Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

August 1 & 15

Creative Meetups

Unleash your artistic spirit and immerse yourself in an inspiring environment where fellow artists gather to create together. Share ideas, techniques, and stories as you paint, sculpt, sketch, or craft your way through a world of endless possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your artistic journey, this open studio time is your chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate your craft!

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Address: Creatives at Work Gallery | 112 W Alabama, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 232-2054

August 1 & 8

Dixie's Summer Matinee Series

This summer at the Dixie is PACKED with movie magic! Thanks to Jonesboro State Bank, the Dixie Center for the Arts is having a FREE family-friendly movie every Tuesday throughout the summer - popcorn and drink included! August 1: Dora & the Lost City of Gold. August 8: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 3

Downtown Art Gallery Crawl

The Downtown Art Gallery Crawl is held bi-monthly on the first Thursday of that month in Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. This is an evening of art, food, music, and fun with friends!

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Address: Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (318) 512-2131

August 4-6

Big Fish Musical

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. You will not want to miss this exciting performance by Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts!

Time: Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at

2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Cost: Adults $15.00. Students $10.00.

Address: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts | 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe | Phone: (318) 812-7922

August 5

North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market

The North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market is a community service that gives our area a fun, healthy way to come together and get to know their local makers and producers. This market has homemade and homegrown items only. Time: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Paramount Health Care Consultants Parking Lot | 1905 North 7th Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 738-1132

August 5

Iron Liftoff Competition

The Iron Liftoff Competition tests fitness and strength limits. Scoring will be the sum of each athletes heaviest successful Clean, Strict Press, and Front Squat. Athletes will have 3 attempts at each movement with a 30-minute timecap. The highest combined load from both male and female divisions will win $150. Do you have what it takes to win? Sign up now to find out!

Time: 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: Member $10.00. Non-member $20.00.

Address: CrossFit Iron Pelican | 3201 Cypress Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 537-9254

August 5

Cochren & Co.

Cochren & Co. have toured coast to coast amassing a loyal following of new listeners wherever they go. Michael Cochren is a singer/ songwriter and worship leader born and raised in a small Indiana town. After graduating school, Cochren began playing music across the country with a band of friends under the name Cochren & Co. With hopefilled lyrics and timeless melodies, Cochren & Co. blur the lines between American pop, soft rock, and soul/ blues to create a sound all their own.

Time: 7:00 PM | Cost: $20.00-$35.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 5

High Rollers & High Fashion Casino Night

Get ready for a night of glitz and glamour at the High Rollers & High Fashion Casino Night! Dress to impress in your finest cocktail attire or blacktie formal wear, and try your luck at the casino tables. With a variety of games to choose from, including poker, blackjack, and roulette, there's something for everyone. This event is by Ivy Merit Foundation, Inc.

Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center | Warhawk Way, Monroe

August 5, 12, 19, 26

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local producers and creators every Saturday morning!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Ruston Farmers Marketplace

| 220 E. Mississippi Ave., Ruston Phone: (318) 957-130

August 6, 13, 20, 27

Live Music at Flying Heart

Enjoy live music at Flying Heart every Sunday! This month’s artists include Clara McBroom, Lee Denton, Cal Presley, and Grayson May.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Cost: No Cover Charge

Address: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub | 204 Commerce Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

August 11-13

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages!

Time: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Big Creek Trade Days Grounds | 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA 71235 Phone: (318) 680-1304

August 12

Children’s Fun Day

Bring your children to the Biedenharn to explore their creative side with activities and adventures through the Elsong Gardens! Children's Fun Day takes place on the second Saturday of every month (except December and January). Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: $5.00 Per Child. Free for Adult.

Address: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens | 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

August 12

VAMN! – Visual Artist Meetup

Join the Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana every 2nd Saturday of the month at The Sugar Gallery for regular discussions about art studio practice and history/theory. Connect with artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Time: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Cost: Free | Address: The Sugar Gallery | 135 Art Alley, Monroe

August 12

Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi

Stephanie Trick & Paolo AlderighiPioneers in the use of four-hand piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie-woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley.

Time: 7:00 PM | Cost: $20.00-$35.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 12-13

Fire It Up Productions Team Roping

Fire It Up Productions Team Roping is happening August 12-13 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Saturday, books open at 8:00 AM and roping begins at 9:30 AM. Sunday, books open at 8:00 AM and roping begins at 9:30 AM. A kid's dummy roping will take place Sunday at noon.

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (903) 721-0303

August 16

Fiber Artist Meetup

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, create and connect with fiber artists! Fiber art is a fine art style that uses textiles such as fabric, yarn, and natural and synthetic fibers. Bring your work in progress, supplies, a positive attitude, and helpful tips!

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM | Cost: Free

Address: 131 Art Alley, Monroe

August 17-20

Louisiana Classic

The Southern Cow Reined Horse Association Louisiana Classic is taking place August 17-20 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

Time: Thursday at 8:00 AM, Friday 7:40 AM settle and 8:00 AM start, Saturday 7:00 AM start and 6:30 PM start, Sunday 8:00 AM start.

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (225) 324-7204

August 18

Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series

Let the rhythm fill your lunch hour! Join us for an electrifying outdoor concert series featuring the talented band Mixed Notes, from Grambling State University! Get ready to groove, sway, and feast on some delicious tunes while you indulge in your midday meal. Trust us, your taste buds and eardrums will thank you!

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free | Address: Heard Freighthouse Food Park | Ruston

August 18

The Wellspring Bowl & Bling

Make plans now to attend The Wellspring Bowl & Bling presented by Trinity Diamonds Direct for a fun night out where it is not your skill that counts it’s YOU! Join the fun as they throw strikes, spares, and more than a few gutterballs to raise money for one of Northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most effective non-profits!

Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Cost: Non-Bowler $50.00. Individual Bowler $100.00. Bowling Team of 6 $600 | Address: Bayou Bowl - 100 Horseshoe Lake Road, Monroe Phone: (318) 651-9314

August 19

Writer’s Hub Meetup

Join the Black Creatives Circle of North LA every 3rd Saturday for a writer's hub meetup. Discuss your latest literary works, get helpful tips, and explore fun writing prompts with like minds! | Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free | Address: Art Alley | Downtown Monroe

August 24

Elvis in Concert: The Story of The King

Make your way to the Monroe Civic Center - Jack Howard Theater to see the King of Rock n' Roll himself! This is an unrivaled multimedia production of The King's story and career. Starring internationally acclaimed world champion, Elvis Tribute Artist Cote Deonath, backed by The Infinit-E Tribute Band.

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Jack Howard Theater | 401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2225

August 25-26

Bayou Jamb Football Jamboree

Bayou Jamb will kick off on Friday, August 25th. Bayou Jamb will host seven games and fourteen football teams on Don Shows Field inside Rebel Stadium for the preseason football jamboree. Each team will have the opportunity to compete in two 15-minute half series to take home bragging rights.

Cost: $15.00 | Address: Rebel Stadium Travis Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-1133

August 25

Ouachita Live Concert Featuring Shelley King & Her Band

Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live for a free concert on the last Friday of the month through October. With delicious local food trucks and lively music, it's sure to be a great time! This concert features Shelley King and her band.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Alley Park | 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe

August 26

LA Tech Football vs Florida International University

Louisiana Tech takes on Florida International University in their first home game of the 2023 season. Come out to the Joe and support those Bulldogs as they try to give the Panthers a loss!

Time: 8:00 PM

Address: Joe Aillet Stadium | 1450 W Alabama Avenue, Ruston