The Alexandria Red River Festival kicked off Friday, May 3, 2019 in downtown Alexandria with vendors, street performers and live music. The Alexandria Museum of Art held their Spring Illuminate the Arts Procession through downtown included various characters, animals and objects illuminated by lights. The Red River Festival continues Saturday along with with a bbq cookoff, classic car and truck show. The Louisiana Dragon Boat Races will be held at Lake Buhlow in Pineville starting at 9 a.m.