Happy Friday, Central Louisiana!
We hope you had a great week. Today’s newsletter is somewhat of a repeat of this past Monday’s—but, we just wanted to remind you of what’s happening from today through Sunday!
Now scroll down and enjoy the weekend ahead!
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
Tales Along the Bayou
Source: Rapides Parish Library’s Facebook Page
Have a ghoulishly good time listening to scary tales brought to from the bayou and beyond at Tales Along the Bayou our annual storytelling event! It’s time again for Tales Along the Bayou! This year we will have some of your old favorites as well something different! This storytelling event will include musical entertainment from Brian and Terri Kinder, not-so-scary stories by master storyteller Sylvia Yancy Davis and then kids (in their costumes) can bring their candy baskets, pails or containers and Trick-or-Treat around the grounds of the Kent House from various community partners! It’s Tales and Treats! Don’t miss this fun family evening which will be filled with face painting, food vendors and spooky tales!
Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and money for some food, drinks, and glow sticks!
Learn more by clicking here!
Fall Artwalk 2025
The Arts Council of Central Louisiana proudly presents their annual Fall ArtWalk!
On the third Friday of October each year, the streets of Downtown Alexandria come alive as local artists demonstrate and sell their works of art!
This family-friendly event will be held Friday, October 17th from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Downtown Cultural Arts District, at 3rd St. & Murray.
Fall ArtWalk features artists and craft vendors offering handmade jewelry, original paintings, sculpture, pottery, children’s clothing, natural bath products, home décor, and more! Food vendors will also be on hand with a variety of delicious options & their community stage will feature local talent!
This event is free and open to the public!
Learn more by clicking here!
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this weekend, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
RPL Hineston’s Fall Fest | 4PM-5PM, Oct 17 (More Info)
Location: Rapides Parish Library, Hineston Branch
Description: Come celebrate the season at Hineston’s Fall Fest! Enjoy food, games, prizes, a book walk, and plenty of fall fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on the festivities!
Fall ArtWalk 2025 | 5PM-9PM, Oct 17 (More Info)
Location: 1015 3rd St, Alexandria, LA, 71301
Description: The Arts Council of Central Louisiana proudly presents our annual Fall ArtWalk! On the third Friday of October each year, the streets of Downtown Alexandria come alive as local artists demonstrate and sell their works of art! This family-friendly event will be held Friday, October 17th from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Downtown Cultural Arts District, at 3rd St. & Murray. Fall ArtWalk features artists and craft vendors offering handmade jewelry, original paintings, sculpture, pottery, children’s clothing, natural bath products, home décor, and more! Food vendors will also be on hand with a variety of delicious options & our community stage will feature local talent!
This event is free and open to the public!
Tales Along the Bayou | 6PM-7PM, Oct 17 (More Info)
Location: Kent Plantation House
Description: Have a ghoulishly good time listening to scary tales brought to from the bayou and beyond at Tales Along the Bayou our annual storytelling event! It’s time again for Tales Along the Bayou! This year we will have some of your old favorites as well something different! This storytelling event will include musical entertainment from Brian and Terri Kinder, not-so-scary stories by master storyteller Sylvia Yancy Davis and then kids (in their costumes) can bring their candy baskets, pails or containers and Trick-or-Treat around the grounds of the Kent House from various community partners! It’s Tales and Treats! Don’t miss this fun family evening which will be filled with face painting, food vendors and spooky tales!
Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and money for some food, drinks, and glow sticks!
Urband Sketching: Art Ministry w/ Rev. Jean Sanders | 9AM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: Flag Pole at 198 Riverside Dr, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing”*. October is here! To celebrate the cooler weather, the FUMCA Art Ministry will once again be on location for an Urban Sketching class.
This time, participants will meet up at the flag pole on the Pineville side of the riverfront for art, fellowship, and coffee. Come and be a part of this great ministry, even if you've never sketched before! Participation is free. *Scripture from Psalm 100.
Southern Forest Heritage Museum’s 5th Annual Fall Festival | 10AM-7PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: 77 Long Leaf Road, Long Leaf, LA 71448
Description: The 5th Annual Fall Festival and Steam Up Event will take place on October 18, 2025 on the grounds of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum at Longleaf, Louisiana, Highway 497, 3 miles from Forest Hill off Highway 165. The day begins at 10AM and will end at 7PM. The historic 1900s sawmill town has several of its original buildings and is currently expanding the village to include a cemetery under refurbishment and to churches. They are currently eight museums, including a World War II museum, the original commissary and other original buildings. There will be vintage rail, bus rides, model, T car, rides, free museum, tours, inflatables, and activities for children, arts and crafts, booths, food trucks, an antique tractor display, live blacksmithing, operating Grill and sawmill, working small steam engine, replicas, and the unique Sheffield rail car available for rides on the rails. Original locomotives, and the antique mechanic shop will also be on display.
Spooktacular Fall Fête | 10AM-2PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: Rapides Parish Library, Martin Library
Description: Celebrate the season with us at the Fall Fête—a festive outdoor event full of autumn fun! Enjoy decorated trunks, costumes, candy, and community cheer right in the library parking lot. There’ll be music, photo ops, and treats for all ages in a safe, family-friendly setting. Come dressed in your Halloween best and soak in the magic of fall with neighbors and friends!
Grant Parish:
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Oct 18 (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:
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction | 7PM-10PM, Oct 17 & 18 (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.
Farmers Market | 8AM-1PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: 103 Rue Beauport, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Start your Saturday the local way! Join us at the Natchitoches Farmers Market from 8 AM to 1 PM along the beautiful riverbank — fresh produce, handmade goods, and community charm await.
Sandbox Archaeology | 10AM-12PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: 155 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: To celebrate Louisiana Archaeology Month, join Fort staff as we simulate an archaeology site. Using modern materials, we will show you the basics of sieving through a sandbox for treasures! For more information, call 318-357-3101.
Kids on the El Camino Real | 1PM-3PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: 155 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Looking to earn a new Junior Ranger Badge? Join Fort staff as we showcase the stops along the El Camino and bring you the chance for your child to become a Trail Junior Ranger! Ages 10 and older welcome. Materials and instructions will be provided to send off for your Junior Ranger Badge. Call for more information.
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:
RISE Health Fair & Cancer Walk | 8AM-11PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: Simmesport Library 461 Main Street, Simmesport, LA 71369
Description: For more information please call 318.587.1058
Family Halloween Dance | 5:30PM-8PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: 208 LA 29 Pershing Avenue, Bunkie, LA
Description: Sponsored by Bunkie Service League Children to Grandparents Family Halloween Dance Halloween Costume Required.
The Monster Ball | 7PM-9PM, Oct 18 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: Live Music from Pants Party Band. Costume Contest with Awesome Prizes $$$. Ladies 4 Free Drink Tickets Until 8PM.
$10 General Admission Tickets available now on etix or at the Box Office day of show.
Must be 21+. Masks, face paint and costume weapons not allowed on casino floor.
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 19 (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 Monday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
