Open
Filling
Limited
Nearly Full
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 these categories to ensure a balanced and diverse vendor mix.
The gauges below show how much space remains in each vendor category. A lower percentage means more availability — once a category reaches 100%, it's full and there are no more placements for that vendor type.
| 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 |
| Speciality/Handmade Clothing | 0 |
| Vinyl/Heat press shirts or items | 0 |
| Wood Working | 0 |
| Food Trucks | 0 |
| updated on 1/27/26 |
Application Process
1. 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: June 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
- Jury Dates: August 10 - August 14, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: August 21, 2026
- Deadline to Accept Invitation/Purchase Booth: September 4, 2026
- Event Dates: October 1-3, 2026
🔴 Vendor Applications are Closed
Applications Opening June 1, 2026
Use the electricity calculator to help get an accurate estimate of total electricity needs/usage.
Fee Structure
Craft Vendors
(includes pre-packed food)
- 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
(cooking food on-site)
- 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
OKTF Vendor FAQ
List of Services
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What are the festival dates and hours? October 1,2,3, 2026. Vendor hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.What are the festival dates and hours?
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Where is the festival located? Depot Park, Cullman, Alabama.Where is the festival located?
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Is the event rain or shine? Yes. The festival will take place rain or shine.Is the event rain or shine?
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What is the estimated attendance? Approximately 75,000 attendees.What is the estimated attendance?
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Is this a family-friendly event? Yes, the Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event.Is this a family-friendly event?
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Are vendors required to stay open for the full event hours? Yes. Vendors must remain open for all scheduled festival hours.Are vendors required to stay open for the full event hours?
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How do I apply to be a vendor? Complete the appropriate online application for your vendor type.How do I apply to be a vendor?
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What is the application deadline? August 7, 2026.What is the application deadline?
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Is there an application fee? Yes. Craft vendor fee is $25. Food vendor fee is $50.Is there an application fee?
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How are vendors selected? Applications are reviewed by a jury of eight individuals.How are vendors selected?
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When will I be notified if I’m accepted? August 21, 2026.When will I be notified if I’m accepted?
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Is my fee refundable if I cancel or am not accepted? No. All fees are non-refundable.Is my fee refundable if I cancel or am not accepted?
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What size booth space is provided? A white 10' x 10' tent with sidewalls is provided.What size booth space is provided?
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Can I request a specific location? Requests may be made but are not guaranteed.Can I request a specific location?
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Are corner booths available? Yes, corner booths are available.Are corner booths available?
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Are tents, tables, and chairs provided? Tents are provided. Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, lighting, and equipment.Are tents, tables, and chairs provided?
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Are tents required to be weighted? No. Weights are provided.Are tents required to be weighted?
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When can vendors arrive for setup? September 30, 2026. Setup times provided after selection.When can vendors arrive for setup?
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Are vehicles allowed in the vendor area for load-in/load-out? Vendors will park and walk items in. Volunteers will assist.Are vehicles allowed in the vendor area for load-in/load-out?
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What time must vendors be fully set up? Before 10:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026.What time must vendors be fully set up?
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When can breakdown begin? October 3, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. or the following day.When can breakdown begin?
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Is overnight security provided? Yes, overnight security will be provided.Is overnight security provided?
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Is electricity available? Yes. Craft vendors may purchase. Food vendors must list power needs.Is electricity available?
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Are water hookups available? Yes, water hookups are available if needed.Are water hookups available?
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Are generators allowed? No. Generators are not permitted.Are generators allowed?
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Is there dedicated vendor parking? No. All parking is first come, first serveIs there dedicated vendor parking?
