Happy Labor Day, Central Louisiana!
We’re now in the month of September, and with it comes the start of Fall, cooler weather, and a lot of fun events happening across Cenla.
Now scroll down, enjoy the week ahead, and have a great Labor Day!
In today’s edition:
Highway Closures in Pineville
Restaurant of the Week: Quebedeaux’s Cajun Café
Multiple Events
New Community Photo Board
Job Opportunities
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
Highway Closures in Pineville
Source: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Taken directly from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)'s Facebook post:
“TRAVEL ALERT - RAPIDES PARISH
DOTD advises the public that beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM, weather permitting, the outside lanes of US 165 northbound and southbound, as well as three of the entrance and exit ramps at the US 167 Kingsville Interchange in Pineville, Rapides Parish will be closed.
It should be noted that the US 167 (Pineville Expressway) northbound exit to US 165 northbound, and the inside lanes of US 165 northbound and southbound will remain open at all times during Phase 1.
These closures are necessary to allow for the reconstruction of the roadway and ramps. All work on Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by November 21, 2025. Upon completion of Phase 1, all US 167 ramps and the outside lanes of US 165 will be reopened.”
The Cenla Shrine Circus is Back
The Cenla Shrine Circus returns to the Rapides Parish Coliseum on September 6 and 7, 2024!
Show times:
Saturday:
10AM, 2PM, and 6:30PM
Sunday:
1PM, 5PM
Tickets are $20 for adults. Children 12 and under get in free.
Restaurant of the Week: Quebedeaux's Cajun Café
Source: Quebedeaux’s Cajun Café’s Website
Quebedeaux’s Cajun Café: Kingsville’s Creole Comfort Station
This week, if you’re craving something soulful and stick-to-your-ribs good, check out Quebedeaux’s Cajun Café in Kingsville. Chef John Valenzuela’s life-long dream comes alive here, dishing out his award-winning Creole-Cajun plates with genuine warmth.
What makes it a must-visit:
A menu made for real cravings: deeply satisfying staples like all-you-can-eat catfish on Mondays and steak night Thursdays, plus game-day specials that are perfect for unwinding with friends.
That Creole style: From pasta and steak to classic gumbo, boudin rolls, and seafood delights, everything is made from the best ingredients with heartfelt Creole flavor.
A local favorite: proudly named one of USA TODAY’s top restaurants in the nation. That’s no small feat, and it’s all thanks to this community’s support.
Tip: If you’ve been here before, you know everything on their menu is great. Definitely try their gumbo, 10/10.
Where: 3800 Monroe Hwy, Pineville, LA, 71360
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 2 (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 2 (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]
AMoA: Yoga in the Gallery | 5:45PM-7PM, Sep 2 (More Info)
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art
Description: Free Yoga at the Alexandria Museum of Art - Every Tuesday from 5:45pm-7pm.
Ladies Bible Study Group | 6:30PM-7:30PM, Sep 3 (More Info)
Location: Cross Branded Cowboy Church
Description: Every First Wednesday of each month, we have a ladies bible study group. A space for women to grow, connect, and be refreshed in God’s word. Our Ladies Bible Study is open to women of all ages and stages of life. Each session is filled with scripture-based teaching, heartfelt conversation, and encouragement rooted in truth. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning your walk with the Lord, you’ll find community, support, and spiritual renewal here. Come as you are, bring a friend, and lets draw closer to Jesus-together! Light refreshments will be served.
Spirits Sunset Club with Live Music on the Patio | 6PM-9PM, Sep 4 (More Info)
Location: Spirits Food & Friends
Description: Join us on Thursdays on the patio at Spirits Food and Friends for great live music, great food, great friends, and hopefully, great weather!
#BeTheChange GALA & Auction 2025 | 6PM-9PM, Sep 4 (More Info)
Location: 707 2nd Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: The Children’s Advocacy Network is preparing for our annual fundraising event on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Randolph Riverfront Center. We hope you can join us for a great evening that supports a wonderful local cause. Our event is one of the CENLA’s premier functions and is attended by leaders from the corporate, medical and social communities. Our goal is to raise $250,000 for our local CAN programs.
Each year we serve approximately 1,000 abused and neglected children through our advocacy, counseling, forensic interviews and therapy services. Despite all the progress made the number of kids in the CAN program continues to rise.
This event will be held at the Randolph Riverfront Center Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6pm-9pm. It will feature both a silent and live auction, testimonials, along with dinner and a cash bar. We are aware many organizations will solicit donations throughout the year and our hope is that you will find the program and education efforts of the Children’s Advocacy Network fit with your giving priorities.
Hearty Breakfast on First Saturdays at Buhlow Lake | 7:30AM-9:30AM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art
Description: Hearty Monthly Breakfast at Buhlow Lake Airport in the Aircraft Clubhouse.
Back to School Bash | 9AM-11AM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: 2450 LA-28, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: School is BACK IN and we are here to help you get READY! School supplies, fun activities, giveaways and more!!! Join the Pineville branches of the Rapides Parish Library and other community partners at Kees Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025 for our 8th Annual Back to School Bash! There will be school supplies for the first 200 elementary, junior high, and high school students who come through the doors, and lots of fun activities!
Community partners in attendance will be: the Red Cross, Seeds 4 Trees, Red River Bank, the Food Bank, the Lion’s Club, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Pineville Fire Department, Confidence K9s, the United Way, and Southern Air. Some supplies donated by the US Forest Service.
Cenla Shrine Circus | 10AM, 2PM, 6:30PM, Sep 6 & 5PM, Sep 7 (More Info)
Location: 5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
Description: Cenla Shrine Circus is coming to the Laborde Earles Coliseum Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. Performances are at 10:00, 2:00, and 6:30 on Saturday and at 1:00 and 5:00 on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at Security Sporting Goods, Mac’s Fresh Markets, Marksville Farm Bureau, and the Laborde Earles Coliseum.
Cash only for cotton candy and cracker jacks. Clear bag policy is in effect, and bags will be searched upon entry.
International Vulture Awareness Day at the Alexandria Zoo | 9:30AM-11:30AM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: The Alexandria Zoo
Description: Did you know that vultures play a crucial role in our ecosystem? Learn more about these amazing birds with Discovery Carts, Keeper Chats, and a craft.
Grant Parish:
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Aug 30 (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:
American Cemetery Walking Tour | 11:30AM-12:30PM, Sep 5 (More Info)
Location: 201 Second St, Natchitoches, LA, 71457
Description: The purpose of this tour is to familiarize visitors with some of the notable people from the area buried in the American Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Natchitoches. Over the years, planters, businessman, politicians, and educators have all made their mark on Natchitoches and the surrounding area. The markers in the cemetery tell stories of the region’s people and act as an outdoor museum dedicated to their legacy. Free and open to the public. Weather and staff permitting. Please visit our website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.
2nd Annual Bigfoot Festival | 9AM-6PM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: Natchitoches Event Center
Description: Over 60 vendors to shop, open all day of festival...family fun, ATV display, forestry, wilderness exhibit, alligators, snakes and of course Bigfoot tracks and photos!
Renaissance Comes to the Cane | 10AM-3PM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: 155 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA, 71457
Description: Join Fort Shire and Natchitoches’ own Shire of Loch Bach as we step back in time to the Renaissance Period. This historically accurate Renaissance Faire will aim to demonstrate skills and trades of the time period.
Winn Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Winn Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
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:
Chubby Checker Concert | 8PM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: It’s time to “Twist” with the legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer and dancer Chubby Checker! Come see a living legend live on the Mári Showroom stage at Paragon Casino Resort! Tickets starting at $30.
Allen Parish:
Oberlin Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM, Sep 3 (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:
Free Billiards at American Legion 145 | 12PM-10PM, Sep 7 (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:
Community Photo Board
We’re excited to launch this brand-new section in the newsletter—the Community Photo Board! Each edition, we’ll feature up to 4 submissions that capture the people, places, and moments that make Central Louisiana special.
Wanna be featured? Send us your favorite photo from around Cenla and it might appear in this upcoming Monday’s issue!
Job Board
Material Yard Handler - Crest Industries, Pineville, LA (Apply)
Customer Service Representative - Evangeline Bank & Trust Company, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Production Team Member - RoyOMartin, Chopin, LA (Apply)
Have a great Labor Day weekend, Cenla! See you Friday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
