85th District Marksmen's Festival Brenig — 105 Years St. Sebastianus

Two Anniversaries, One Weekend in the Vorgebirge

If you're looking for an authentic Rhenish marksmen's festival with a special touch, then the date in Brenig on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026, is your weekend. The St. Sebastianus Marksmen's Brotherhood Brenig is celebrating twice: the 85th District Marksmen's Festival of the Vorgebirge Association is being held here, and at the same time, the brotherhood looks back on 105 years since its re-establishment in 1921. According to the brotherhood, the historical tradition of marksmanship in the Vorgebirge even dates back to 1581 — the slogan "Accurate since 1581" stands large above the festival.

Brenig — A District Between Cologne and Bonn

Brenig is one of the 14 districts of the city of Bornheim in the Rhein-Sieg district, located directly on the Rheinland Nature Park. The Vorgebirge is in high season in spring: fruit blossoms, strawberry fields, rolling hills with views of the Cologne Bay. Those who want to combine the festival with a bike tour or hike are in the right place — the Bornheim hiking trail leads through orchards directly past the marksmen's grounds.

Marksmen's House and Grounds

The modern Brenig Marksmen's House has stood on its own club grounds since 1989. It features twelve electronic 10-meter shooting ranges, a banquet hall, and a spacious outdoor area that is set up for the District Marksmen's Festival. The brotherhood's training times are Monday and Friday from 6:00 PM — anyone who simply wants to drop by is welcome.

Sing, Dance, Brenig — The Anniversary Evening

The opening on Saturday evening, May 2nd, 2026, is dedicated to the party night "Singe, Danze, Brenig". Starting at 7:30 PM, a three-part program begins in the marksmen's house: a sing-along concert with Cologne songwriter Matthias Nelles, followed by the band Los Rockos with Kölsch dialect folk music, and then DJ sounds until late into the night. Admission is free, table reservations are recommended.

District Marksmen's Festival on Sunday

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, is the actual festival day of the district. It traditionally begins with the holy festive mass, followed by the parade of the marksmen's companies through Brenig. On the marksmen's grounds, a morning pint, official greetings from district representatives, shooting competitions, and the award ceremony in the evening will follow. Marksmen kings and junior marksmen from the entire Vorgebirge association march through the village in uniform and historical costume — a colorful sight with music from the marching bands.

Experience Rhenish Marksmen's Culture

The District Marksmen's Festival is part of the identity core of the Catholic Vorgebirge villages. Visitors from outside immerse themselves in a brotherhood culture dating back to the Middle Ages, which today presents itself as vibrant club life with family connections. No admission fee, no reservation, just come — and perhaps raise a Kölsch or two with the marksmen.