Considering it’s the Year of Alabama Food, the third annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) is amping up its flavor game as it again celebrates the beauty of wildlife and one of the South’s most historic pastimes—field sports—through the arts.

What began as an idea between the Smoot Harris family, which has deep roots in the town, and volunteers at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts has since become Alabama’s premiere wildlife arts festival and one of the most highly-anticipated art events in the region. Regions Bank has again come on board as WEWA’s top dog sponsor at the October 19 event happening in downtown Wetumpka.

Event-goers and art enthusiasts can expect to find some of the most sought after wildlife artists around, with an incredible selection of art created specifically for the event.

(Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival/Contributed)

In fact, many of these same artists will be participating in the annual juried art competition hosted by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, LIV Development and The Kelly. The fine arts competition will coincide with the gallery’s “Art Gone Wild” exhibition from October 1 to November 22 and includes awards of up to $10,000 for the winning artists.

Artist Jared Knox, the 2023 Alabama Wildlife Arts Competition winner with his “Bobcat and Bobwhite” painting, will be demonstrating at this year’s event, among others.

But if you’re also seeking creative culinary delights, be sure to bring your adventurous palette with you as Ricky Albright of Iron Fire Cooking will be demonstrating with Alabamian Bryson “Cheese Curd” McGlynn of Junior Master Chef fame!

(Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival/Contributed)

These two were part of the Loosen Your Black Belt Bunch cook team that won this year’s annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off; the duo’s winning dishes will be available for sampling, as well.

But no dish is complete without the right drink, and Trace Barnett, host of Alabama Public Television’s Garden Party, plans to partner with editor and award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer Christiana Roussel for some sure-to-please mixology sessions and tastings.

Although invited guests will enjoy a Cocktails and Quail dinner to get the event kicked off Friday night, new to this year’s festival is the Oyster Roast and Bourbon Toast celebration to cap off the celebration. There is limited availability for this event being held at Coaches Corner of HGTV Home Town Takeover fame, so be sure to grab your tickets now!

Another exciting (and exquisite) addition to the wildlife festival is a ticketed floral workshop, hosted by Flower magazine’s Margot Shaw and Birmingham-based floral artist Sybil Sylvester.

(Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival/Contributed)

As The Kelly strives to educate as it inspires, there will also be several expert presentations, live music, classes, children’s activities and other demonstrations leading up to and during the event from pros like the Alabama School of Fly Fishing, Covey Flush Kennels, Raptor Ridge and Bennett’s Archery.

Thanks to the festival’s generous sponsors, the event is free. But with the caliber of artists on hand, attendees definitely won’t want to walk away empty-handed.