It is once again that time of year when Cullman residents raise a stein and join in the annual Oktoberfest celebration. While the main events take place from Thursday, Sept. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 1, several businesses are beginning early. Here is a breakdown of events and venues to celebrate this year.

Today (Sept. 24) through Oct. 2 local restaurants will adapt their menus and feature both traditional and modernized German dishes. To get a “Taste of Oktoberfest” visit these establishments and go online for more on Oktoberfest.

• 412 Public House
• Busy Bee Cafe
• Dreher’s
• Hank’s Sports Bar and Grill and Rumors Deli
• Ledger’s Steakhouse
• Freddie Day Catering
• Karma’s Coffeehouse

Goat Island Brewing will also be holding an all-day “Goattoberfest” event today until 11 p.m. featuring a beer tent, goat petting zoo and food trucks serving up German inspired street food.

Monday, Sept. 26

5-7 p.m.: St. John’s Church German Dinner.

Wednesday, Sept. 28

4-7 p.m.: Sacred Heart Drive-thru German Dinner.

Thursday, Sept. 29

9 a.m. -1 p.m.: Senior Day

4-10 p.m.: Biergarten open

5:15 p.m.: Musical performance by Polkwagen.

6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies begin.

6:30 p.m.: Crowning of Miss Oktoberfest

7 p.m.: Candlelight walking tour

7:30 p.m.: Musical performance by Winston Ramble.

Friday, Sept. 30

4-11 pm: Biergarten open.

4 pm: Musical performance by Polkwagen and Kids Area opens.

5:15 pm: Musical performance by Doolin’ Daltons

6 pm: Kid’s pickle eating and stein hoisting competitions

6:45 pm: Musical performance by Pine Hill Haints

8 pm: Adult stein hoisting competition (21+).

9 pm: Musical performance by Fly By Radio.

Saturday. Oct. 1

7 a.m.: Register for 5k and 10k.

9 a.m. — 6 p.m.: Craft show open

9 a.m.: Musical performance by Cullman Community Band.

10 a.m.-11 p.m.: Biergarten open.

10 a.m.: Bingo at Sacred Heart Church.

10 a.m.: Oktofurfest (wiener dog race, pet parade and costume contest).

10 a.m.: Musical performance by the Wallace State Singers.

11 a.m.: Musical performance by the Wallace State Community College Jazz Band.

11:45 a.m.: Musical performance by the Cullman High School Choir.

12:30 p.m.: Musical performance by Oom-Pah-Calypse.

2:30 p.m.: Kids stein-hoisting and best-dressed competitions.

3 p.m.: Brat eating competition.

4 p.m.: Musical performance by Brez.

5:30 p.m.: Musical performance by Avenue G Band.

7 p.m.: Musical performance by The Overtones.

9 p.m.: Musical performance by Chase Wright.