CULLMAN, Ala. – The season of schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels and prost is officially upon us. With Oktoberfest kicking off this week, and this year especially packed with the City’s 150th anniversary, here’s a look at what you can expect!
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27
Starting at 4 p.m.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church’s Altar Society is dishing up its signature German meal with options for dine-in or to-go. On the menu for the evening is grilled bratwurst from local favorite Brickyard Meats, green beans, sauerkraut, German potato salad, apple sauce and a dessert. A meal fit for a Burgermeister, all for only $15, cash or check only. Dine-in will be in the school gym from 5-7 p.m., with drive-thru entering on 2nd Street SE beside the rectory and exit between the church and school.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
Starting at 4 p.m.
HOFBRAUHAUS
The Hofbrauhaus, which includes a dedicated server, commemorative stein and access to delectable Bavarian bites, is a ticketed area with customers age 21+ $35, ages 5-20 $15 and ages 4 and younger free.
KIDS’ ZONE
The Kids’ Zone boasts a huge inflatable playground, costing only $3 per wristband for all the fun your little ones can handle, or grab a $25 wristband and get unlimited access to the inflatable park PLUS 5 tickets for Carnival rides, the Cullman mini train, and more! Free entertainment for the kiddos includes Kid’s German crafts, yard games, a pumpkin walk, costume contests, pretzel eating contests, stein hoisting and so much more.
Starting at 6 p.m.
OKTOBERFEST PARADE
The Oktoberfest Celebration Parade hits the streets of the Warehouse District! The must-see parade which will include a horse-drawn German beer wagon, entertaining street performers, live music and 2023 Burgermeister Dale Greer, will travel down First Avenue Southeast.
CEREMONIAL TAPPING OF THE KEG
The ceremonial tapping of the keg will be performed right after the parade; the typical amount of times to try to tap in Munich’s Oktoberfest is two; let’s see if Burgermeister Dale Greer can get it on the first shot!
CROWNING OF MISS OKTOBERFEST
This year’s representatives are:
- Alivia Farr, 2023 Miss Holly Pond High School Fair Queen Representative
- Amy Latham, 2023 Miss Fairview High School Fair Queen Representative
- Avery Flynt, 2023 Miss Good Hope High School Fair Queen Representative
- Gracie Lee, 2023 Miss Cullman Christian School Fair Queen Representative
- Haley Bearden, 2023 Miss West Point High School Fair Queen Representative
- Kaylee Windsor, 2023 Miss Cold Springs High School Fair Queen Representative
- Siddalee Drake, 2023 Miss Cullman High School Fair Queen Representative
- Skyla Pair, 2023 Miss Vinemont High School Fair Queen Representative
Starting at 7 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT WALKING TOUR
Learn about Cullman’s history; with this year being our 150th anniversary, you’re sure to learn something new! Gather at Cullman’s historic train depot just North of the Hofbrauhaus. Look for the Cullman Electric Cooperative tent and Ford Mustang Mach-E to grab your candle or glow stick. The tour will wind through the historic streets of Cullman, escorted by Cullman Fire & Rescue, as we unfold the many stories that celebrate our town’s 150th Anniversary. Our strong culture and rich history are waiting to be explored!
BRAT EATING CONTEST (16 AND OLDER)
Oktoberfest is known for its distinctly German-influenced palate, and you can’t have an Oktoberfest celebration without bratwurst. Do you have what it takes to bring home the glory of winning the brat eating contest?
Starting at 7:30 p.m.
ADULTS AND KIDS COSTUME CONTEST
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls, braid your tresses and don your best Bavarian hat: it’s time for a costume contest. Your judge will be the roaring crowd of Oktoberfest, so bring your Oktoberbest to win the bragging rights!
Starting at 8 p.m.
STEIN HOISTING (21+)
Oktoberfest would be remiss without the classic stein hosting competition. Beer full and frothy, arm out and pressure on… Ready, set, go!
Starting at 9 p.m.
DUELING PIANOS
To lull us into a certified biergarten sleep, several artists will pound the ivories into the late evening in the Hofbrauhaus. Come for the beer, stay for the tunes!
FRIDAY, SEPT. 29
Starting at 10 a.m.
SENIOR DAY AT THE FESTHALLE
Cullman’s golden generation will assemble under the Festhalle for their own bespoke brand of German antics, complete with games, music and more! If you’re 55-plus, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
VENDOR MARKET
Dozens of vendors will be present peddling their handmade wares with German flair; plenty of treats, home goods, curated clothing and accessories will be available for purchase, all made by local artisans, and just in time with the holiday shopping season just around the corner.
KIDS’ ZONE
Starting at 2 p.m.
HOFBRAUHAUS
Starting at 6 p.m.
KIDS’ CONTESTS
Kids get to join in on the competitive fun this time! Kiddos will chomp pretzels, hoist steins, and model their best German attire for a chance to be named the winner- and be the talk of the playground!
Starting at 7 p.m.
BRAT EATING CONTEST (16+)
Starting at 8 p.m.
STEIN HOISTING
COSTUME CONTEST
Starting at 9 p.m.
DUELING PIANOS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 30
Starting at 10 a.m.
HOFBRAUHAUS
VENDOR MARKET
KIDS’ ZONE
CULLMAN COMMUNITY BAND ON THE MAIN STAGE
Starting at 11 a.m.
OKTOFURFEST
A chance to get the four-legged fam involved, OktoFURfest is packed this year. The annual wiener dog race will kick off OktoFURfest on Saturday where the fastest wiener of all will be crowned. After the race, the heat is on with a costume contest. All pets are welcome to participate. Concluding the OktoFURfest festivities will be the pet parade where you get the chance to show off your uberpet all about the festival. Do you have lederhosen in your dog’s size? You might want to consider it!
WALLACE STATE SINGERS ON THE MAIN STAGE
Starting at noon
WALLACE STATE JAZZ BAND ON THE MAIN STAGE
Starting at 12:45 p.m.
HOP-ON, HOP-OFF BUS TOUR
The hop on, hop off bus and walking tour will celebrate the city of Cullman’s 150th Anniversary. “Hop on” the bus that will depart from the Cullman County Museum at 12:45 PM. Space is limited, so first come, first serve. Fun facts and topics concerning Cullman’s early history, architecture, culture, and religion will be narrated by former Burgermeister and historian Michael Sullins. “Hop off” the bus to explore Cullman’s historic Ruehl Building and Cullman’s first church, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church. Take advantage of our guided walking tour presented by former Burgermeister and Senior Pastor of St. John’s Church, Rev. John
Richter, as he discusses the church’s rich history and highlighting the stunning and historic stained glassed windows.
Starting at 2:30 p.m.
GOTTESDIENST
Step back into Cullman’s earliest religious history and experience this Divine Service (In German, Gottesdienst) in the German language of Eucharistic Liturgy, hosted at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Starting at 3 p.m.
BRAT EATING CONTEST (16+)
Starting at 4:30 p.m.
KIDS CONTESTS
Starting at 8 p.m.
STEIN HOISTING
COSTUME CONTEST
Starting at 9 p.m.
DUELING PIANOS
SUNDAY, OCT. 1
Starting at 4 p.m.
PIANO CONCERT, DR. MARK LAVERTY
Dr. Mark Laverty is an award-winning artist who has delighted audiences both in the United States and Europe. His debut CD, “Music of Bach” was recorded at Tanglewood Music Center and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, David Frost. In keeping with the German theme, this performance will focus on Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johannes Brahms, and taking place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
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