Happy Monday, Central Louisiana!
We’re now in the middle of September, Fall is right around the corner, and a lot of great events are happening across Cenla this week!
Now scroll down and enjoy the week ahead!
In today’s edition:
Le Tour De Bayou
Restaurant of the Week: Royal India Bistro
Multiple Events across Cenla
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
14th Annual Le Tour de Bayou
Source: https://letourdebayou.com/
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Kent Plantation House will be buzzing with energy as the Le Tour de Bayou rolls out across Rapides Parish. This year, there’s a route tailored for every level—choose from rides of 10, 25, 40, 69, or 101 miles, or bring the whole family for a 2-mile ride/walk through beautiful, shaded paths.
Registration is open now, and while it ends online at 11:59 PM (CST) on Thursday, September 18, latecomers can still sign up in person at Kent House or ride day. Packet pick-up is available on Friday, September 19, from 9 AM to 6 PM, with instructions and route maps provided.
Expect Louisiana’s scenic beauty—rolling farmland, towering bayou forests, and historic country roads—to frame your ride. All routes begin and end at the iconic Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria) and wind through parts of Kisatchie Forest and neighboring parishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist chasing the 101-mile challenge or you just want a peaceful weekend outing with the family, this ride delivers. Plus, registration helps support Kent Plantation House, one of the oldest Creole-style homes in Louisiana, preserving culture and history since 1796.
Restaurant of the Week: Royal India Bistro
Source: Royal India Bistro’s Website
Royal India Bistro: A Taste of India in Alexandria
Standing out on Dorchester Drive, Royal India Bistro brings genuine Indian cuisine to our corner of Louisiana with a subtle local flair.
Here’s what draws people in:
Bold, freshly made dishes: From classic butter chicken to smoky tandoori meats, every plate is crafted with traditional spices and served just right. Their menu balances creamy rich flavors with sharp, vibrant curries—delivers for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Affordable indulgence: Most meals fall in the $10–$20 price range, making it an excellent pick whether it’s a casual dinner or a more special night out. A standout is definitely their buffet—an amazing value for generous portions and variety.
Consistently solid reviews: With great ratings all across review sites, it’s clear locals appreciate the food and the atmosphere. Reviewers often praise the welcoming service and flavorful execution.
A welcoming vibe: Walk in and you’ll feel it—the lighting, the decor, the friendliness of the staff, it’s all set with care. Perfect for date nights or grabbing a bite with family.
Where: 1473 Dorchester Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301
Find out more: Check their menu and hours →
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this week, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe Story Hour | 10AM-11AM, Sep 16 (More Info)
Location: Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe
Description: Contact the Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe for more info at (318) 704-1110.
Majh at the Museum | 1PM-3PM, Sep 16 (Subscriber Submitted)
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art
Description: Come play Mah Jongg with us every Tuesday at the beautiful museum. All levels are welcome. Whether you’re brand new or have been playing for years. Please bring your tiles. Membership to the AMoA is $25/seniors and $30/individual. It’s such a lovely place to spend time. We are a warm, friendly group. We’d love for you to join us and help support the AMoA as well!
Email Mary for any questions you may have. Your seat is waiting. [email protected]
Martin Library 75th Anniversary Celebration | 5:30PM-7:30PM, Sep 18 (More Info)
Location: 801 West Shamrock,Pineville,LA,71360
Description: We invite everyone to be part of this special moment as we turn the page to the future of the Martin Library.
Giving Sickle Cell the Boot Gala | 6:30PM-10PM, Sep 18 (More Info)
Location: 915 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA, 71301
Description: Pull on your boots and join the fight—let’s give sickle cell the boot!
Remembering Charlie Kirk | 6:30PM, Sep 19 (More Info)
Location: 100 Municipal Dr, Ball, LA 71405
Description: Pastor Lonnie Weidner will open the event up in prayer, President of the Cenla Young Republican Club, Clayton Baden, will deliver some insight about Charlie as he had the privilege to meet him and is a part of Turning Point USA, and Farrell Johnson will give a message and closing prayers. Many special guests will be in attendance. All are welcome! Please join us as we honor and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Charlie!
14th Annual Le Tour de Bayou | All Day, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: Kent Plantation House
Description: Kent Plantation House once again invites bike riders and families to join us for our 14th Annual Le Tour de Bayou on Saturday, Sept. 20!
This family-friendly bike ride – with a 2-mile bike ride/walk option for families and supporters of Kent House – is followed by a post-ride party with Cajun food, beer, music and a lot a fun.
Central Louisiana Home & Product Show | 8AM-6PM, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: 5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71315
Description: Admission: $5 for Adults (a portion of the door admission sales goes directly to the Cenla Student Chapter)
Admission: FREE for kids under 18, Military & First Responders with ID
Visit our website at www.hbaofcenla.org for more information on being a sponsor, being a vendor, or purchasing admission tickets in advance.
Mozart’s Opera – Don Giovanni | 7:30PM-9:30PM, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: 1202 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: The Rapides Symphony Orchestra and a fabulous cast of singers will perform Mozart’s dramatic tale of the notorious womanizing libertine Don Giovanni. Presented in partnership with the Anne Coughlin Opera Series.
Grant Parish:
Turn Up Thursday: Low Impact, High Wellness | 10:30AM-11:30AM, Sep 18 (More Info)
Location: Zoom Call
Description: Give your body a boost today! This virtual fitness class with personal trainer Frederick Griffith is packed with smooth moves, classic grooves and feel-good energy. The low-impact workout is gentle on joints but powerful for preventative care, incorporating aerobics, strength training and other exercises to help improve balance, mobility and strength while reducing injury risk.
No stress, no pressure, just fun, music and movement. Bring water, wear comfy clothes, and let’s vibe! Please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.
How to Join
Sign in to your aarp.org account or create an account to register for events. AARP membership is not required. You will receive an email with the Zoom link before the session.
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: 611 8th Street, Colfax, LA 71417
Description: Go checkout the the Colfax Farmers Market this Saturday from 10AM to 1PM!
Natchitoches Parish:
Modern in Motion 13 Gala | 6PM-7:30PM, Sep 16, 18, 19, 20, and 21 (More Info)
Location: 533 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Directed by the Creative School of Performing Arts at NSULA.
2025 Right to Life Gala | 6:30PM, Sep 18 (More Info)
Location: 107 North Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: You’re Invited! Join us for the Women’s Resource Center Gala on Thursday, September 18 at the Natchitoches Events Center! We’re thrilled to welcome Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, as our keynote speaker. His message will inspire and highlight the vital role of pregnancy resource centers across Louisiana. This year’s gala celebrates a big milestone—WRC has been officially designated as a Maternal Wellness Center by the Louisiana Department of Health! That means expanded services for moms, babies, and families in our community. Even better? Your donation to WRC now qualifies for the Louisiana Maternal Wellness Center Tax Credit—giving you 50% back on your state income taxes! Support life. Celebrate hope. Strengthen families. Tickets and sponsorships available now at www.wrcnatchitoches.org or call us at (318) 357-8888.
Lunchtime Lagniappe: Cane River With Kacy – Everyday Moments, Lasting Stories | 12:15PM-12:45PM, Sep 19 (More Info)
Location: 800 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Discover Natchitoches in a whole new way with Cane River with Kacy! Through photos, posts, and genuine storytelling, Kacy Young has turned everyday moments along Cane River into a space where history feels alive, people are celebrated, and hidden gems shine. Her talk will explore how social media connects generations, inspires young history lovers, and makes even locals say, “I didn’t know that about Natchitoches!”
Kacy Young is a graduate of Northwestern State University who works in heritage tourism, hospitality, and nonprofit media. She manages CaneRiverwithKacy as well as marketing and media for Cane River National Heritage Area and Dark Woods Adventure Park.
This event is free and open to the public. Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch and eat while they listen and learn.
For more information, visit our FLASH Facebook page or call 318-357-2492.
Natchitoches Parish Rodeo | Sep 19 & Sep 20 at 7:30PM (More Info)
Location: 454 Fairgrounds Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: The Natchitoches Parish Rodeo at the Natchitoches Fair Grounds.
Buckingham Nicks Re-Release Party | Sep 19 at 6PM-8PM (More Info)
Location: Taylor Park
Description: Join us Sep. 19 from 6–8 PM at Taylor Park, St. Denis for live performances by Ghostridge, Zach George, JP Verse, Trevor Chalker & more! Celebrate this iconic album with Fleetwood Mac favorites and originals. Presented by NOMS & Laughing Sam’s.
23rd Annual Meat Pie Festival | Sep 19-20 from 6PM-10PM (More Info)
Location: 100 Rue Beauport Riverfront, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Nestled along the picturesque downtown riverbank in the Historic District of Natchitoches, the “Meat Pie Capital of Louisiana” invites you to indulge in golden, crispy meat pies, dance to live music, and soak up the vibrant culture of our charming town. Join us for a weekend of food, fun, and Southern hospitality on September 19th & 20th. Admission is FREE for the public!
ArkLaTexOma (ALTO) Fly Tyers 2nd Annual Fly Tying Event | Sep 20 at 8AM-4PM (More Info)
Location: 508 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Join us for the ArkLaTexOma (ALTO) Fly Tyers 2nd Annual Fly Tying Event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches Gym. Doors open at 7 am, with activities running from 8 am to 4 pm. Enjoy free admission, complimentary coffee and donuts, and the chance to learn fly tying and casting from experienced instructors. All are welcome—come be part of this special day of community and craft.
Winn Parish:
Winn Parish College and Career Fair | 9AM-12PM, Sep 16 (More Info)
Location: CLTCC’s Huey P. Long Campus
Description: College and Career Fair at CLTCC by RoyOMartin.
LaSalle Parish:
Have an upcoming event in LaSalle Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Catahoula Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Catahoula Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Concordia Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Concordia Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Avoyelles Parish:
Trivia Through The Decades | 6:30PM-9:30PM, Sep 19 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: Paragon Casino Resort-Arsene/Belazaire Rooms Cocktail Hour at 6:30 PM Trivia Begins at 7PM For more information contact 337.781.4915 All proceeds go to Faith House
Save Cenla 5K Run | 8:00AM-3PM, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: 302 North Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351
Description: Join us to help lift the stigma of mental illness, so that people who suffer in silence will feel safe to seek help. SaveCenla believes that the success of suicide prevention depends on community effort, so join us for a fun-filled, yet serious celebration beginning on the Marksville courthouse steps.
Registration will begin at 8:00 am at the courthouse steps.
Allen Parish:
Oberlin Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM, Sep 17 (More Info)
Location: W 6th Ave, Oberlin, LA, 70655
Description: Oberlin Farmers Market offers Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, chickens, jelly, syrups, Honey, locally baked goods and more!
Vernon Parish:
Brent Perkins Band at American Legion Post 145 | 8PM-1AM, Sep 20 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Saturday night’s band: Southern Country Band
Free Billiards at American Legion 145 | 12PM-10PM, Sep 21 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Free pool every Sunday at the American Legion 145
Have an upcoming event in Cenla? Submit it by clicking the button below:
Have a great week, Cenla! See you Friday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
