About Cullman Oktoberfest
Attendance:
2024: 43,500+
2025: 75,000+
Dates:
October 1 - 3, 2026
Location:
Depot Park
309 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Cullman Oktoberfest began in 1984 as a small local celebration and has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier Oktoberfest events, honoring Cullman’s deep German heritage. Held each fall in downtown Cullman, the festival features authentic German food, music, dancing, craft vendors, and family-friendly traditions. Blending Old World charm with Southern hospitality, Cullman Oktoberfest delivers a festive, immersive experience that draws visitors from across the region.
A free three day festival celebrating Cullman's deep German heritage. Cullman Oktoberfest has over 90 vendors, 4 large biergartens, Alabama's largest ferris wheel, live bands, street performers and musicians, a farmer's market, and an authentic collection of German beers and food.
Festival Vendor Categories
Please select the category that best describes the primary products you intend to sell. Festival organizers use this information to ensure a balanced and diverse vendor mix.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Antiques | 0 |
| Art | 0 |
| Bath & Body | 0 |
| Books | 0 |
| Boutique Clothing | 0 |
| Candles | 0 |
| Ceramic Pottery | 0 |
| Children's Clothing | 0 |
| Children's Toys | 0 |
| Crochet | 0 |
| Food Items (pre-pack) | 0 |
| Glass | 0 |
| Hats | 0 |
| Home Decor | 0 |
| Jewelry | 0 |
| Leather | 0 |
| Multi-Level Marketing | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Pets | 0 |
| Photography | 0 |
| updated on 1/27/26 |
Application Process
1. Complete & Submit Application
- All vendors must complete the appropriate application form based on their vendor type. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline to be considered. All application fees are non-refundable.
- Thorough and detailed applications with standout photography that shows your vending in the best way possible is highly favored.
2. Jury Selection
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of jurors. Selection is based on the quality of work and the overall diversity of the show. Past participation in Cullman Ocotberfest does not guarantee acceptance.
- Jurors will make selections based entirely on the sample photographs submitted and the description of your work provided in your application.
- Vendors offering high-quality products that align with the Oktoberfest theme will be given priority.
3. Notified of Approval or Denial
- Applicants are notified of Acceptance into Cullman Oktoberfest by [date coming soon] and have until [date coming soon] to accept and sign agreement.
- Booth placement and selection are final and determined by the festival committee.
- Sales will take place on October 1, 2, & 3, 2026.
- Vendor check-in and setup will occur on [date coming soon]. Additional details will be provided after vendor selection.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Coming Soon
- Application Deadline: Coming Soon
- Jury Review Begins: Coming Soon
- Jury Review Ends: Coming Soon
- Vendor Notification Date: Coming Soon
- Accept Invitation & Purchase Deadline: Coming Soon
- Event Dates: Coming Soon
Fee Structure
Craft Vendors (non-food vendors)
- Jury/Application Fee: $25 Non-refundable
- Single Booth Fee: $300 - Includes one 10'x10' white tent (no outside tents allowed)
- Electricity Fee: $25 (limited availabilty)
Food Vendors
- Jury/Application Fee: $50 Non-refundable
- Placeholder Fee: $250
- Revenue Share:
- local vendors (Cullman address): 15% of all sales
- non-local vendors: 20% of all sales
Vendor Guidelines & Policies
- No informational companies will be accepted. Vendors must offer fun and unique products that enhance the festival experience.
- Only one vendor per multi-level marketing (MLM) company will be accepted. Prior approval is required. Please email specialevents@cullmanrecreation.org.
- Payment of booth fees constitutes an agreement to participate. Booths will not be reserved without full payment.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after COMING SOON.
- Booth placement and selection are final and determined by the festival committee.
- Sales will take place Thursday October 1, Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026.
- Vendor check-in and setup will occur Thursday, April 23. Additional details will be provided after selection.
- Vendors must remain open during all festival hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Vendors leaving early will be disqualified from future events.
- A white 10' x 10' tent with sidewalls is provided. Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, lighting, and equipment.
- This is an outdoor event. Vendors must be prepared for inclement weather. No rain date or weather-related refunds.
- Vendors must park only in designated vendor parking areas.
- All products and displays are at the vendor’s own risk. Festival organizers are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
- Vendors must carry their own liability insurance.
- Sales tax information will be provided upon acceptance or at check-in.
- Organizers reserve the right to relocate vendors whose displays are unattractive, oversized, or non-compliant.
- Vendors may sell only items approved during the jury process.
- Subleasing of booths is strictly prohibited.
- All booths must be fully set up before the festival opens. Late setup or early breakdown is not permitted.
- Application and jury fees are non-refundable.
Vendor Code of Conduct
Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism (CPRST) asks all vendor to help promote a safe, fun, and respectful environment.
- Treat staff, volunteers, fellow vendors, and attendees with respect.
- Follow all event rules and regulations.
- Cooperate with event staff and operations.
- Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
- Promote a safe, fun, and healthy festival environment.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Verbal Warning
- Removal from event