Alabama city selected as nation’s 2nd best small town cultural scene by USA Today

There are plenty of Alabama cities that could’ve made USA Today’s 10Best list when it comes to small town culture but one town stood above the rest, according to the outlet’s annual reader’s choice awards.

Cullman was nominated by USA Today earlier this year and you showed up to vote, sending the small town nearly to the top of the list. It officially finished second, just behind Ruidoso, New Mexico.

“Nestled between Birmingham and Huntsville, this charming small town celebrates its German heritage with Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt. And the Ave Maria’s 100-plus religious miniatures add a unique draw, while a thriving arts scene, live theater, and festivals like Rock the South and the Alabama Strawberry Festival bring energy. Unique shopping, including renowned Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, completes a destination rich in history, creativity, and discovery.”

USA Today 10Best

Keep reading to see what you need to know before your next trip to Cullman + check out USA Today’s complete list of best small town cultural scenes in America.

City of Cullman

Cullman may strike many as just a small town pit stop between Birmingham + Huntsville but it can be so much more to that on any given weekend.

Several of the city’s annual events are attended but hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country, transforming different parts of the small town.

Looking to attend some of these festivals at Depot Park for yourself? Here’s the schedule.

• April 25-26: Alabama Strawberry Festival | More info
• June 19-21: Rock the South | More info
• Oct. 2-4: Cullman Oktoberfest | More info
• Nov. 20-Dec. 23: Christkindlmarkt | More info

And don’t forget to check out Ave Maria Grotto while you’re in town!

USA Today 10Best Small Town Cultural Scenes

“Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to these 10 small towns — nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best by readers — with populations of fewer than 25,000 people. What each lacks in size, it makes up for in culture: museums, art galleries, performing arts, and plenty of events.”

USA Today 10Best

So by those guidelines, USA Today nominated 20 towns from across the country and had their audience vote for the top 10. Here’s the final rankings:

1. Ruidoso, New Mexico
2. Cullman, Alabama
3. De Smet, South Dakota
4. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
5. Coning, New York
6. New Hope, Pennsylvania
7. Dyersville, Iowa
8. Marquette, Michigan
9. Ocean Springs, Mississippi
10. Gulfport, Florida

What small towns do you think should have made the list? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.