Downtown Rocks-Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers

Alexandria City Hall Step

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Let’s Zydeco! 

Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers bring their high-energy Louisiana sound to Downtown Rocks on Thursday, April 16 from 5 PM – 8 PM on the steps of City Hall in Downtown Alexandria.

Grab your lawn chairs, bring the whole crew, and get ready for a fun evening of live music, dancing, and great downtown vibes leading up to Alex River Fête!

FREE and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase

Exhibit Opening ft. Kline, Anderson, & the 12th Annual Cup Show

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Exhibition opening reception featuring the 12th Annual Dirty South Cup Call, Guest Juror Amy Kline, Friends of Juror, & Madilyn Anderson.

These exhibits will be on display from April 16 - May 30.

Classes will be April 14-16.

Stay tuned for more details!

City Park Players presents: Almost Maine

Hearn Stage in the Kress Theatre

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

April 16th-26th

Time: See "Tickets"

A Romantic Comedy by John Cariani

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Directed by De’Anna Abigail and Jared Guillory

Theatre Louisiana Christian presents: A Night of One Acts

Martin Performing Arts Center

1140 College Dr. Pineville, LA

April 16th & 17th

Time: 7:00 PM

A Night of One Acts — four one act plays that are sure to tug at your heartstrings, have you on the edge of your seat, or make you laugh out loud!

Each one act is student selected and directed, so be sure to come out and show these student directors all your support!

General admission is $5, but students, faculty, staff, and season pass holders get in for free!

What better way to spend the evening than by watching four plays for the price of one? We can’t wait to see you at Theatre Louisiana Christian!

Empty Space Players presents: Pippin

LSUA

Richard Gwartney Theatre

8100 Hwy. 71 South, Alexandria, LA

April 17th & 18th. Time: 7:30 PM

April 19th. Time: 2:30 PM

There are only three public performances, so reserve yours today. Don't miss this truly magical theatrical experience, featuring live music and a cast of 18 talented LSUA students.

Opening Reception & Awards-28th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival

First United Methodist Church

2727 Jackson St. Alexandria, LA

Friday, April 17, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Join us for the opening reception of the 58th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, Louisiana's oldest juried art competition.

Matilda Jr. presented by Montessori Educational Center

Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

1202 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Friday, April 17, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Get your tickets today!

Stand-Up Comedy Night

Fighting Hand Brewing Co.

1600 Military Hwy. Pineville, LA

Friday, April 17, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM

Come see our first ever show in Pineville at Fighting Hand with Tee-Ray Bergeron & Jeff Vance!

Earth Day

Alexandria Zoo

3016 Masonic Dr. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Celebrate our planet at the Alexandria Zoo's annual Earth Day event! Discover a day of family-friendly fun focused on conservation and sustainability.

Enjoy educational exhibits, animal encounters, hands-on activities, and talks from local environmental organizations. Learn how you can make a difference and help protect wildlife and our natural world.

Join us for a day of discovery and celebration dedicated to making the Earth a better place for everyone!

Resonance: Cultural Arts Show

Lagniappe Theatre

7521 Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM-9:00 PM

The Inaugural Cultural Arts Show is a curated, in-person cultural experience celebrating music, visual art, dance, and live artistic expression.

Doors open at 3:00 PM, allowing guests to arrive early, explore the space, view visual art, and enjoy the atmosphere as performances and artistic showcases unfold throughout the event.

Guests can enjoy a cash bar along with light prepared cuisine offerings featuring thoughtfully curated small plates designed to be satisfying while experiencing the art. Special featured artists and performances throughout the night!

This event is ideal for art lovers, creatives, culture supporters, and community members who enjoy immersive, thoughtfully produced arts experiences.

Dress Attire Encouraged: Creative, elevated, or artistic casual.

Hosted by Resonance Cultural Arts Initiative, this professionally produced event brings together artists and community members in an engaging, welcoming environment centered on creativity, culture, and connection.

Proceeds support arts programming, schools, and community initiatives through Resonance Cultural Arts Initiative Inc. 

TAP & Grind

The Movement Lab

Tamp & Grind

848 4th St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Grab your tap shoes! It's been a looooooong time, but TAP & Grind is happening again at Tamp & Grind!

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.

There is NO CHARGE to attend, but bring money for one of the yummy drinks that Tamp & Grind will be serving. 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!

Play Reading

City Park Players

Kress Theatre

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Monday, April 20, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Monday, April 20 6-7pm

Inside the lobby of Kress Theater

FREE Admission! We’re reading play excerpts out loud! No costumes. No lights. Your mission: Show up. Sit down. Judge everything (in a supportive way). It’s fun, informal, and helps us decide which plays make the cut for next season!

Tentative script excerpts to read:

-The Four Old Broads Christmas Extravaganza

-Vanities

-Drinking Habits

Be Kind Concert Series - H. B. Smith

FUMCA

2727 Jackson St. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

First United Methodist Church of Alexandria continues the new “Be Kind Concert Series” on Thursday, April 23, at 6PM in the church courtyard, located in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Garden District. This three-part outdoor series is designed to bring the community together through live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy a spring evening outdoors.

Up next, H.B Smith! Known in the music world as H.B., Henry Benson Smith, Jr. has been performing since high school, beginning with gospel and country alongside his parents before expanding into jazz in dinner clubs. He spent much of the 1970s on the road in the thriving R&B nightclub scene and has continued his musical journey through session work both locally and in Nashville with his son, Alex.

His music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Unfinished Business by H.B. Smith.

Cenla Author's Club

Westside Regional Library

5416 Provine Pl. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Join us for historian, author, philanthropist, and political advisor Jack McGuire of New Orleans as he speaks on his newly released book on the shooting (or was it assassination?) of Huey P. Long. McGuire is the author of many important Louisiana history books including the lives of the Louisiana Governors.

Cavanaugh Lecture Series w/ Gina Farrara

Westside Regional Library

5416 Provine Pl. Alexandria, LA

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Join the Spring Cavanaugh Lecture Series as we spend an evening with the 2025-2027 Louisiana Poet Laureate, Gina Ferrara.

She will be reading from her collection and share about her journey to becoming a poet.

Ferrara is an associate professor of English at Delgado Community College and has been deeply involved in the New Orleans poetry scene for decades.

Pops on the River

Rapides Symphony Orchestra

Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater

Downtown Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Pops on the River is back!

Join the Rapides Symphony Orchestra for 'Courage' — a powerful evening of patriotic favorites and community celebration at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater. Featuring special guests Sherman Desselle and The Victory Belles!

FREE General Admission!

Bring your lawn chairs, your friends, a picnic, and your red, white, and blue — and enjoy one of Central Louisiana’s favorite traditions.

Reserved tables for 10 available online for $350 by clicking below

Decorate your table in your patriotic best and join our Table Decorating Contest!

We also encourage everyone to dress up — the more red, white, and blue, the better!

2026 Alex River Fête

Downtown Alexandria, LA

April 30th-May 2nd

From Dinner on the Bricks and Que’in on the Red to ArtFête, KidsFête, Indie Village, Food and Art/Retail vendors, and more… this year is DEFINITELY one you do not want to miss. Three days and a full Louisiana BBQ and music experience.

Mark your calendar for April 30th-May 2nd, send it to your group chat, and get set for the Fête!

Holi Fest 2026

The Original Holi Fest Cenla

Downtown Alexandria, LA

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM

Get Ready to Splash into Color at Holi Fest 2026!

Join us for a vibrant celebration of #UnityInDiversity as we come together as a community to support a great cause! This colorful event will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Network, helping to heal and champion abused and neglected children throughout Central Louisiana.

The Children’s Advocacy Network, Explore Louisiana, and the Cenla Indian Association are teaming up once again to bring colorful fun and family-friendly festivities to Alexandria! Highlights of the event include:

A Color Walk/Run benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Network, live music and dance performances, kids' activities including chalk art and crafts, delicious Indian cuisine, custom T-shirts / free with 4k registration OR $20

An unforgettable experience in downtown Alexandria.

Where: Downtown Alexandria near Tamp & Grind Coffee & Ugly Mug Marketing on the corner of 4th and Desoto.

On-site registration & shirt pick up for 4k Walk/Run starts: 9:30 am

4k Walk/Run: 10:30 am

Indian Cuisine Lunch ($20/person): 11:30am - 1:00pm

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 & 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 | 1:00pm

Holi, the Festival of Colors in India, brings unity, harmony, and peace among all colors and creeds.

The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Network is to help heal and champion abused and neglected children throughout Central Louisiana.

Click "Tickets" for Sponsorships and to purchase lunch, color run entry and T-shirts.

WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS, CAMPS & GRANTS

The MUSE: All About Me Self-Portrait Workshop

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Artist, Vitus Shell from AMoA's Now You See Me exhibition will be teaching teens how to create an expressive, layered mixed media self portrait.

This event is FREE to teens between the ages or 13 and 19. The youngest participants must have turned 13 within a month of this event to participate.

Summer Arts Studio 2026

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Classes: June & July 2026

Registration for SAS26, American Dreaming, is now open! Classes fill fast so don't wait!

The Fox Theatre's Summer Youth Workshop-Junie B. Jones Jr.

The Fox Theatre

111 South Washington St. Marksville, LA

Workshop begins: May 26, 2026

It's time to register for The Fox Theatre's Annual Summer Youth Workshop! This year's workshop will feature JUNIE B. JONES JR. directed by Kody Walker for ages 8-14. The workshop starts on May 26 and ends with four performances on June 18-21. Registration is limited and going fast.

Summer Art Camp at AMoa Registration

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

July 2026

Explore Summer 2026 Art Camps at the Alexandria Museum of Art, designed for ages 6–12 and filled with hands-on creativity, exploration, and fun.

Outside the Lines with Cindy Blair-July 13–17

Dive into the galleries, experiment with different mediums, and create original masterpieces inspired by working artists.

Our Voices Matter with Aaron Rogers-July 20–24

Explore art, music, and storytelling through hands-on projects that celebrate creativity, community, and self-expression.

Spots will fill fast, so be sure to register soon!

Artist Call! High summer Juried Art Show

Natchitoches Arts Guild

NSULA Fine & Graphic Arts

Submission Deadline: July 28, 2026

Open to all U.S artists over 18yrs.

This juried exhibition explores the visual and atmospheric qualities of summer through contemporary two-dimensional work. Rather than literal interpretations, we invite work that considers light, heat, duration, and the emotional or psychological textures of the season.

Submissions may engage the figure, landscape, interior space, or abstraction, but should reflect a strong command of material, clarity of intent, and a cohesive visual language. Work that suggests a sense of place, memory, or lived experience is especially encouraged.

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.

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!

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!

CURRENT ART EXHIBITS

LSUA Student Art Show

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibition Dates: April 9th-May 9th

Works displayed have been created during the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 semester by students of Professors Jeremy Simmons and WangLing Chou.

Exhibit - Now You See Me

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibition Dates: March 6th-June 20th

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.

Arts Council is currently accepting applications for 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.

Louisiana Arts Day

Louisiana State Capitol-Memorial Hall

Monday, May 11, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM

Join the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Board of Directors, Louisiana’s nine Regional Arts Councils Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Arts New Orleans, Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Bayou Regional Arts Council, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Arts Council of Central Louisiana, Bossier Arts Council - BAC, St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Louisiana Art Education Association, McNeese State University, Grambling State University Louisiana Endowment for

This year’s Louisiana Arts Day will be one of our most vocal, visible, and vibrant demonstrations of the essential role the arts play in Louisiana’s economy, culture, education, and community well-being. Together, we will fill Memorial Hall with the voices, creativity, and stories that remind our legislators that the arts are not a luxury but yet a driving force that shapes Louisiana's cultural identity and fuels opportunities across all 64 parishes.