Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival drew a crowd of more than 1,000 people on March 28 to Cooters Pond Park, celebrating the life and legacy of Wilson Pickett, a Prattville native known for his impact as a singer, songwriter and musician.
The annual event, commonly referred to by locals as Pickett Fest, featured a full day of activities, entertainment and community engagement. Admission was free, allowing families and visitors from across the region to gather along the Alabama River for the celebration.
Musical performers included Sabadas, Wesley Hill Band, Webb Dalton, and Diedra and the Ruff Pro Band.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of attractions throughout the park, including food vendors, local artists and craft booths. Children’s activities were a central part of the event, with opportunities to paint a truck provided by the Prattville Art Guild, as well as rock painting, record painting, chalk boards shaped like flowers, painted masks and decorated themed t-shirts. Inflatables and games were also available for children to enjoy.
Representatives from the Pickett family attended the event in his honor and gathered during the day for a commemorative family photo, underscoring the festival’s role in preserving his legacy within the community.
The festival, originally established as the Fountain City Music and Arts Festival, was renamed in 2018 to honor Pickett’s contributions to music and his roots in Prattville. The event continues through a partnership between the City of Prattville, the Wilson Pickett Jr. Legacy organization and support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
With clear skies and steady attendance, the 2026 festival highlighted both the enduring influence of Wilson Pickett and the strong sense of community pride that continues to define Prattville.
