CULLMAN – One of North Alabama’s largest and most anticipated events takes over downtown Cullman. the first weekend in October in celebration of the town’s German beginnings.
Now in its 43rd year, the Cullman Oktoberfest is a three-day event offering all things German including a biergarten, lively music, cultural displays and delicious German cuisine.
Recognized as one of North Alabama’s signature cultural events, Oktoberfest in Cullman pays homage to the city’s deep German roots, dating back to its founding by Col. Johann Gottfried Cullmann in 1873.
From the opening at 4 p.m. Thursday until the closing of the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten at 11 p.m. Saturday, attendees can immerse themselves in German culture and traditions.
A parade takes to the streets at 6 p.m. Thursday, with the official opening ceremonies and tapping of the keg immediately following.
Activities to be held each day include biergartens, games, contests and entertainment for children and four-legged friends, glass blowing workshops, a vendor market featuring artisan crafts and mouthwatering treats, live German music and traditional contests such as brat-eating, stein-hoisting (21 and older) and costume competitions.
Walking tours will also highlight Cullman’s German heritage and additional special programming includes Senior Day (ages 55 and older) on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the annual Oktoberfest 5K and 10K Saturday at 8 a.m.
A centerpiece of the festival, the Hofbräuhaus Experience, an experience as close to Munich as one can get without a passport, is a completely covered biergarten serving Hofbräu München beers, Bavarian-style servers and non-stop entertainment. Guests may enter with any Hofbräu Stein purchase or a $10 daily cover.
For the full experience, visitors can purchase the Ultimate Hofbräuhaus Experience, a three-day package that includes commemorative steins, food and drink tokens, and access for the entire weekend.
New this year, the Goat Island and Ethos Biergarten will bring together Cullman’s two local breweries under one large, covered pavilion, serving up their signature craft beers alongside live entertainment throughout the weekend.
The Biergarten is free to enter and open daily. Festivalgoers can also experience a true taste of Bavarian tradition at the Weihenstephan Biergarten, featuring selections from the world’s oldest brewery.
The excitement continues with the debut of a 108-foot European Venetian Ferris Wheel, offering stunning views of downtown Cullman, and a rare two-story, double-decker Venetian Carousel, both sure to become must-visit attractions.
Rounding out the new offerings, a Volkswagen Car Show will showcase top classic VW models from across the Southeast, making this year’s Oktoberfest bigger, brighter and more unforgettable than ever.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest by donning traditional German attire. Dirndls, lederhosen and children’s outfits are available for purchase in advance at https://www.
Festival hours
- Thursday: 4–10 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Cullman Oktoberfest activities take place in the warehouse district along 1st Avenue in the heart of downtown Cullman.
For more information, including a daily schedule of events, visit https://www.
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