3 Must-Attend Events and Festivals in Prattville, AL
There's so many fun things to do in Prattville and Autauga County, but be sure to add these three to your local bucket list.
Community is key in Prattville and around Autauga County – nowhere is that more evident than at area events that attract locals and visitors alike for live entertainment, food, crafts and vendors, family-friendly activities and just plain fun.
Events like Prattville CityFest, Parade of Pumpkins and the Wilson Pickett Festival provide a way for people to get out and connect with fellow residents around the calendar year.
“There’s something for everyone at our events in Prattville,” says Gail Coccaro, a Prattville resident who along with her husband, Bob, is an active community member and volunteer. “We have things for all ages, and we love to showcase our local talent.”
Here are three events and festivals in Prattville to circle on your calendar:
Prattville CityFest
This two-day festival hosted by the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is held in the city’s quaint and picturesque historic downtown area around mid-May. In addition to spotlighting local independent businesses, and offering food, drink and homemade goods, the event also features craft vendors and live entertainment.
Suzzanne Sanders, owner of Indulgence Salon, is a longtime Prattville resident, a former organizer and volunteer at CityFest, and an active community member.
“CityFest brings over 10,000 people downtown to highlight what we have to offer, so visitors get to see local businesses and event vendors, as well as enjoy live music, food trucks and activities for the kids, like bouncy castles,” Sanders says. “We’ve revitalized the downtown area, where there are thriving mom-and-pop shops and it has a great small-town feel and that’s something we want to celebrate.”
Parade of Pumpkins
In October, residents celebrate fall with the City of Prattville’s Parade of Pumpkins. In partnership with the city, the Prattville Chamber’s Tourism Committee hosts its Artists on Main event.
Around the city, locals carve and decorate real or faux pumpkins and put them on display in storefronts and in vignettes outdoors. Downtown is transformed into a festive and spirited celebration of the season that people can explore night or day.
“The City of Prattville basically lines downtown with hay bales, and everyone from age 2 to 82 brings a decorated pumpkin – and people get incredibly creative,” says Will Barrett, who heads the Chamber’s Tourism Committee. “It’s just a great community event. Downtown vendors create a craft for kids and do a candy walk. People come from all over – not only Prattville – to see the pumpkins and stay and explore downtown.”
Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival
At this spring event, Prattville celebrates the life and legacy |of one of its favorite hometown heroes, the musician responsible for hits like Mustang Sally and In the Midnight Hour and is seen as one of the major figures in the development of American soul music.
The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival brings together not only live music, but local artists. A notable example is renowned sculptor Charlie Lucas, who not only creates artworks in person but also has art activities set up for local kids to participate in.
Kids also love activities like inflatables and games, and for the adult set, bands start playing in the morning and last into the evening, and there are food vendors and a farmers market.
“You can’t put your finger on any one thing that’s great about the festival,” Coccaro says. “It’s a can’t-miss event that everyone will enjoy, from kids to grandparents.”