Oktoberfest Contests
From stein hoisting to wiener dog races, Cullman Oktoberfest is packed with contests for every member of the family, two legged or four. Find what's happening, when, and how to sign up, all in one place.
Jump to Contest:
Stein Hoisting · Wiener Dog Races · OktoFURfest · Brat Eating · Best Dressed · 5K/10K · Kinderbürgermeister
Stein Hoisting
What It Is
A Cullman Oktoberfest classic. Hold a full stein of beer straight out at arm's length, no bending the elbow, for as long as you can. Last arm standing wins.
We run three versions:
Kids Stein Hoisting
A kid friendly version with water instead of beer, same rules, same bragging rights. Boys
Friendly Adult Stein Hoisting
Open to everyone, just for fun. No qualifying involved, just show up and see how long your arm lasts. Men and Women's divisions per contest.
Hofbräuhaus Official Stein Hoisting
The real deal, run to official Hofbräuhaus rules. This is a state qualifier. The winner advances to represent Alabama at the national competition, typically held in New York City. Men and Women's divisions per contest.
When
Generally held over the festival weekend. Specific dates and times TBD, check back as we finalize the schedule.
How To Register
Kids & Adult Friendly Contests have registration just before the event's start time at their location. No pre-registration required, just open to the first contestants until we're full.
Where
Most Stein Hoisting Contests are held at the Oktoberfest Main Stage. Use the Official Oktoberfest App or the Schedule Page to see exactly where your chosen time and type will be held.
Wiener Dog Races
What It Is
Our fastest, lowest to the ground competitors take the track for one of the most popular contests at the festival. Watch dachshunds sprint for glory (and probably a treat at the finish line).
When
Wiener Dog Races begin Saturday October 3 at 11AM.
How To Register
Pre-registration is required. A $10 registration fee applies per dog. There are a limited number of slots per age group.
Where
Wüffenplatz, presented by Tito's. Wüffenplatz is located near the center of Depot Park, just north of Arnold Street. Listen for the wieners barking!
OktoFURfest (Dog Costume Contest)
What It Is
Dress your dog up in their best Oktoberfest look and compete for top honors. Lederhosen, dirndls, pretzel costumes, we've seen it all and we want to see more.
When
OktoFURfest is Saturday October 3, immediately following the Wiener Dog Races (typically sometime between 12:30 and 1pm).
How To Register
Registration is first come first served, beginning just prior to the Wiener Dog Races. Sign up in person for this event.
Where
Wüffenplatz, presented by Tito's. Wüffenplatz is located near the center of Depot Park, just north of Arnold Street. Listen for the wieners barking!
Brat Eating Contest
What It Is
Kids and adults go head to head (bite for bite) to see who can put away the most bratwurst in the time allowed. Kids and adults compete separately, at different times throughout the weekend.
When
Kids Brat Eating:
- Thursday: 8:00 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 3:00 PM
Adult Brat Eating: [times TBD]
How To Register
Registration is first come first served, beginning just prior to the Wiener Dog Races. Sign up in person for this event.
Where
Okotberfest Main Sotage located on Arnold Street.
Best Dressed Contest
What It Is
Show off your best Bavarian style. Lederhosen, dirndls, and full Oktoberfest looks welcome. Divisions for kids and adults.
When
Generally held over the festival weekend. Specific date and time TBD.
How To Register
Registration is first come, first served like the other same-day contests, opening approximately 15 minutes before the contest begins.
Where
Okotberfest Main Stage located on Arnold Street.
Oktoberfest 5K & 10K
What It Is
Kick off race day with WellStone, North Alabama's mental healthcare leader, for a 5K and 10K run through Cullman. Proceeds benefit the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation. Every registration includes a t-shirt and race packet, with timing by Fleet Feet.
Age and gender divisions are assigned automatically at registration, with awards recognized on race day.
Stick around after you cross the finish line, the festival is just getting started.
When
Saturday, October 3. Race day check-in begins at 7:00 AM. Both the 5K and 10K start at 8:00 AM and wrap by 9:30 AM.
How To Register
Online pre-registration is open now through September 30 at noon. In-person race day registration is also available between 7:00 and 8:00 AM at the table marked race day registration.
5K: $30
10K: $35
Price increases after August 29, so register early to lock in the lower rate
T-shirt guaranteed for registrations received by September 5
Where
Check-in and race start are at Festhalle Farmer's Market, 209 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055, the timber frame market building that serves as the hub of Oktoberfest activities.
Kinderbürgermeister (Kids' Mayor)
What It Is
Our first ever "children's mayor," a new tradition straight from Cullman's German roots. One kid, ages 5 to 12, is selected to represent the fun and excitement of Oktoberfest all season long, appearing at Opening Ceremonies, leading kid friendly stein hoisting contests, and more.
This isn't a same-day contest, it's an application and audition process that wraps up before the festival even starts.
When
Applications close Friday, August 28. The selected Kinderbürgermeister is announced by September 10.
How To Register
Apply online with a quick application and video audition.
Past Contests
These contests have already wrapped for this festival season.
Shirt & Poster Design Contest
What It Is
An open design contest inviting the community to submit original artwork for Cullman Oktoberfest 2026 shirts and posters. Two categories, Shirt and Poster, with a grand prize winner chosen for each
When
Entries opened July 14, 2026 and closed July 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT.
2026 Status
Entries are closed and this year's winners have been notified. Check back for the 2027 Shirt & Poster Design Contest, details coming next year.
