Emden Schützenfest and Volksfest

Tradition for Centuries

The Emden Schützenfest is one of the oldest folk and customs festivals in the East Frisian port city. Its roots reach back to the early modern period when civic shooting guilds took on tasks for the protection of the city walls and demonstrated their marksmanship in regular competitions. Today, the Schützenfest is both a celebration of tradition and a folk festival, supported by the Emden Shooting Association and the City of Emden.

Festival Grounds and Showman Businesses

Around 70 showman businesses gather annually on the central Schützenplatz on Auricher Straße: large and small carousels, dodgems, haunted house, Ferris wheel, game stalls, candy vendors, snack stands, and beer stands. The festival grounds cater to families, young people, and older visitors alike. Opening hours: daily 2 PM to 10 PM, on Sundays from 12 PM.

Schützenfest Program

The actual Schützenfest program frames the Volksfest activities: It begins on Friday evening with the traditional torchlight procession through the city center to the festival grounds. On Sunday, a grand parade with music groups, shooting associations, clubs, and guests of honor marches through Emden. On Monday, the king's shooting takes place, followed by the ceremonial proclamation of the new king and his court. The family day offers reduced prices on rides. The event concludes on Tuesday evening with a grand fireworks display over the festival grounds.

Atmosphere and Tradition

For decades, the Schützenfest has been an important social meeting point for the entire Emden region and eastern East Frisia. Associations, families, and groups of friends make the festival a late-summer ritual. Despite its size, the festival retains a family-friendly character; free admission to the festival grounds ensures accessible participation for all population groups.