The Arts Council of Central Louisiana presents: Michael Jackson HIStory Show

Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

1202 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

The Arts Council and Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances covering his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of Pop culture into the 21st century.

See the famous music videos come to life, and hear all the hits performed live, including Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Human Nature, PYT, They Don’t Really Care About Us and many more.

Garth Field is electrifying in his role as Jackson, accompanied by a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and effects.

Truly a mind-blowing stage production – book now to secure your seats close to the action!

*This is a tribute show and is not associated with the Estate of Michael Jackson.

Online Pricing

• General Admission: $40
• ACCL Member: $35
• Child (18 & under): $30

All tickets will be $45 at the door.

Please call 318-484-4475 to purchase ADA seating.

14th Annual Art in the Rafters

Avoyelles Arts Council

113 E. Ogden St. Marksville, LA

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM

Join the Avoyelles Arts Council for an unforgettable night celebrating the arts at Bailey’s on the Square on Thursday, October 22!

Enjoy an exciting fashion show from local businesses and organizations, a live painting performance by award-winning choreographer Jill Sauseda, and live performances by critically acclaimed spoken-word duo Nina Squared, with special guests.

Explore the largest art exhibit in Avoyelles, enjoy complimentary wine and delicious bar bites with admission, and support the arts through our membership drive.

Doors open at 6:00 PM. Show begins at 8:00 PM

Bring your friends and celebrate the creativity, talent, and spirit of our community. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Cenla Author's Club

Westside Regional Library

5416 Provine Pl. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

The Cenla Authors' club is open to authors and writers of all levels and genres, and anyone interested in learning more about the book-writing process. French culturist and honorary ambassador Barry Jean Ancelet will be the featured speaker.

The Fox Theatre presents: Murder on the Orient Express

The Fox Theatre

111 S. Washington St. Marksville, LA

October 22nd-25th

Time: See "Tickets"

The Fox Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS adapted by Ken Ludwig. This adaptation of the class Agatha Christie novel is the perfect dramatic comedy and murder mystery for the fall season.

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

Directed by Kody Walker, this cast of local actors will keep you guessing until the end. Shows are October 22-24 at 7pm and October 25 at 2pm.

Pineville High School Theatre presents: The Addams Family

Pineville High School

1511 Line St. Pineville, LA

October 22nd-25th

Time: See "Tickets"

Bolton Academy Theatre presents: The Wizard of Oz

Bolton Academy

2101 Vance Ave, Alexandria, LA

October 23rd & 24th at 7:00 PM

October 25th at 2:30 PM

Bolton Academy presents “The Wizard of Oz”

Join us for a performance of brains, heart, and courage!

Van Gogh Gala

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Our Annual Van Gogh Gala! The event features a mentor-star artist pairing for an exclusive art auction, blending professional artistry with community spirit. (Stay tuned for more details on theme and costumes ideas!)

The art pieces, each a unique collaboration between mentor artists and a star artists, will be on display.

Exhibition on display from Oct. 17-23

Next Stop Comedy

Fighting Hand Brewing Co.

1600 Military Hwy. Pineville, LA

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians, with new lineups every time, straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter! Our shows feature top-tier talent from across the country, delivering high-energy performances in intimate, local venues. Whether you need an exciting date night, you're a die-hard comedy fan, or you're just looking for a fun night out, Next Stop Comedy guarantees big laughs, great vibes, and an experience you won't want to miss. 21yrs. + Doors: 6:30 PM

Lineup:

Matt LaRocca

Ryan Rogers

Hosted by Crockett McElveen

Spectral Sisters Productions presents: Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Hearn Stage in the Kress Theatre

1101 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

November 5th-8th

Time: See "Tickets:

Step inside JaJa's salon for the freshest styles and the hottest tea, sweetened with laughter and a whole lotta love!

Get your tickets now for JaJa's African Hair Braiding, a vibrant, Tony-nominated comedy-drama by Ghanaian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh. The story centers on an eclectic group of hard-working West African stylists who create masterpieces at a bustling Harlem hair salon. During the course of a typical day, the ladies navigate personal drama, love, secrets, joys, and grievances. The play celebrates these immigrant women's industry and spirit while exploring the high expectations and grim realities of pursuing the American Dream.

Spectral Sisters is dedicated to bringing bold, diverse theatre experiences to our community, and we're excited to launch our new Spectrum Series with this production. The Spectrum Series is designed to broaden audience connections and open doors for even more of the remarkable talent in our community. And JaJa's is the perfect vehicle to do just that!

Spectral Sisters' staged reading production of JaJa's African Hair Braiding is directed by Alana Pate and features performances by Lauren Bacon (Chrissy, Michelle, Laniece); Nina Cadoree (Ndidi); Leslie Ford (Jennifer); Kanecia Joseph (Aminata); Barbara Moorehead (Bea); Claressa Nixon (Marie); Gwendolyn Nixon (Vanessa, Shiela, Radia); Stephanie Y. Robinson (James, Franklin the Sock Man, Olu the DVD Man, Eric the Jewelry Man); Karen Riley Simmons (JaJa); and Shaylah Simmons (Miriam).

Member Opening Reception: Clementine Hunter from the Ann & Jack Brittain Family Collection

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Friday, November 6, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Join us for an evening celebrating Clementine Hunter’s life and art in an immersive multi-media exhibition featuring original artworks from the Ann and Jack Brittain Family Collection.

This year’s Creative Roundtable artists’ group show will also be displayed in the Community Galleries.

Free to attend

Independent Film Series: Who's the We?

Arts Council of Central Louisiana

Hearn Stage in the Kress Theatre

1101 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Monday, November 9, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Join the Arts Council as we present the 26-27 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: Who’s the We?

Monday, November 9th at 7PM in the Kress Theatre in Downtown Alexandria.

Tickets can be purchased at the door: $10, free for students.

Who’s The We? follows Doug Pagitt, a Minneapolis-based pastor and activist, as he leads a small group

of riders on a 66-day bicycle journey across the entire United States, tracing the length of the U.S.-Mexico

border before continuing along the Gulf coast to St. Augustine, Florida.

Meet the filmmaker for a Q&A after the screening

WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS, CAMPS & GRANTS

ROCK - River Oaks Clay & Kiln Lab: Raku Pottery Class

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

November 2026

Click below for mor info.

Three 2-hour sessions of creating and glazing.  Participation includes creating, glazing and Raku firing of one finished piece.

We will provide clay, glaze, tools, and aprons.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring a towel too.

Cost: $120 per participant.

Handmade for the Holidays Series: Winter Watercolors with Jerry Havens

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Join Jerry Havens as we kick off our Handmade for the Holidays series! Create a beautiful winter wonderland with watercolors. You may even include one of his signature gnomes! Perfect to gift or add to your own collection!

Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45

ROCK - River Oaks Clay & Kiln Lab

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

New classes each month!

Click below for schedule.

We have added to our program!

Two new classes to accommodate our growing numbers! A brand new WHEEL ROOM to accommodate our growing skills! We have two amazing levels now, beginner and intermediate- latter by invitation only as shown through skill level and growth!

Registration repeats monthly and you can choose wheel or handbuilding in our state of the art, 6-kiln ceramics lab! Follow the link to register today! Stand by for new classes as they fill quickly and are released a few weeks in advance of start date.

Grants & Opportunities with South Arts

Supporting artists, organizations, and communities across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  

South Arts believes in the power of the arts crossing borders. Our region birthed jazz, cultivated the traditional arts of Appalachia, and is home to some of today’s most innovative, boundary-pushing artists. Past, present, and future, the arts of our region drive the country forward.

South Arts supports and celebrates the artistry of our region with grants and fellowships for artists, communities, and organizations. From the most rural and isolated towns to our largest urban cities, communities thrive with access to art. We support organizations that present and engage touring Southern artists for performances, readings, exhibits, and residencies. South Arts values partnerships between artists and organizations that cross sectors, impacting areas of life including healthcare, aging, and education.

We offer resources directly to artists so they can take advantage of career-defining opportunities. South Arts also provides fellowships to artists so that they can continue their lifelong learning, develop new work, and thrive while calling our region "home." And, in a national initiative celebrating jazz, musicians from around the country can receive funding to support touring their work. Click below for more info!

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.

TREE House Children's Museum : Weekly Activities

1403 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

All month long.

Click on the button below for the weekly schedule!

Treehouse Children’s Museum is a creative museum enriching the imagination of children through hands-on learning and exploratory play. We are a unique educational and cultural resource that represents the community’s interest and investment in engaging and educating our children. The museum provides playful learning experiences and environments where children (1-12 years), families, schools and community groups discover and explore their world through hands-on exhibits and interactive programs. Each week, new engaging activities are offered. Art, STEM, or just some holiday fun!

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!

CURRENT ART EXHIBITS

"Fresh Faces"

Gallery One Ellleven

111 3rd St. Leesville, LA

Exhibit Dates: Sept. 19th-October 31st

The first of Gallery One E111even's Fall Exhibits. An exhibit of artists new to the area or new to the gallery in Leesville.

Clementine Hunter from the Ann & Jack Brittain Family Collection

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibit Dates: October 30th-June 19th

Join us for an evening celebrating Clementine Hunter’s life and art in an immersive multi-media exhibition featuring original artworks from the Ann and Jack Brittain Family Collection.

This year’s Creative Roundtable artists’ group show will also be displayed in the Community Galleries.

Free to attend

Join Culturalyst!

REGION 6's ARTIST DIRECTORY!

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

Have you had the chance to check out our online artist directory?? We would love to have you be a part of this 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!

Get your Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Specialty License Plate!

Show your support for the creativity and talent of our state by being among the first to own an exclusive first printing of the LPA's new specialty license plate, designed by Lafayette author and illustrator Denise Gallagher!

ARTS COUNCIL UPDATES & JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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.

Part-Time Coughlin-Saunders Front of House Staff

Do you love the performing arts and are looking for supplemental employment? The Arts Council is hiring!

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is looking for a part-time Front of House staff member for the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

As the position is based on performances at the theater, applicants must be flexible and willing to work nights and weekends. Must be reliable and responsible with a hospitality attitude.

Please send work history with three references to Info@louisiana-arts.org No walk-ins or phone calls please.