Happy Monday, Central Louisiana!
We hope you had a great weekend. As always, there’s lots of events going on within Cenla and we are excited to share what’s happening with you for this second week of October!
Now scroll down and enjoy the week ahead!
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
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 week, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe Story Hour | 10AM-11AM, Oct 7 (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 30 (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, Oct 7 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Free Yoga at the Alexandria Museum of Art – Every Tuesday from 5:45PM – 7:00PM. Free and Open to the public.
Archaeology Day at the Forts | 10AM-12PM, Oct 9 (More Info)
Location: Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site
Description: People say that the shovel is a Groundbreaking invention. Want to learn about more than shovels? Come join us for Archaeology Day at the Forts! Guest speakers will be in attendance to tell you how the state preserves and presents our history!
Costume Party at the RPL McDonald Branch | 4PM-5PM, Oct 9 (More Info)
Location: Rapides Parish Library, McDonald Branch
Description: Vampires, Ghouls, and Zombies are all welcome to join us for a spooktacular costume party! Seating is limited. Registrations are required. See the RPL digital calendar to register.
Spirits Sunset Club with Live Music on the Patio | 6PM-9PM, Oct 9 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
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!
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:
Turn Up Thursday: Low Impact, High Wellness | 10:30AM-11:30AM, Oct 9 (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, 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:
Cori Richardson’s Eduational Seminar | 10AM-11AM, Oct 9 (More Info)
Location: 3rd floor of the Natchitoches Parish Library: 450 2nd St. Natchitoches, LA 71457
Description: Discover everything you need to know about this important healthcare program. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to make changes, our experts will guide you through the process. All Seminars, we cover the following info: -Medicare 101 – A, B, C, & D -Medicare Supplement VS. Medicare Advantage – Part C -Enrollment Periods, -Group Insurance, Penalties, and all the other things.
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:
Simmesport Centennial Commemoration | 11AM-1:30PM, Oct 9 (More Info)
Location: Simmesport Library 461 Main Street, Simmesport, LA 71369
Description: Sponsored by The Simmesport Historical Society Program begins at 11 AM Speaker & Presentations, Commemorations and Historical Artifacts Luncheon at Noon.
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:
Oberlin Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM, Oct 8 (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, 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 week, Cenla! See you Friday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
