Cullman is ready to celebrate its agricultural heritage as the 87th annual Alabama Strawberry Festival returns to Depot Park and the Festhalle Farmers Market on April 24–25.

Officially recognized by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023 as the Alabama Strawberry Festival, the event is considered the state’s longest running strawberry celebration and honors a tradition that dates back to 1898, when the crop first became a defining part of Cullman’s economy and identity.

The free, family-friendly festival will once again spotlight fresh, locally grown strawberries, with area farmers selling produce throughout the weekend. Organizers encourage visitors to stop by the Festhalle Market early to purchase baskets of berries before they sell out. 

In addition to fresh-picked berries, more than 90 artisan and food vendors will offer strawberry-themed menu items, handcrafted collectibles, boutique-style clothing and other local products.

A wide range of activities are planned, including a children’s area, a doggie ‘pawgeant,’ a strawberry-inspired baking contest and the Ninja Nation Obstacle Course. The obstacle course opens at 9 a.m. and welcomes competitors ages 16 and older to race for the fastest time, with advance registration required.

Live entertainment will be a massive highlight both evenings, with performances beginning around 4 p.m. Friday’s lineup includes Ernest, Lauren Watkins, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford, Alex Lambert, Ashleigh Graham, Dirty Rotten Vipers, Kristina Murray and Zachariah Smith.

Saturday’s performers include Dylan Marlowe, Owen Riegling, Kylie Morgan, Kaleb Sanders, Greylan James, Miles Miller, Darren Nicholson Band and the Burnett Sisters. 

While admission to the festival grounds is free, reserved seating for the concerts will be available through premium general admission and VIP ticket packages, which can be bought here.

Senior Day is scheduled for Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a strawberry jam contest, trivia, live music by Cadillac and prizes for best strawberry-themed attire. Large groups can arrange shuttle drop off and parking in advance.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, with concert gates opening at 3 p.m. Organizers say the annual event continues to draw visitors from across the Southeast while showcasing Cullman’s continued sense of tradition and community.