Through September 11
LSU: Building an American Renaissance
Exhibition uses photographs, sketches, and tests to illustrate the history of the architecture of LSU's campus.
Time: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Masur Museum of Art
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

Through October 23
Jean Despujols Exhibition
Exhibition will include works from the Jean Despujols Collection of Paintings and Drawings of Indochina from the Meadows Museum of Art in Shreveport, LA.  Also features paintings, period costumes and textiles of Indochina.
Time: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Masur Museum of Art
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

August 1
Strauss Theatre – Peter Pan: The High Flying Musical
You know the story, now come enjoy the Broadway-style show!
Time: :00 p.m.
Cost: $25
Strauss Theatre – Main Stage
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-6681 or www.strausstheatre.com

August 2-6
Zoo Summer Camp: Jr. Zookeepers
Do you like hard work and getting dirty? Come have an adventure and work alongside some of the most important people at the zoo! For 8th through 12th grades. Extended care and full day camp available at extra cost.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Zoo Society Members $40; Non-Members $55
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2400 or www.monroezoo.org

August 2-6
CA Studio Film Workshop
Students will study writing, scripting, acting, shooting and editing for film under the direction of talented artists and filmmakers Greg and Amy Green Vines. For ages 10-18.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $170 for two weeks
The Children’s Museum
Monroe
Info: (318) 355-8891 or www.castudio.us

August 4
Kitchen Science at Tummy Yummy Creations
In this summer workshop, it’s okay to play with your food! Bring the kids out to get their hands dirty while making edible works of art.
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $25
Tummy Yummy Creations
West Monroe
Info: (318) 398-1954

August 5
Downtown Gallery Crawl
Discover the works of talented artists as you “crawl” from one historic architectural jewel to the next with fine art, music, and local cuisine set against a hip, downtown backdrop overlooking the Ouachita River.
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Downtown Monroe/West Monroe
Info: (318) 329-1921 or www.downtowngallerycrawl.com

August 6
First Friday Texas Hold’em Tournament
The no limit Texas Hold’em Tournament is a fundraiser for Krewe of Janus charities. Payout is 50% of all entry fees and 30% of all rebuys. Must be 21 to play.
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $80 plus $10 Registration fee; rebuys $40
Krewe of Janus float den, 901 Louisville Avenue
Monroe
Info: (318) 338-3172

August 6-7
Annual Sales Tax-Free Holiday
Just in time for Back-to-School shopping, get a break from taxes during the state’s annual tax-free holiday. Most retail purchases will be exempt from the 4% state sales tax this weekend only. Take advantage of this discount at one of the many shopping venues in the Monroe/West Monroe area! Visit the website below for rules and regulations on purchases.
Time: 12:01 a.m. on Friday through 12:00 a.m. on Saturday
Statewide Retail Locations
Info: www.revenue.louisiana.gov

August 8
14^th Annual Community Bridal Fair
Bridal dresses, tuxedos, caterers, videographers and photographers all on site. Plus many more helpful ideas to plan your big day and thousands in door prizes!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
West Monroe Convention Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 396-5000

August 9-13
OPSO Youth Cadet Academy
This one week summer program is designed to provide a working knowledge and background of law enforcement in Ouachita Parish. It provides an avenue for community involvement and first-hand experience in keeping peace. For ages 10-12.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $35
OPSO Rifle Range & Training Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 327-1317

August 14
Races at West Monroe Motocross
Bring the family out to experience all the excitement!
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10
West Monroe Motocross
West Monroe
Info: (318) 396-DIRT

August 14
6^th Annual Battle of the Badges
Come watch the policemen and the firemen battle it out in this amateur boxing show! Proceeds will go to benefit a memorial scholarship fund in the name of Cpl. J.R. Searcy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Ticket Prices Vary
Monroe Civic Center
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2338 or www.battleofthebadgesmonroe.com 

August 14
Children's Drop-In: Pick Your Own Craft
Beat the heat with a mixed craft session! Children may choose from projects missed, personal favorites and a few back by popular demand.When the activity is finished, families are welcome to walk through ELsong Garden, tour the home, and enjoy a nickel Coca-Cola.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

August 14
Maze Craze at Poverty Point Historic Site
Families and children of all ages can participate in this hands-on activity. Guests will learn information about the Poverty Point culture and artifacts while working through a maze!
Time: 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $4; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free
Poverty Point State Historic Site
Epps
Info: (318) 926-5492 or (888) 926-5492

August 14
Trade Program at Poverty Point Historic Site
Bring the kids out to learn all about the trading of rocks and other natural resources. Guest will gets some hands-on experience and do some trading themselves.
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $4; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free
Poverty Point State Historic Site
Epps
Info: (318) 926-5492 or (888) 926-5492

August 16 &17
Youth Crime Scene Investigation Workshop
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring this workshop designed for young people who have an interest in a professional career in law enforcement. The workshop will provide an understanding of the reasoning behind our procedures and hands-on experience with the processes involved. For ages 13-17.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $15
OPSO Rifle Range & Training Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 327-1317

August 18
Battle on the Bayou
Come check out amateur world champions Erislandy Lara and Yordanis Despaigne in this nationally televised professional boxing event.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Monroe Civic Center – Arena
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2338

August 19-20
2^nd Annual 24 Hour Play Festival
This theatrical festival is a sweet way to end a super summer. Writers will spend the night finishing and tweaking scripts, directors will take over the next morning being assigned the new plays, and actors will come to audition for them. The day will be spent in rehearsal and the evening will be capped with debut performances of each 10 minute play!
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Performances at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Strauss Theatre – Young Troupe Stage
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-0474 or www.youngtroupe.com

August 20
Biedenharn Special Evening Hours
Special evening hours are perfect for couples, families, and friends! They are also ideal for night photography, marriage proposals and garden enthusiasts. Each month features different flowering plants, which take on a completely different look under the evening sky as do Biedenharn’s sculpture and water features. Subject to change without notice pending weather conditions.
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

August 20
The Greeks of Comedy Tour
Come check out this one of a kind show! A number of comedians ensure a night of fun and laughter.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Monroe Civic Center – Jack Howard Theatre
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2338

August 20
Flag of My Father Screening
Film director, Rodney Ray is hosting this special screening for the public in honor of his WWII Veteran father Mr. Asa Ray.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
First Baptist Church of Monroe, 201 St. John Street
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-6900

August 21
Equinox Jazz Orchestra Concert
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $20 general admission, $15 for students
Brown Auditorium, ULM Campus
Monroe
Info: www.equinoxjazz.com

August 21
Bayou Black Open Rodeo
Come experience an evening of family fun and entertainment as cowboys and cowgirls compete in all the favorite rodeo activities and races.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Monroe Civic Center
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2225

August 21
Aviation Day Celebration
Bring the family out to Chennault Aviation & Military Museum for a day of food and fun in celebration of Aviation Day.
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: Free
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of LA
Monroe
Info: (318) 362-5540 or www.chennaultammla.org

August 22
Beautician & Barber Fest
Time: 1 pm
Monroe Civic Center Arena
Info: (318) 329-2338

August 25
Fuchsia Band Concert at Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe
It's that time of year to begin planning for this year's Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival! The Fuchsia Bank is here all the way from County Cork, Ireland and is the first in a series of concerts leading up to this year's Celtic Festival.
Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe, 507 Louisville Avenue
Monroe
Info: (318) 388-ENOC or www.enochsirishpub.com

August 27-29
Crawfish Classic
Come out to the Ike for this National Cutting Horse Association show!
Ike Hamilton Expo Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 325-9160

August 27-September 6
Bayou Bowl: $5 All-You-Can-Bowl
Enjoy this great offer in celebration of National Bowling Week!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $5
Bayou Bowl Family Fun Center
Monroe
Info: 318-325-2062 or www.bayoubowl.com

August 28
Downtown Cinema
Come enjoy this outdoor movie experience in Downtown Monroe! This month's feature film is "Remember the Titans." Remember to bring your own seating.  
Time: Music Entertainment 7:00 p.m.; Movie 7:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
128 South Grand
Downtown Monroe
Info: www.thedowntowncinema.com

August 28
Bayou Jamb 2010
Start high school football season off right. Northeastern Louisiana teams will hit the turf and battle it out as thousands of fans cheer them on from the stands. And don’t forget about the Louisiana National Guard NFL-Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick contest and tailgating in the Grove!
Time: 12:00 p.m. grove activities; 4:00 p.m. games begin
Cost: $10; children 5 and under free
ULM – Malone Stadium
Monroe
Info: (318) 966-7355 or www.bayoujamb.com