Bürgerschützenfest Arnsberg 2026

The Festival of the Year in the Sauerland

The Bürgerschützenfest Arnsberg is the most important festival of the year for many Arnsberg residents — more important than Christmas, some even say. From July 3rd to 5th, 2026 (the first weekend of July, as is traditional), the Sauerland town transforms into a blue-and-white festive backdrop. The club colors of the Bürgerschützen dominate the streets, flags flutter from every house, pennants span the alleys — the atmosphere is palpable.

Three Days of Schützenfest

Tradition on the First Weekend of July

The Schützen traditionally celebrate on the first weekend of July. In 2025, the Schützenfest was from July 5th to 7th; in 2026, the first Friday in July falls on the 3rd, so the festival runs from July 3rd to 5th. This fixed date makes planning easy for families and former Arnsberg residents — many return to the city just for this event.

Parade with Over 30 Brass Bands

The highlight is the grand parade on Sunday through Arnsberg's city center — with over 30 brass bands, the Schützen companies in uniform, standards and flags, the king and queen in a decorated carriage, dance troupes, and ladies-in-waiting. The sheer number of brass bands is impressive and gives the parade its unique sonic impact.

Marquee Program

The large marquee stands on the central festival grounds, hosting the evening events. King's shooting on Saturday, coronation ball on Saturday evening, marquee program on all three days with live bands and the typical Sauerland beer festival atmosphere.

King's Shooting

The traditional king's shooting at the king's bird is the archaic practice that historically sustains the festival. Whoever shoots off the last wooden remnant becomes the shooting king for a year — an honored and representative task.

Arnsberg as a Schützen Town

Old and New Arnsberg

Arnsberg in the Hochsauerlandkreis (North Rhine-Westphalia) has about 73,000 inhabitants and consists of several historical parts: the Old Arnsberg with its medieval castle complex and historic city center, as well as New Arnsberg with more modern residential areas and industry. The Bürgerschützenfest is celebrated in the historic center — the medieval street network with its alleys and squares provides the ideal festive backdrop.

Sauerland Tradition

The Sauerland is one of Germany's strongholds for Schützen festivals — almost every town and district has its own Schützenverein (shooting club). Arnsberg is among the largest and most traditional. The clubs are often centuries old, and the customs are deeply rooted in the identities of the villages and towns.