2024 Alabama Strawberry Festival expands to two days

Apr. 25—Not one, but two fun-filled days are planned in May when the North Alabama town of Cullman gears up for its annual festival centered around strawberries.

Set for May 3-4, 2024, in Depot Park, the Alabama Strawberry Festival, formerly known as Cullman Strawberry Festival, promises plenty of delicious, locally grown strawberries, hometown fun, top-tier musical events on two stages and exciting events over the course of two days.

As far back as 1898, the strawberry has been an agricultural calling card for Cullman and to celebrate, the town comes together to offer an event centered on the red berry. In 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey officially recognized the annual strawberry celebration in Cullman as the Alabama Strawberry Festival. Now in its 85th year, the event is Alabama's longest-running strawberry festival and is expanding to two days with two musical stages. Many local farmers will be on hand selling their produce, and most importantly, fresh, locally grown strawberries. Stop by the Festhalle Marketplatz early to purchase a basket of berries to take home.

Along with fresh strawberries, the Strawberry Festival offers a variety of food vendors with strawberry menu items, a kid's area and over 80 artisan vendors selling strawberry-themed food, handcrafted collectibles and locally sourced products.

This year's event welcomes Colin Stough, JD Clayton, Matt Stell and Niko Moon to the stage on Friday, May 3 and Kasey Tyndall Jesse Roper, Cousin Curtiss, Eric Hutchinson, Easton Corbin and headliner Eli Young Band on Saturday, May 4. Anyone will be able to view the concert, but the best vantage point with reserved seating will require a ticket. Premium general admission ticket is $29.99/single day and $49.99/two day pass and VIP is $79.99/single day and $99.99/two day pass. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at https://www.alabamastrawberryfest.com/tickets. New for 2024, the Wallace State Community College Fresh Picks Stage will feature rising artists Lamont Landers, The Pink Stones, Banditos, & Nat Myers.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3 and 9 a.m. to a 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the Festhalle Farmers Market and Depot Park located at 309 1st Avenue NE in downtown Cullman. Admission is free.

Strawberries were first produced in Cullman in 1898 and later prompted the community to host its first Strawberry Festival in 1939. The community event has continued to be one of the state's largest and longest-running strawberry festivals to date. For more information, visit www.alabamastrawberryfest.com or call (256)-734-9157.