Bloomin’ Festival Kicks Off 42nd Year at St. Bernard

CULLMAN, AL — The historic grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and St. Bernard Preparatory School are once again coming alive this weekend as the 42nd Annual Bloomin' Festival Arts and Crafts Fair welcomes visitors from across the country for one of North Alabama’s most anticipated events.
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Set among the scenic campus and shaded walkways of the abbey, the festival brings together artisans whose work reflects both creativity and craftsmanship. Guests travel from near and far to discover handmade art created by individuals who have turned their talents into livelihoods, lifelong hobbies, and a way to connect with people who appreciate unique work.

“We are so excited to welcome new artisans to Cullman as well as those who have become a tradition at St. Bernard,” said festival director Joyce Nix. “Many of our artists return year after year, and they’ve truly become part of our St. Bernard family.”

Among the returning demonstrations will be traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, broom making, woodturning, and basket weaving. New this year will be chainsaw artist Corey Worden of Wetumpka, who will showcase the dramatic process of transforming raw wood into sculpted works of art.

Festival patrons will discover an extraordinary variety of one-of-a-kind items including pottery, jewelry, quilts, clothing, cypress and teakwood furniture, birdhouses, and metal art. Specialty foods will also be plentiful, including the ever-popular monk bread and cookies prepared by the Benedictine monks.

Sweet treats remain a highlight for festival-goers, with funnel cakes, strawberry waffles, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and classic Pepsi-Cola favorites available throughout the grounds. Under the large festival tent, guests can enjoy freshly smoked chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and Polish sausage. While strolling through the grounds, vendors offer fudge, cinnamon-roasted almonds, mini donuts, and an assortment of homemade cookies, pies, and pastries.

Sunday will conclude with the highly anticipated prize giveaway, featuring a 2026 Buick Encore along with a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner, Blackstone outdoor griddle, and Apple AirPods 4. Tickets were mailed in February to friends and alumni and may also be purchased online along with official festival merchandise.

This year’s festival T-shirt, designed by student Lexi Clemons, features a vintage postage stamp theme highlighting artwork and activities found throughout the event. The shirts are available in three colors—blush frost, flint blue, and eucalyptus blue—in sizes S–3XL while supplies last.

Visitors are also invited to explore the beloved Ave Maria Grotto, which is open throughout the weekend for an admission fee of only $6. Admission to Bloomin’ Festival is a $10 donation per person, while children 12 and under are admitted free.
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“Bloomin’ Festival is a big deal to St. Bernard Prep School,” Nix said. “Our goal is to raise $250,000. This funding helps maintain the operational support of the school. You can help us reach that goal by attending the festival, supporting our giveaway ticket sales, sponsoring the event, and sharing the festival with your friends and neighbors.”

Nix also emphasized the importance of community support in making the festival possible. “We are very grateful to our sponsors who help fund costs associated with the festival,” she said. “Without their support, it would be extremely difficult to host a show of this magnitude on a private school budget.”

Festival organizers encourage guests to support the businesses that help make the event possible, including: Bill Smith Buick, O.F. Richter & Sons, LeafFilter, Weichert Realtors, Nanny’s Lemonade, Eidson & Associates, Pepsi, Cutco, Kassouf & Co., Merchants Bank of Alabama, Citizens Bank & Trust, Walmart Distribution Center 6006, Visit Cullman, Cullman Jefferson Gas District, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union, Comfort Inn, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Holly’s Nails, and Signature Smiles.

Group tours are welcome throughout the weekend. For more information about becoming a future vendor or sponsor for this event or others offered by St. Bernard Prep School, or to purchase tickets and festival T-shirts, visit www.bloominfestival.com or email [email protected].
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The festival is  Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM daily.
 
Press Release and photos provided by Bloomin’ Festival, edited by John D. Palmer.
Updated: 4/18/26