Biberach Schützenfest

A Tradition Over 350 Years Old

The Biberach Schützenfest has been celebrated since the 17th century in the former Free Imperial City of Biberach an der Riß (Biberach district, Baden-Württemberg state, Tübingen administrative region). The first documented mentions date back to 1668. Today, the festival is one of the largest and oldest children's and heritage festivals in Germany and is classified as particularly historically significant by the Association of Historical Children's and Heritage Festivals of Southern Germany.

Key Program Highlights

• Parade with over 4,000 participating schoolchildren in historical costumes (Sunday and Sunday)
• Schützentheater in the Komödienhaus – 2026: "Aladin and the Magic Lamp", over 30 performances from June 27 to July 29
• Dance Through the Centuries in the market square – elaborate historical choreographies
• Gigelberg Amusement Park – carousels, roller coasters, and rides
• Wasenhimmel – new festival tent location of the Schützendirektion (Festival Directorate)
• Schützensamstag (Marksmen's Saturday) – traditional festival opening with concerts
• Heimatstunde (Heritage Hour) – festive historical speeches
• Schwarz-Vere & Gaukler-Fest – medieval spectacle
• Marktplatztanz (Market Square Dance) – outdoor dance events

The Schützentheater in the Komödienhaus

The Schützentheater is the artistic heart of the festival. In the historic Komödienhaus, Biberach schoolchildren perform a play specially developed for the Schützenfest. In 2026, the program features "Aladin and the Magic Lamp" – a fairy-tale spectacle to be performed more than 30 times from June 27 to July 29. Performances regularly sell out; tickets are available in advance, traditionally starting in early May.

Schütza Wine and Festival Badges

Two small but identity-defining details: the Schütza Wine 2026 with a revised blue-yellow label and new vintners from Lake Constance, Palatinate, and Remstal. And the Festival Badge, which every festival visitor should purchase and wear visibly – student price €8, regular sale from May 23 €9, from Schützensamstag €12. The proceeds help finance the festival and the student foundation.

Deeply Rooted in Upper Swabia

The Schützenfest is more than just a folk festival – it is lived Upper Swabian identity. Generations of Biberach families participate in the parade, theatre, and dance, and many clubs align their annual planning entirely with the festival. The Schützendirektion, elected from respected citizens of the town, has organized the festival on a voluntary basis for centuries. During the ten festival days, hotels and guesthouses throughout the region fill up – the festival is a tourist and economic engine for Biberach and its surroundings.