The City of Alexandria boasts a robust arts, culture and entertainment community. The Downtown Arts District houses a number of museums offering a diversity of experiences. The magnificent Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, the Hearn “Black Box” Stage, and the outdoor Riverfront Amphitheater host a variety of concerts, plays and other performances. Alexandria is also the home of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra which was founded in 1967.
ARTS
Alexandria museum of Art
The Alexandria Museum of Art entices visitors of diverse tastes with rotating exhibitions of art from our permanent collection, traveling exhibitions from around the world, and exceptional contemporary artists. Educational and community programs are implemented to compliment exhibitions.
Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center
The Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, a jewel of the Alexandria Cultural Arts District and the state-of-the-art home to both local organizations and touring performers. Not only does the intimate 614-seat auditorium draw raves, but even the lobby and terrace play host to beautiful weddings, receptions, Mardi Gras events, civic functions, and corporate meetings, as well art exhibits, jazz concerts and other small-scale activities.
Hearn Stage
The Hearn Stage at the Kress Theater is a small, black box performance space located in the historic Rapides Foundation Building. The Kress Theatre gets its name from the building’s former occupant, the Kress Five and Dime Store. Several local theatre groups are currently based out of The Kress Theatre.
Louisiana History Museum
The Louisiana History Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, is dedicated to collecting, presenting, interpreting and promoting understanding of the wealth of history associated with Alexandria, and all of Louisiana. The museum maintains one of the foremost collections of historical objects in the state.
City Park Players Theater Company
The City Park Players were first organized in the 1930s by citizens who wanted to add to the quality of life in Central Louisiana by providing excellent stage productions. They are committed to offering quality cultural activities and experiences to the entire Central Louisiana community through live theater productions, programming and education.
River Oaks Square
The Center provides a platform for working artists and offering educational opportunities as an extension to their talent. Providing a creative environment and compensating working artists for their talent is just one of the aspects of this cultural hub.
Rapides Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1967, the mission of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra is to bring cultural enrichment and quality entertainment to the central Louisiana community through an annual series of professional music programs, and to foster the development of area musicians of all ages through performance opportunities and educational initiatives.
Riverfront Amphitheater
Located on the banks of the Red River, the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of, concerts, festivals and other entertaining events such as the Rapides Parish Symphony and after-hours concerts. It provides a relaxing atmosphere where people can relax and enjoy the great outdoors
ARTS COUNCIL OF CENTRAL LOUISIANA
Exposure to and lifelong learning in the Arts create healthier individuals and communities, as well as more enriched and fulfilling lives. The Arts Council of Central Louisiana exists to broaden the impact of Art and Culture through serving and supporting those artists and organizations who create the Art that shapes the lives of our friends and neighbors.
RAPIDES PARISH COLISEUM
The Rapides Parish Coliseum (RPC) hosts an array of events in Alexandria, LA with I-49 just minutes away, creating easy travel from I-10 to I-20. Alexandria is also serviced by the Alexandria International Airport, which services commuter, corporate, and private aircraft. The Coliseum boasts the ability to host as many as 10,000 people.
Alexandria Zoological Park
Since 1922, Alexandria Zoological Park has shared the wonders of the natural world with generations of zoo-goers. Get face to face with 500 animals including lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, bears, otters and many more. Come explore a natural world filled with hoots, howls, and roars right in the heart of Central Louisiana. Alexandria Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
ALexandria Mardi Gras Association
“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” Let the good times roll as Alexandria celebrates Mardi Gras with family friendly parades, parties and other festivities.
T.R.E.E. House Childrens Museum
The Rapides Exploratory Education (T.R.E.E.) House Museum provides playful learning experiences and environments where children (1-12 years), families, schools and community groups discover and explore their world through hands-on exhibits and interactive programs.
Alex River Fête
What’s life without a party? And Alexandria knows how to throw a party! Alex River Fête takes place in the spring and features activities along the Red River. This family friendly festivals feature great food, great music, and great times for everyone!
Alex Winter Fête
This free, family-friendly festival returns to Alexandria with many exciting activities that everyone will enjoy. Try a twirl on the outdoor skating rink, watch in wonder at the fireworks over the Red River, explore the children’s area known as Jolly Junction, and interact with talented stilt walkers, fire breathers, live bands, and more. Don’t miss the downtown shopping vendors and delicious food that Fetes have become known for as well.
Culture & Entertainment
For more information about the many attractions and activities in the Alexandria area, visit the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
