Happy Friday, Central Louisiana! We hope you had a great week!
In today’s edition:
Fall Fest at Cotile Lake
Weekend Bites: Wildwood Pizza
Multiple Events
Job Opportunities
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
The Cenla Shrine Circus is Back
Source: Cenla Shrine Club’s Facebook Page
Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? The Cenla Shrine Circus returns to the Laborde Earles Coliseum tomorrow morning!
Show times:
Saturday:
10AM, 2PM, and 6:30PM
Sunday:
1PM, 5PM
Fall Fest Returns to Cotile Lake This Saturday
Source: KALB Community Calendar
Get ready for fall fun at Cotile Lake! This Saturday, September 6, the Cotile Events Association will host the third annual Fall Fest at the Cotile Lake Campgrounds and Recreation Area, running from 9AM to 4PM.
What you'll find:
Over 100 vendors showcasing local goods
Ten food trucks serving up tasty bites
A mobile arcade, face painting, and a kids’ zone
Live music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LifeShare Blood Center hosting a donation booth
Admission: $5 per vehicle.
Location: Cotile Lake Recreation Area, 75 Cotile Lake Road, Boyce, LA 71409
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Weekend Bites: Wildwood Pizza
Source: Wildwood Pizza’s Facebook Page
Wildwood Pizza: Alexandria’s Wood-Fired Favorite
Looking for some great pizza this weekend? Nestled on Texas Avenue, Wildwood Pizza serves up wood-fired pies, scratch-made dough, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels just like home.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Real, fresh ingredients & dough made daily: not the frozen, slap-together kind. Wildwood puts quality first, and it shows in every bite.
Specialty pies that surprise and delight: try bold creations like the “Kickin’ Chicken” with BBQ sauce, bacon, jalapeños, and cilantro, or the “Mediterranean” pie loaded with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta, and more.
Stellar reputation: a solid 4.7 star average on review sites, consistently ranking among the best eats in Alexandria. Locals rave about the friendly service and cozy vibes.
Tip: The “Hit the Quan” is a solid choice 🔥
Where: 1260 Texas Avenue #H, Alexandria, LA 71301
Find out more: Check their menu and hours →
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this weekend, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
Hearty Breakfast on First Saturdays at Buhlow Lake | 7:30AM-9:30AM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: Buhlow Lake Airport
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.
Cotile Events Association Fall Fest | 9AM-4PM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: 75 Cotile Lake Road, Boyce, LA 71409
Description: Come join us at beautiful Cotile Lake for Cotile Event Associations Fall Fest 2025. The Heritage Band will be playing live music from 1 pm to 4 pm. Our food truck line up consist of 11 different food trucks! Taqueria Mexico, Sha'Baby Sips & Sweets, Sandy's Kitchen Tamale Time, Keep on Rolling Eggrolls, Two Seven Five Smokehouse, R&R Eatery, Small Town Sneux snow cones, Twinados, Deb's Lemonade, Sweetstation and Sipza. We have something for everyone! Over 90 arts and crafts vendors, bakers and jelly makers, tee shirts and more! We also have a Kids Zone set up for the kids! Aqua Inflatables will have slides, jumpers and inflatable games, we have a face painter and cotton candy vendor, and Play Cenla mobile arcade will be with us! Come out for a fun day on Cotile Lake. Gate admission is $5 a car load at the gates.
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, Sep 6 (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:
Have an upcoming event in Allen Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Vernon Parish:
Leesville Polk Outdoor Stage | 5PM-10PM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: 109 East Texas Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: The Polk Outdoor Stage 2025–2026 Season is here! We’re gearing up for another exciting year at Leesville’s favorite outdoor venue — and you’re invited! The calendar is live, and we’ve got a full lineup of community favorites, good vibes, and nights you won’t want to miss. Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Want to be part of the magic? Reach out to learn how your business can support the season and connect with the community. Follow Leesville Polk Outdoor Stage on Facebook for event updates, announcements, and more. We can’t wait to see your faces at the Stage!
Brent Perkins Band at American Legion Post 145 | 8PM-1AM, Sep 6 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Free pool every Sunday at the American Legion 145
Free Billiards at American Legion Post 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
Courier/DOT-1 - FedEx, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Marketing Coordinator - Pafford EMS, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Production Manager - U.S. Lawns of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Have a great weekend, Cenla! See you Monday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
