSICIANS...

Have you had the chance to check out our new online artist directory?? We would love to have you be a part of this new piece in our ever growing artist community! This digital tool will help support and elevate local artists, musicians, performers, writers, arts organizations and the people who create and sustain our Region's incomparable culture. Sign up is easy and ONLY takes a few minutes.

Hit the button below to take you to our page!

Enduring Concepts

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibition begins March 15th

Starting Friday, March 15 come view the Alexandria Museum of Art collection, which explores recurring themes prevalent within its scope of Modern and Contemporary Louisiana, Southern, & American Art. $5.00 admission!

A Graphic Journey, Timothy Collins Collection

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibition dates: March 15th-June 15th

Join us for the Timothy Collins Collection exhibition!  Explore Picasso's development through a stunning display of etchings, lithographs, and linocuts. 

Group Exhibit

Gallery One Elleven

111 S. 3rd St. Leesville, LA

Exhibition dates: March 28th-April 27th

Reception for the Artists from RealArt DeRidder for their group exhibit.

Engage! Family Art Initiative

Avoyelles Arts Council

Gallery on the Square

122 East Mark St. Marksville, LA

Exhibition dates: April11th-April 26th

Please join us for ENGAGE! A Family Art Initiative promoting family engagement in the arts!

The exhibit will feature artwork created by students of the Early Childhood Development Center of Avoyelles with their families. The students range from age 6 weeks to Pre K 4.

The arts have been proven to help children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness! 

56th Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival

FUMC

2727 Jackson St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibition dates: April 13th-April 21st

Exhibits are open daily, April 13 – 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and close at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

NEW! Arts Council is currently accepting applications for Stage Technicians



The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is seeking part-time Theater Stage Technicians. Duties include providing technical services for two performing arts venues in downtown Alexandria, assisting the Technical Directors with all functions of staging including serving on running crews for setup and load out as needed, as well as operation and maintenance of lights, sound, video and rigging systems. Must work effectively with staff, administrators, students, and touring performers and crew, have experience in basic computer programs and the ability to keep a professional attitude at all times. Work hours include nights and weekends. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Arts Council is currently accepting applications for Full-Time Custodian

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana (ACCL) is currently seeking the qualified candidate to fill our full-time custodian position. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintenance of (2) Performing Arts Venues as well as classroom and office space in (2) buildings separated by one block in Downtown Alexandria Louisiana.

Regular hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with a one hour lunch break. The position requires the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate event/performance schedules that will involve weekends. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

The Arts Council is currently seeking Booking Manager / Administrative Assistant

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana (ACCL) is currently seeking the qualified candidate to fill our Booking Manager/Administrative Assistant position. The successful candidate will serve as receptionist, assist with event coordination, and serve as booking manager for venues operated and maintained by the ACCL.

This position requires the ability to work special events/performances that will occasionally involve nights and weekends. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Position works closely with the ACCL administrative and technical staff, and reports to the Executive Director. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Sunset Club w/ Rod Baronet

Location: Spirits Food & Friends

1200 Texas Ave., Alexandria, LA

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM

Eric Leger

Location: Topshelf

Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 8:00 PM