91st Hahneköpper Foundation Festival Solingen-Gräfrath

The Hahneköpper — Solingen's Oldest Riflemen Tradition

The Gräfrath Hahneköpper are one of Solingen's most traditional riflemen communities. The name refers to the once widespread custom of "Hahneköpfen" (cock-chopping) — an archaic form of shooting game where riflemen shot a wooden cock from a pole. Today, the tradition has become an identity-forming club festival that takes place annually around August 15th.

91st Edition 2026 — Almost a Century of Tradition

The 91st Foundation Festival from Friday, August 14th to Sunday, August 16th, 2026 marks the tradition since 1935. The organizer is the Heimatverein Solingen-Gräfrath e.V. (Solingen-Gräfrath Local Heritage Association) in conjunction with the St. Sebastianus Schützen-Bruderschaft (St. Sebastianus Riflemen Brotherhood). The dual sponsorship explains the comprehensive character: not just a riflemen's festival, but also a district festival for the entire Gräfrath area.

Marquee at Brandteich

The venue is the Festzelt am Brandteich (Marquee at Brandteich) in 42653 Solingen-Gräfrath — at the traditional festival grounds by the water, in the middle of the historic town center. The marquee accommodates several hundred people and is the focal point for all three days. Outdoor area with beer service, food stalls, and children's play areas.

Program 2026

The specific detailed program will be published shortly before the festival. Classic components of the Foundation Festival:

• Friday, August 14th — Opening from 11:30 AM with marquee welcome. Morning pint (Frühschoppen), brass music. Live dance music in the evening.
• Saturday, August 15th (Assumption of Mary) — Traditional highlight day with a parade of the Hahneköpper, King's shooting competition, dance ball.
• Sunday, August 16th — Festival service, morning pint (Frühschoppen) from 11:30 AM, family program, King's proclamation in the afternoon.

Gräfrath — The Historic Solingen District

Gräfrath has been part of Solingen since 1929 (previously an independent town). The place has its own identity as a historic monastery town with the famous Gräfrath market square and the former Augustinian monastery. The Hahneköpper are deeply rooted in the district — the Foundation Festival is Gräfrath's annual identity event.