This feature originally ran in our Community Matters magazine.
CULLMAN, Ala. – There is something special about fall in Cullman.
The air begins to change, downtown comes alive and one of our community’s most beloved traditions returns with the sights, sounds, flavors and fellowship that have made Oktoberfest a signature celebration for generations.
Each year, Oktoberfest gives Cullman a chance to welcome friends, families and visitors from across the region while celebrating the German heritage that helped shape our community. It is a festival rooted in history, but it is also a celebration of who Cullman is today: vibrant, growing, welcoming and proud of its people.
For those who call Cullman home, Oktoberfest is a reminder of the traditions that continue to connect generations. For visitors, it is an invitation to experience the hospitality, downtown energy and community spirit that make Cullman one of Alabama’s most unique destinations.
“Oktoberfest is one of the best examples of what happens when a community comes together,” Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said. “It celebrates our heritage while showcasing the vibrant, welcoming city Cullman has become.”
Jacobs said Cullman’s German heritage remains an important part of the city’s story.
“Cullman’s German heritage is an important part of our story, and Oktoberfest provides an opportunity to celebrate that history while creating new traditions for future generations,” Jacobs said.
That is what makes Oktoberfest so meaningful. It honors the past while continuing to grow into something new for children, families, longtime residents, first-time guests and everyone who gathers downtown to be part of the celebration.
From German food and the biergarten to live music, children’s activities, vendors, downtown businesses and the festival atmosphere that fills the heart of Cullman, Oktoberfest has become one of those weekends people look forward to long before it arrives.
“Oktoberfest has become one of those weekends that people plan their calendars around because it brings together everything that makes Cullman special,” Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said. “From our heritage, to our hospitality, great entertainment and a downtown filled with energy. Whether it’s your first visit or your fortieth, we hope you’ll come experience what makes this tradition so meaningful.”
Anderson said the festival’s continued growth is intentional, but so is the effort to protect the traditions people love.
“Every year we look for ways to make Oktoberfest even better while protecting the traditions that people love,” Anderson said. “Our goal isn’t simply to host a festival, it’s to create an experience that leaves families making memories and visitors wanting to come back to Cullman throughout the year.”
That work has helped Oktoberfest grow into one of Alabama’s premier festivals and one of the Southeast’s best downtown German festival experiences.
“Oktoberfest has grown into one of Alabama’s premier festivals because it offers something for everyone,” Anderson said. “From authentic German traditions and incredible food to live music, children’s activities and one of the Southeast’s best German festival downtown atmospheres, it’s a celebration we’re proud to share with tens of thousands of guests from across the region.”
Of course, an event of this size does not happen by accident. It takes the work of city leaders, parks and recreation staff, volunteers, sponsors, businesses, vendors, performers and countless community members who help make Oktoberfest possible each year.
“An event of this size only happens because of an incredible partnership between our city, volunteers, sponsors, businesses, staff and countless community members,” Anderson said. “Oktoberfest belongs to Cullman, and we’re honored to help bring it to life each year.”
Inside this special section, we hope you find stories, information and features that help you enjoy the festival and appreciate the people and traditions behind it.
Whether you are here for the food, the music, the biergarten, the family activities, the shopping, the fellowship or simply to enjoy downtown Cullman at its best, we are glad you are here.
Welcome to Cullman!
Welcome to Oktoberfest!
And welcome to a tradition that continues to bring our community together!
Oktoberfest runs Oct. 1-4, at Depot Park. Get more details at www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com.
