Red River High School is encouraging Bulldog fans to wear pink for tonight’s Pink Out football game in support of breast cancer awareness. A special student section will be available, and all students presenting their school IDs can attend for just $2. Students, families and fans are encouraged to fill the stands with pink and show their Bulldog pride while supporting an important cause.

The Natchitoches Farmers Market opens Saturday, Oct. 10, and runs each Saturday through Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon on the riverbank. Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, salsa, bread and other value-added products and handcrafted items. The riverbank will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. each market day. More information is on the Natchitoches Farmers Market Facebook page.

American Bank branches will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. ATMs and night deposit services will remain available at all branch locations for customers needing to make deposits or withdrawals. ACH transactions and mobile deposits will be processed on the next business day, Tuesday, October 13.

Red River Elementary School’s Head Start and Pre-K 4 programs will host a Trunk or Treat celebration on Thursday, October 29, at 9 a.m. in the RRES front parking lot. The event will feature candy, treats and Halloween fun for young students and their families. Costumes are welcome! Organizers are seeking donations of candy, small treats and trunk decorations, along with staff, families and community members willing to decorate their vehicles and distribute treats. Anyone interested in helping or donating can contact Ms. Cato at 271-3197 or Mrs. Wendy at 271-3196.

Northwestern State University’s Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts will host the Louisiana Music Teachers Association (LMTA) Piano Ensemble Festival October 10–11 in Magale Recital Hall. The two-day event will bring together students and teachers for rehearsals, coaching and performances featuring multiple grand pianos. On Saturday, October 10, a student ensemble concert conducted by NSU Director of Choral Activities Dr. Shane Thomas will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., NSU Associate Professor Chialing Hsieh will present a Festival Artist Recital alongside LMTA teachers and students, featuring music by Holst, Saint-Saëns, Ravel and Rachmaninoff.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with an important change for visitors. The 2026 festival will be cashless, with all armbands, events and vendors accepting debit cards, credit cards or cash cards only. Visitors should plan ahead, as cash will not be accepted for festival purchases. For a complete schedule of holiday activities, visit NatchitochesChristmas.com. Those planning an overnight stay can find lodging information at Natchitoches.com/stay.
or call the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-259-1714.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will celebrate its 50th edition on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Shreveport. The milestone event will mark five decades of college football tradition in northwest Louisiana, bringing fans together for another exciting postseason matchup. Tickets are now available for the historic bowl game.