Bürgerschützenfest Haren (Ems)

Citizens' Marksmen's Association of 1894

The Bürgerschützenverein von 1894 Haren (Ems) e.V. was founded in the late 19th century – a time when many German cities established their own citizens' marksmen's associations. With over 130 years of club history, the BSV Haren is one of the most traditional marksmen's associations in the Emsland and is the central organizer of the city's marksmen's festival.

Haren — the Shipping Town

Haren (Ems) is known as the "Schifferstadt" – the town on the Ems River has had a strong maritime tradition for centuries, being home to inland and deep-sea sailors. This maritime identity shapes Haren's cityscape and self-image. The Bürgerschützenfest combines this urban identity with the supra-regional Emsland marksmen's customs to create a unique festival character.

Three Festival Days

Friday, June 5, 2026

Festival kickoff with picking up the king, march to the Schützenplatz, opening evening with live music or DJ.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Main festival day: Festival service, bird shooting, king's dinner, grand parade through Haren's city center, proclamation of the king, dance evening.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Family afternoon, further shooting competitions, morning pint (Frühschoppen), closing evening.

Parade through the Shipping Town

The parade through Haren is one of the highlights of the festival: with marching bands, club flags, royal dignitaries, flag bearers (Marketenderinnen), and friendly marksmen's associations, the procession moves through Haren's city center – a colorful spectacle that makes the connection between marksmen's customs and urban identity visible.

Club Life and City Community

Like many large city marksmen's associations, the BSV Haren is more than just a club – it is part of the city's identity. Members come from all social classes of the city, and the marksmen's festival is a meeting point for all citizens of Haren.