October in Alexandria Pineville: Fall Fun, Halloween Happenings and More
October has arrived in Alexandria Pineville, and there is a lot to put on your calendar.
Cooler evenings give us an excuse to get outside, Halloween brings plenty of family fun, and some of our favorite community events return throughout the month. From gleaux-ing for a good cause and experiencing local art to outdoor movies, Zoo Boo and fall festivals, there are plenty of ways to enjoy October on both sides of the Red River.
Here are a few of the events you will not want to miss.
October 10 | Gleaux for the Girls
Light up the night for an important cause at Gleaux for the Girls on Saturday, October 10 at Walker Toyota.
Known as the Breast Race in Cenla, this annual glow in the dark one mile fun run brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer care right here in Central Louisiana.
The evening begins with Survivor Happy Hour at 6 PM, followed by the one mile fun run at 7 PM. Funds raised stay local and benefit the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center.
Learn more about Gleaux for the Girls
October 15, 22 and 29 | Screen on the Green
Grab a blanket and find your spot under the stars. The City of Alexandria is introducing Screen on the Green, a free outdoor movie series at Big Island Field.
October 15: Shrek
October 22: The Sandlot
October 29: E.T.
It is an easy way to enjoy an October evening outside with the family, and admission is free.
Learn more about Screen on the Green
October 16 through 18 | HERPS Exotic Reptile Show
Things are getting a little wild at the Randolph Riverfront Center.
The HERPS Exotic Reptile Show comes to Alexandria October 16 through 18. If your family loves snakes, lizards, reptiles and all things that slither, crawl and creep, this one belongs on your October list.
October 17 | Louisiana Bluegrass Fall Festival
Spend a fall Saturday enjoying music, history and plenty of old-fashioned fun at the Louisiana Bluegrass Fall Festival.
The festival takes over the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Longleaf on Saturday, October 17 from 10 AM to 7 PM, with a full day of activities for the whole family.
Listen and dance to live bluegrass music, ride the rails, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, see antique tractors and diesel engines, take a ride in a Model T and explore eight museums, including a World War II museum. You can also browse local vendors, see fresh cornmeal being ground and grab plenty of festival favorites, from barbecue and jambalaya to hamburgers and hot dogs.
Admission is $10 per car, making it an easy fall day trip just outside Alexandria Pineville.
Learn more about the Louisiana Bluegrass Fall Festival
October 24 | Zoo Boo at the Alexandria Zoo
Costumes, candy and some of your favorite zoo animals come together for one of Cenla’s favorite Halloween traditions.
Zoo Boo returns to the Alexandria Zoo on Saturday, October 24. The Zoo opens at 10 AM, with last entry at 3 PM.
Kids ages 12 and younger can trick or treat at stations throughout the Zoo, while the whole family can enjoy games, activities, costumed characters, Halloween displays and plenty of photo opportunities.
Do not miss Pumpkin Palooza either. Even the animals get in on the fall fun with seasonal enrichment throughout their habitats.
Costumes are encouraged, so come ready for a spooktacular day at the Zoo.
October 24 | A Big Night for the Arts at River Oaks
October 24 is also a big night for Alexandria’s arts community.
River Oaks Square Arts Center’s signature Van Gogh Gala returns with this year’s theme, Midnight at the Met. Beginning at 7 PM, the evening celebrates the arts while supporting the work and programming of River Oaks.
The Van Gogh Gala is River Oaks’ largest annual fundraiser and one of its most imaginative traditions. Expect an evening where creativity takes center stage.
Learn more about the Van Gogh Gala
October 24 | Youth Empowerment Boxing
Young athletes can also get moving this month with the Youth Empowerment Boxing Program.
The free program is open to boys and girls ages 9 through 17 and gives young people an opportunity to build boxing skills, confidence and discipline. October 24 programming runs from 9 AM to noon.
October 29 | Pineville Family Fall Fest
Save the date for an evening of fall fun in Pineville.
The 2026 City of Pineville Family Fall Fest takes over the Ward 9 Sportsplex, 3311 Donahue Ferry Road, on Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 8 PM.
Bring the whole family for games, a petting zoo, jumpers, candy, free hot dogs and chips and plenty more.
Local businesses, organizations and community groups can get involved too by setting up and handing out candy, treats or other goodies to families during the event.
And when Fall Fest wraps up, you can keep the October fun going with the final Screen on the Green showing of E.T.
Register your business or organization to participate
Make October a Little Spooky
There is plenty more Halloween fun happening throughout Alexandria Pineville, so keep an eye on our calendar as October gets closer.
Between costume parties, trick or treating, fall activities and special events, you will have plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit.
And you do not need a special event to enjoy fall here. Grab dinner on a patio, spend an afternoon exploring downtown, visit a local shop, take the kids outside or make a weekend out of checking off a few stops from your fall bucket list.
October is one of those months when there is always another reason to get out and explore.