On a fall Saturday along the banks of the Coosa River, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) invites Alabamians to slow down, look closer, and celebrate the wild places that surround them. Presented by The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, the fifth annual festival blends fine art, field-sport traditions, family fun, and hands-on experiences in Historic Downtown Wetumpka. Running from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., it is completely free to the public and packed with fun for all ages.
A One-of-a-Kind Blend of Art & the Outdoors
Whether you are a seasoned fine art collector, an avid sportsman, or simply looking for a fun Saturday family outing, this festival was built for you! Centered around The Kelly at 301 Hill Street, the day blends peaceful gallery experiences with high-energy outdoor action.
Executive Director Jennifer Eifert describes it best: the festival treats visual art and field-sport traditions as two sides of the same story, honoring the landscapes and wildlife that make the South so special.
(WEWA/Contributed)
Breathtaking Fine Art
Explore two extraordinary companion exhibitions running at The Kelly from September 25 through November 13: “Art Gone Wild” and the juried Alabama Wildlife Fine Arts Competition. Sponsored by the Alabama Wildlife Federation and LIV Development, the competition awards around $26,000 in prizes, including a top $12,000 Best of Show award.
Join the festivities outside the main stage at 9:00 a.m. for the announcement of the winning artists, then stroll the galleries to admire paintings, sculptures, and other media capturing native Southeastern species and field traditions.
High-Flying Canines & Incredible Demos
Prepare for incredible action as the fan-favorite DockDogs return! Cheer on athletic pups as they compete in three thrilling aquatic events:
- Big Air: The spectacular canine long jump.
- Extreme Vertical: High-flying jumps into the pool.
- Speed Retrieve: A fast-paced combination of running, jumping, and retrieving.
Want to join the fun? Anyone with a dog and a toy can register to compete for national recognition.
Alongside DockDogs, expert trainers from regional kennels will present live sporting-dog demonstrations highlighting the intelligence, training, and athleticism of working hunting dogs.
(WEWA/Contributed)
Get Up-Close with Local Wildlife
Discover Alabama’s native wildlife up close through engaging, educational animal encounters! Presented by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, past events have featured awe-inspiring birds-of-prey presentations from Raptor’s Ridge and hands-on learning with alligators and snakes from the Alabama Nature Center.
Conservation partners such as Legacy Partners in Environmental Education and Coosa River Adventures typically share practical ways visitors can support native wildlife. Because the festival sits on the Coosa, unscheduled wildlife sightings sometimes become part of the program.
The goal is not only spectacle. Organizers want guests to leave with a clearer sense of the species that still inhabit Alabama’s rivers, woods, and fields, and of the people working to keep them there.
(WEWA/Contributed)
Hands-On Workshops, Live Music & Family Fun
There is no shortage of things to see, do, and create throughout the day:
- Interactive Workshops & Live Painting: Watch talented regional artists bring wildlife to life right before your eyes, or take part in hands-on workshops like traditional basket-making.
- Live Music: Enjoy performances across two stages as you wander the festival.
- Marketplace & Dining: Browse rows of regional vendors offering fine art, outdoor gear, handcrafted items, and early holiday gifts, then grab a bite from a variety of delicious local food trucks.
- Kids’ Activities: Keep the little ones entertained all day with fun, youth-friendly activities.
Plan Your Visit
With its walkable, historic downtown footprint, everything is just a short stroll away from free parking, the gallery, and the scenic Coosa River bank.
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Historic Downtown Wetumpka & The Kelly (301 Hill St.)
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Visit thekelly.org/wewa, follow The Kelly’s social channels, email WeWA@TheKelly.org, or call (334) 478-3366.
Driven by Purpose
At its heart, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is dedicated to engaging, inspiring, and educating both our vibrant art community and passionate outdoor enthusiasts, all while helping support the ongoing cultural programs at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts.
Whether you come to admire an award-winning painting, cheer on a high-flying dock dog, or hold a hawk on your glove, we hope you leave with a deeper appreciation for Alabama’s magnificent wild places and the community working to protect them. It definitely will be an unforgettable Saturday along the river.
