Each November, Thomasville, Georgia comes alive with a celebration of fine art, wildlife, and Southern sporting traditions. From exceptional wildlife art and unique artisan finds to live animal encounters, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable evening events, Wildlife Arts Festival brings together the best of art, nature, and community.
Now in its 31st year, the Wildlife Arts Festival returns November 20–22, 2026, hosted by Thomasville Center for the Arts. This year’s Festival features more than 50 artists from around the world, including featured artist June Klement, alongside a full weekend of experiences for all ages.
With so much to experience, where should you begin? We’ve put together your guide to making the most of Wildlife Arts Festival weekend.
The best part? The Festival’s public weekend is free and family-friendly, with additional ticketed events and workshops available throughout the celebration.
Fine Art Show & Artisan Market
Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, November 22, noon–4 p.m. Free.
This is the heart of the weekend. More than 50 sporting and wildlife artists from around the world fill the galleries of the historic Thomasville Center for the Arts, while artisans set up outside with plenty of unique finds to shop. Beyond the art, there’s live music, local food, and live animal demonstrations from Chehaw, making it a weekend with something for everyone. Saturday and Sunday are both free and open to the public, so bring the family, explore the galleries, shop the artisan market, enjoy the festivities, and make a day of it. And with proceeds supporting the Center’s year-round programming, taking home a piece of art is a beautiful way to give back.
Bird Dog Bash
Saturday, November 21, 7 p.m. Ticketed. 21+.
Known as the “Come Together Party of the Year,” Bird Dog Bash is the Saturday night celebration you won’t want to miss. For more details, please visit thomasvillearts.org. The evening brings together friends, artists, and festivalgoers for live music, bonfires, open bars, delicious Southern fare, and a spirited auction featuring quick-draw works created by Festival artists. It’s one of the most anticipated nights of the weekend, and tickets tend to go quickly, so make your plans early!
Festival Workshops
Dates + times vary. Ticketed, space limited.
- Creative Covey Floral Workshop: Saturday, November 21 | 11 a.m.
- Wildlife Art Workshop: Sunday, November 22 | 1 p.m.
- Beguiled by the Wild: Saturday, November 21 | 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; Sunday, November 22 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
For those looking to get creative, the Festival offers hands-on workshops for all ages. Wildlife Art Workshop, led by artist Sam McCoy, explores observational drawing and color theory, while Creative Covey Floral Workshop, led by Atlanta floral designer Seale Lindsay, invites guests to create seasonal mailbox toppers. Both include materials, and space is limited.
For kids ages 5–17, Beguiled by the Wild brings local wildlife and ecosystems to life through art. Guided by professional wildlife artists, young participants create their own mini masterpieces to take home. Registration is free for members and underwriters and $10 for nonmembers, with limited spots available.
Land & Lore Series
Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22. Free.
Land & Lore Speaker Series brings together fascinating voices and perspectives through engaging discussions, featured films, and conversations about conservation, local ecosystems, and the sporting traditions of the Red Hills. Among this year’s highlights is a special Women in the Field discussion featuring Desta Gourley, avid sportswoman and founder of Covey Call Communications, alongside other inspiring women who share a passion for the outdoors. It’s just one of several opportunities throughout the series to discover the stories, people, and traditions that make our region so special.
Good to Know
Wildlife Walkabout Stations are scattered through the festival grounds and the Artisan Market, with hands-on ways for kids to meet the furry and feathered locals and learn how the Red Hills ecosystem fits together.
The festival technically starts two weeks early. A kickoff and public art unveiling happens Thursday, November 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the UnVacant Lot in downtown Thomasville, free to anyone who shows up. And the Preview Party on Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m. is an underwriter-only evening, which is worth knowing if you’re weighing whether to support the festival at that level.
If you’re looking for things to do in November, this is the weekend with the most going on. Find the full schedule, tickets and registration at thomasvillearts.org/wildlife.
