On a crisp fall day along the banks of the Coosa River, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) invites Alabamians to slow down, look closer, and celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds them. Presented by The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, the festival blends fine art, outdoor adventure, family fun, and hands-on experiences in a way that feels uniquely Wetumpka.

“The festival has something that appeals to everyone: art enthusiasts, people who love the outdoors, field sportsmen, and families looking for something fun to do with the kids,” says Jennifer Eifert, executive director of The Kelly. “People can enjoy the live music, awe over the beautiful art, meet the animal ambassadors, learn about communal conservation efforts, explore regional vendors, and even start their Christmas shopping.”

That mix of experiences is what makes WEWA a fall tradition. Art collectors come to discover the caliber of work displayed in the fine art competition and the Art Gone Wild exhibition, where regional artists capture Alabama’s native wildlife in brushstrokes and sculpture. 

Families come for the excitement of the DockDogs diving competitions and Covey Flush sporting dog demonstrations—high-energy crowd favorites where skilled dogs leap into pools with precision. This year, those traditions expand with new participants, including Goldbeck Gundogs, Artemis Run Kennels, and Madison and Company trainers. “These are beautiful, smart, talented dogs demonstrating their skills and doing what they love,” says Eifert.

And of course, the wildlife takes center stage. The Alabama Wildlife Federation and Raptor’s Ridge will bring live animals for visitors to see up close, while the Alabama Nature Center introduces their animal ambassadors–snakes, alligators, and more–for hands-on learning. “Alabama Wildlife is all over the festival,” says Eifert. “Raptor’s Ridge will provide demonstrations by our native raptors, and we’ll have Legacy Partners in Environmental Education and Coosa River Adventures sharing ways to support our native wildlife.”

This year also brings fresh opportunities to engage with Alabama’s cultural traditions. One of the most anticipated new experiences is a quilting workshop led by the world-renowned Gee’s Bend quilters, brought to WEWA by Blackbelt Adventures. “As one of the showcase activities at WEWA, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience from the renowned Gee’s Bend quilters that many are not privileged to take part in,” says Eifert. 

Guests can also try basket-making with Kudzu Mama or casting lessons with the Montevallo Fishing Club, where youth participants will take home a brand-new Zebco rod, reel, and lures.

Whether it’s learning a new craft, cheering on a leaping Labrador, or admiring a hawk in flight, WEWA offers countless moments that showcase the heart of Alabama. “You really need to see the quality and skill in these artworks,” Eifert says. “And then, to walk just a few steps and find yourself watching these dogs or talking with conservationists—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our region so unique.”

And sometimes, nature writes its own script. “The festival itself takes place along the banks of the Coosa River, so we often have unscheduled wildlife appearances,” Eifert adds.

From art lovers to animal enthusiasts, from seasoned outdoorsmen to families looking for a Saturday adventure, WEWA has a way of drawing people together. As Eifert puts it, “The festival has something that appeals to everyone; it’s where our community and our wildlife meet.”

The 4th Annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival returns on Saturday, October 25th. Admission is free. For more information, visit thekelly.org/wewa.