The One-Day Festival Where Alabama’s Wild Side Takes Center Stage
Words by Ashley Locke
In the heart of Alabama, where the Coosa River curves gently past historic downtowns and pine forests stretch toward endless skies, you’ll find the Black Belt region—a place as rich in story as it is in soil. Named for the dark, fertile earth that defines its geography, the Black Belt has long been a wellspring of culture, community, and connection to the land. This fall, one town is turning that legacy into a celebration you can’t miss.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival returns to the banks of the Coosa for a day filled with paint, paws, petals, and plenty of heart.
What started as a modest gathering in 2022 has grown into a full-fledged festival that blends the creative spirit of the South with its deep appreciation for the outdoors. Hosted by The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, this one-day event is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Wetumpka’s cultural calendar. And if you’re the kind of traveler who loves live music under open skies, art that tells a story, or the thrill of seeing a sporting dog leap through the air in pursuit of a toy, then this is your kind of weekend.
At its core, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is about honoring the relationship between the people, the place, and the wild things that make this corner of Alabama so special. The festival pulls artists and artisans from across the Southeast—painters, potters, photographers, and more—who all share a reverence for nature and the animals that call it home.
You’ll find fine art and handmade goods inspired by the region’s natural beauty, as well as educational presentations and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life in real time or learning how to craft your own floral centerpiece with local legend Philip Thompson, you’re not just observing the arts; you’re part of them.
One of the biggest crowd-pleasers each year is the DockDogs competition. Think of it as the X Games for dogs—high-flying, tail-wagging, splash-making excitement. Anyone with a dog and a toy can join the fun, and you’ll see competitors leap, stretch, and race across the dock in three thrilling categories: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. If you’ve never seen a Labrador leap 20 feet into the air, trust us that it’s worth the drive.
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves live music under open skies, art that tells a story, or the thrill of seeing a sporting dog leap through the air in pursuit of a toy, then this is your kind of weekend.
Nearby, Covey Flush Kennels will host sporting dog demonstrations, showcasing the incredible discipline and legacy of British field trial dogs. Watching these pups work is like watching poetry in motion—loyalty, instinct, and heritage wrapped into one fast-moving, feather-fetching bundle.
The festival isn’t just about art. It’s also about education. The Alabama Wildlife Federation will be on hand with animal encounters that are both kid friendly and conservation minded. Get a glimpse of native species, learn how to preserve Alabama’s diverse ecosystems, and maybe even meet a new furry (or scaly) friend along the way.
Between the live painting stations (featuring regional favorites like Dirk Walker, Jared Knox, Vaughan Spanjer, and more), the delicious food vendors, and the abundance of outdoor gear and artisan goods, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is the kind of event you’ll talk about long after you’ve packed up your car and headed home. It’s immersive, entertaining, and thoughtfully curated, just the way a fall festival should be.
This little town on the Coosa has been quietly transforming. From the preservation of its historic downtown to the growth of its arts community, Wetumpka is having a moment, and the Wildlife Arts Festival is the perfect excuse to experience it for yourself.
So bring your friends, your kids, your four-legged companions, and your love for art, nature, and small towns that know how to throw a great party.
We’ll see you by the river.
