Kaylee Simons
Elmore Autauga News
After spending recent years in alternate locations, Prattville’s annual CityFest is returning to its historic downtown setting, bringing the community’s signature event back to where it first took root.
Set for May 1–2, the festival will once again fill the streets of downtown Prattville, marking a shift back to the city’s central gathering space following previous events held at locations like Mac Gray Park.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community back to downtown Prattville for the 38th annual CityFest,” said Brooke Glover, marketing and communications director for the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. “From the free concert at the Spillway on Friday night featuring The Fuego Band to a full day of live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a children’s area on Saturday, there is something for everyone. With the addition of new venues in downtown Prattville, this year’s festival will offer an even more exciting experience for our residents and visitors.”
In 2025, the 37th annual CityFest was hosted at Mac Gray Park after weather-related changes pushed the event into July. Despite the heat, the festival drew strong attendance, offering live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities that have long defined the event.
While the location has shifted in recent years, the heart of the event has remained the same. Now, its return to downtown signals something more. It reflects a renewed focus on the spaces designed to bring people together.
Over the past year, downtown Prattville has seen significant additions aimed at enhancing accessibility, recreation, and overall experience, including the opening of Spillway Park along Autauga Creek. The park features a boardwalk overlooking the water, shaded seating, pedestrian walkways, and a children’s play area, creating a natural extension of the downtown footprint. The space offers families and visitors new ways to gather, explore, and engage with one of Prattville’s most recognizable natural features.
City officials have described the project as part of a broader investment in quality of life and community-centered design.
Another addition, The Lyric, an outdoor music venue, further strengthens downtown’s role as a destination for entertainment and community events, offering a dedicated space for live performances that aligns naturally with festivals like CityFest.
Together, these developments reflect a larger shift toward intentional placemaking, creating spaces that not only serve a purpose but invite people to stay, gather, and connect.
That intention becomes especially visible during events like CityFest. With expanded walkability, new gathering areas, and improved amenities, downtown Prattville is now better equipped to host large-scale events while offering a more immersive and connected experience.
“CityFest has long been a signature event for our community, and we are excited to see it continue to grow and evolve,” said Patty VanderWal, president of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Bringing the festival back to downtown Prattville highlights the vibrancy of our city and supports our local businesses. We invite everyone to come out May 1–2 to celebrate, enjoy great entertainment, and experience all that Prattville has to offer.”
For longtime residents, the return to downtown brings a sense of familiarity. For others, it offers a chance to experience a revitalized version of the city’s historic core.
As CityFest returns this spring, it does more than mark another year of music, food, and celebration. It highlights how far downtown Prattville has come and the role these shared spaces play in shaping the community, moments that keep people coming back. The event will take place rain or shine.
