Happy Friday, Central Louisiana!
We hope you had a great week! There’s plenty of things to do with the family, spouse, or just by yourself this weekend—and, as always, we’re excited to share these Cenla events with you!
Now scroll down and enjoy the weekend ahead!
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
The Rapides Parish Fair
Source: rapidesparishfair.org
In case you didn’t already know, the Rapides Parish Fair is back! Although it started Wednesday, it is running through this Sunday the 12th as it always does annually. From rapidesparishfair.org:
The Mighty Thomas Carnival appears at the 2024 Rapides Parish Fair is scheduled to appear in Alexandria on October 9-13. The bustling traveling show will provide thrilling rides, fun games, and tasty carnival treats to the fair for the 38th straight year. The Rapides Parish Fair will be held at the new fairgrounds located at 8149 Highway 71 just south of LSU-A for the fifth year. Founded in 1928 in Lennox, South Dakota, by Art B. Thomas, the carnival is now based near Austin, Texas, and is providing its 90th season of summer fun and excitement for fair-goers at 50 events in 12 states.
The fair will have great family entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, great food, thrilling carnival rides, and some special surprises in store. By putting something you made in the fair, you help encourage others, especially kids. The fair needs you. Enter an item (or maybe even several.) It's easy, it's fun, and you'll be helping make the fair a great community event. Who knows, you may even inspire someone else to be creative. Visit the barnyard nursery!
Click here to visit the fair’s website and learn more!
Reminder: Smokin’ on the River BBQ Cookoff
Source: City of Pineville
The City of Pineville's annual Smokin' on the River BBQ Cookoff is a can’t-miss event that brings the community together for a day of great food, music, and fun. Contestants will compete in brisket, ribs, and chicken categories, with top chefs battling for the title of BBQ champion. Alongside the cookoff, there will be a variety of food trucks offering a range of tasty treats, as well as live music from a local band to keep the energy high. To add to the fun, craft vendors will be showcasing their unique creations, perfect for picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Whether you're a BBQ connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, this event has something for everyone!
Learn more by clicking here!
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this weekend, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
The Rapides Parish Fair | Oct 8-12 (More Info)
Location: 8149 Highway 71, Alexandria, LA 71302
Description: The Mighty Thomas Carnival appears at the 2024 Rapides Parish Fair is scheduled to appear in Alexandria on October 9-13. The bustling traveling show will provide thrilling rides, fun games, and tasty carnival treats to the fair for the 38th straight year. The Rapides Parish Fair will be held at the new fairgrounds located at 8149 Highway 71 just south of LSU-A for the fifth year. Founded in 1928 in Lennox, South Dakota, by Art B. Thomas, the carnival is now based near Austin, Texas, and is providing its 90th season of summer fun and excitement for fair-goers at 50 events in 12 states. The fair will have great family entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, great food, thrilling carnival rides, and some special surprises in store. By putting something you made in the fair, you help encourage others, especially kids. The fair needs you. Enter an item (or maybe even several.) It's easy, it's fun, and you'll be helping make the fair a great community event. Who knows, you may even inspire someone else to be creative. Visit the barnyard nursery!
Smokin’ on the River BBQ Cookoff | Oct 10-11 (More Info)
Location: River Front Street, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: The City of Pineville’s Smokin’ on the River BBQ Cookoff is an annual event that brings together pitmasters, food lovers, and families for a fun-filled weekend of mouthwatering barbecue. Held along the scenic Red River, this festival features top-tier barbecue competitors from across the region, serving up ribs, brisket, and chicken. In addition to the fierce cooking competition, the event includes live music, local vendors, and a variety of activities for all ages, making it a highlight of the community’s calendar. Come hungry, as you’ll have the chance to taste small samples from the BBQ contestants, showcasing their delicious ribs, brisket, and chicken. In addition to the cookoff, there will be multiple food trucks on-site offering a variety of tasty eats. Whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur or just looking for a great time, Smokin’ on the River offers something for everyone!
Salem Boot Co. Paint & Sip | 6PM-8:30PM, Oct 10 (More Info)
Location: 2977 LA-28, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: Step into spooky season with style! Join us for a fun-filled paint party as we create the Salem Boot Co. witch’s boot—your choice of a 12×12 canvas ($43) or a 14″ wood door hanger (+$5).
This will be our only Halloween-themed project of the season, so don’t miss your chance to add this adorable design to your collection!
Your ticket includes: All supplies & step-by-step instruction, 2 drinks of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a creative night out with friends! Seats are limited, so grab yours today and let’s kick off Halloween with a little magic and a lot of fun!
Native Plant Workshop | 9AM-12PM, Oct 11 (More Info)
Location: 300 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria, LA 71302
Description: Join us at the Rapides LSU AgCenter Extension Office for a morning focused on native plants. A Native Plant Workshop will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Rapides Parish Extension Office, located at 300 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria, LA 71302. Christina Calcaterra will present “Plant ID 101,” covering basic plant terminology and notable Louisiana plant families. John Michael Kelley will follow with “Why Wildflowers? Ways to Know and Love Them,” exploring the value and beauty of native wildflowers. Native plants will also be available for purchase from Grown by Grace Native Plants. The cost to attend is $5, and space is limited. To register, email [email protected] or call 318-767-3964.
AMoA: Second Saturday | 10AM-4PM, Oct 11 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Free admission to the Alexandria Museum of Art!
AMoA: Stitching Circle | 11AM-3PM, Oct 11 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Anyone can come and knit in the galleries. Open to all ages. Just getting started? AMoA has limited materials to get you started. FREE and open to the public.
Grant Parish:
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Oct 11 (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:
Creole and Family Festival | 6PM-11PM, Oct 10-12 (More Info)
Location: St. Augustine Catholic Church
Description: Saint Augustine Catholic Church – Est. 1803 2262 Highway 484, Isle Brevelle, LA 71456 October 10th–12th
Free Entry • Family Friendly • Limited Vendor Space Available Please no parking on the riverbank. For more information: 318-379-2521
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction | 7PM-10PM, Oct 10 & 11 (More Info)
Location: Dark Woods Adventure Park – Natchitoches, LA
Description: Once you enter Dark Woods Haunted Attraction… there’s no turning back. Step into over 20 acres of immersive horror, where every shadow hides something sinister. Experience award-winning sets, movie-quality effects, and a cast of monsters ready to make you scream. Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online to choose your time slot and skip the ticket line — popular nights sell out fast! Buy now with the code FRIGHT20 for a special discount.
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:
Wings & Wheels | 8AM-2PM, Oct 11 (More Info)
Location: Marksville Municipal Airport
Description: Presented by Marksville Municipal Airport Impressive lineup of Aircraft. Variety of Classic Cars Hanger 9 Live Band Food & Drinks will be Sold.
Allen Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Allen Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Vernon Parish:
Free Billiards at American Legion 145 | 12PM-10PM, Oct 12 (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 weekend, Cenla! See you Monday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
