The Rapides Papides Fair comes to Alexandria, Louisiana every October bringing amusement rides, livestock shows and fair exhibits. In 2010, the fair will celebrate 50 years. Thousands attend Mardi Gras parades in Alexandria, Louisiana during the Mardi Gras season. 2010 will mark its 17th year. For the baseball fans, the Alexandria Aces bring the excitement and tradition of professional baseball to communities with a love affair for the Nation's favorite pastime. Louisiana has always been known as "Sportsman's Paradise." Kincaid Lake is one reason. It is located just west of Alexandria, Louisiana. It has become a mecca for watersports. Buhlow Fun Park located on beautiful Lake Buhlow in Pineville, Louisiana. The park offers a big variety of entertainment at this family amusement center.

Arna Bontemps African Heritage Museum. Located in the historic downtown Alexandria district, this museum gives the history of the life and times of noted author/poet, scholar, and librarian Arna Wendell Bontemps. Kent Plantation House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is an authentic Creole plantation house built circa 1796 prior to the Louisiana Purchase. Lecompte Pie Festival takes place in Lecompte, Louisiana every October. It offers great entertainment, and pies, pies, and more pies! The Kisatchie National Forest has 600,000 acres that offer hiking tours, endangered species, geological sites, tree identification, horseback riding and biking trails. The Southern Forest Heritage Museum, located in Long Leaf, Louisiana, is the oldest complete sawmill facility in the south.