CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman is a small town filled with rich German history woven into the very fabric of its culture. Col. John G. Cullmann, who founded the town in the 1800s, brought along his traditions when he immigrated from Germany to settle in the area. His imprint is still evident today, 150 years after the town’s settlement.
Annually, the town gathers together and celebrates its German heritage at Oktoberfest, an over the top, three-day festival of traditional German wear, food and pastimes meant to bring the past to the present and honor those who made the town what it is today.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs smiled and said, “Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, I encourage you to explore all that Oktoberfest has to offer. From authentic German cuisine and lively music to traditional games and crafts, there is something here for everyone.”
This year, the Bavarian blowout begins Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Festhalle with the ceremonial tapping of the keg by 2024 Burgermeister Amy McAfee Wood. Wood will open the ceremony by swinging a custom-made mallet her late father, Danny McAfee, crafted for the event. The Festhalle and Depot Park area will act as the festival’s stage.
Organized by Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism (CPRST), Oktoberfest sees vendors, volunteers, businesses and organizations work together to make the event a success.
Said CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson, “The success of the Cullman Oktoberfest is a true testament to the creativity, hard work and dedication of our incredible team and committed volunteers. We couldn’t do this without the invaluable support of numerous City departments, the mayor and council, park board, our dedicated vendors and our generous sponsors.”
In addition to familiar vendors and makers, for the first time, Oktoberfest will host two authentic Biergartens, along with a community dining area with flowing taps of authentic German ale. The Hofbräuhaus Biergarten and Goat Island Biergarten are each designed to allow guests to taste a variety of German beers while taking in the traditional and contemporary tunes of Germany with live musical performances held throughout the affair.
This year, festivalgoers can learn about Cullman’s German heritage through engaging cultural exhibits, including a new one at the Cullman County Museum, showcasing the stepping stones that created the culture present today.
Festival Coordinator Kelly Pulliam said, “We are thrilled to introduce our best lineup of attractions yet, including the addition of our third biergarten presented by Goat Island Brew(ing), a giant Ferris wheel and an enhanced opening ceremony. We’re also excited about the museum’s new Oktoberfest exhibit, which will educate visitors on the many traditions celebrated in Cullman that are straight out of Munich.”
Thursday, Oct. 3
- 4-10 p.m. Hofbräuhaus Biergarten, Goat Island Community Biergarten and Kids’ Zone
- 6 p.m. Oktoberfest Parade
- 6:30 p.m. Opening ceremony with the tapping of the keg and crowning of Miss Oktoberfest, street entertainers and live German music
- 7 p.m. Brat Eating Contest for attendees 16 and older and the Historic Cullman Candlelight Walking Tour
- 7:30 p.m. Adult and children’s costume contest
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting Contest for attendees 21 and older
- 9-10 p.m. Dueling Pianos at Hofbräuhaus
Friday, Oct. 4
- 10 a.m. Senior Day
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Vendor Market
- 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Kids’ Zone
- 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Goat Island Community Biergarten
- 2-11 p.m. Hofbräuhaus Biergarten
- 6 p.m. Children’s contests begin, including Best Costume, Stein Hoisting and Pretzel Eating
- 7 p.m. Brat Eating Contest for attendees 21 and older
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting and Costume Contest for guests 21 and older
- 9-11 p.m. Dueling Pianos at Hofbräuhaus
Saturday, Oct. 5
- 8 a.m. Oktoberfest 5K and Oktoberfest 10K
- 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Hofbräuhaus Biergarten, Goat Island Community Biergarten, along with bingo and food at Sacred Heart School; bingo ending at 7 p.m.
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Vendor Market
- 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Kids’ Zone
- 10 a.m Cullman Community Band performs
- 11 a.m. OktoFURfest activities commence, including the Weiner Dog Race, Costume Contest and Parade
- Noon-2 p.m. Open House and history presentation at First German Church of Cullman, located at Seventh Street Baptist Church
- 3 p.m. Brat Eating Contest for attendees 16 and older
- 4:30 p.m. Kids’ contests including Best Costume, Stein Hoisting and Pretzel Eating
- 8 p.m. Stein Hoisting and Costume Contest for attendees 21 and older
- 9-10 p.m. Dueling Pianos at Hofbräuhaus
Get more info at www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com.
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