CULLMAN, Ala. – With crisp autumn air just around the corner, Cullman is gearing up for its annual take on Oktoberfest, celebrating Cullman’s German heritage with a bit of Southern flair. This year’s celebration promises to be an entire three-day sensory delight of sights, sound and flavor; totally fitting for a 150th anniversary according to 2023 Burgermeister Dale Greer.
“This is the 150th anniversary of the founding of Cullman and it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our German heritage and the remarkable community we have become,” Greer said, noting he’s most excited about the expanded lineup of events. “I’m excited about Oktoberfest and the expanded schedule of events and live entertainment. The involvement of the Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism will help us take this event to a new level, and you don’t want to miss it!”
CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson echoed that sentiment, sharing that the celebration has grown in scope in two major ways.
“We’re thrilled to introduce two exciting additions to this year’s Oktoberfest: The Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle, where you can savor authentic German brews and an atmosphere with exclusive entertainment and a waiting staff that will serve you table side, and our captivating ‘streetmosphere’ performers, who will bring a touch of magic to the festivities. These new elements promise to elevate your Oktoberfest experience to new heights, making it a celebration like no other!” smiled Anderson.
Anderson also maintained the event is not just about beer, even though it does boast an incredible biergarten experience. “With the authentic taste of the Hofbräuhaus, and a biergarten reminiscent of Munich’s, our Festhalle promises an unparalleled experience. But it’s not just about the beer; we’ve got free kids’ activities, a craft vendor area, and an enticing array of German cuisine.”
In addition to the kids’ activities and vendors, there’s tons of family friendly fun on the docket for the three-day fest: pageants, roving street performers, costume and eating contests, 5K and 10K races, and live music as well as the long-awaited return of the wiener dog races.
“Come join us in commemorating our city’s remarkable 150-year journey at Oktoberfest! Let’s unite in celebration, honoring our rich history and the enduring bond with Germany that makes Cullman’s Oktoberfest an event like no other!” exclaimed Anderson.
Cullman Oktoberfest will take place Sept. 28-30 in and around Cullman Festhalle and Depot Park. Find out more at www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com.
Thursday, Sept. 28
- 4-10 p.m. Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 4-8 p.m. Kids’ Zone
- 6 p.m. Oktoberfest Celebration Parade in the Warehouse District
- 6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Tapping of the Keg, Crowning Miss Oktoberfest, street entertainers, live German music, and more!
- 7 p.m. Candlelight Walking Tour at the Cullman Depot
- 7 p.m. Brat Eating Contest (Ages 16 and up) at the Main Stage
- 7:30 p.m. Adult & Kids’ Costume Contest at the Main Stage
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting Contest (21 & up) at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 9-11 p.m. Dueling Pianos at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
Friday, Sept. 29
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Senior Day under Festhalle
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Vendor Market
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Kids’ Zone
- 2-11 p.m. Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 6 p.m. Kids’ Contests (Costume, Stein Hoisting & Pretzel Eating) at the Main Stage
- 7 p.m. Brat Eating Contest (Ages 16 and up) at the Main Stage
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting (21 & up) and Adult Costume Contest at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 9-11 p.m. Dueling Pianos at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
Saturday, Sept. 30
- 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Vendor Market
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Kids’ Zone
- 10 a.m. Cullman Community Band at the Main Stage
- 11 a.m. OktoFURfest (Wiener Dog Race, Costume Contest, Parade)
- 11 a.m. Wallace State Singers at the Main Stage
- Noon Wallace State Jazz Band at the Main Stage
- 3 p.m. Brat Eating Contest (Ages 16 and up) at the Main Stage
- 4:30 p.m. Kids’ Contests (Costume, Stein Hoisting & Pretzel-Eating) at the Main Stage
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting (21 & up) and Adult Costume Contest at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
- 9-11 p.m. Dueling Pianos at the Hofbräuhaus under Festhalle
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