Harwicker Schützenfest

One of the oldest marksmen's guilds in Westphalia — since 1654

The St. Ludgerus Schützengilde Harwick e.V. is one of the most traditional marksmen's guilds in the western Münsterland region — founded in 1654, continuously active to this day. It preserves the marksmen's culture in the Harwick farming community, a rural district of the town of Gescher in the Borken district. The Harwicker Schützenfest 2026 runs from Saturday, May 30 (4:30 PM) to Monday, June 1, 2026 (11:59 PM).

Festival grounds in front of HUESKER

The Schützenfest takes place on the festival grounds in front of HUESKER in the Harwick farming community. HUESKER is a globally active company for geosynthetics based in Gescher — the festival grounds in front of its factory site have served as the central venue for the marksmen's guild for years. A festival tent, the bird shooting stand, catering area, and dance floor are specially set up for the weekend.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Opening and Coronation Ball

The festival opens at 4:30 PM with the assembly of the marksmen in uniform and the parade through Harwick to the festival grounds. The marching band of the Gescher volunteer fire department leads the procession, followed by the marksmen in orderly formation. On the festival grounds:

• Royal reception for the reigning royal couple
• Festival ceremony with club honors
• Catering at the festival tent

Starting in the late evening, the Coronation Ball begins in the festival tent — live dance music, exuberant atmosphere, catering until late into the night. Classic Westphalian Schützenfest spirit with all generations on the dance floor.

Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Festival High Mass and Bird Shooting

The festival Sunday begins with the festival high mass in St. Ludgerus parish church — a central tradition of the predominantly Catholic farming community. Afterwards, a morning pint in the festival tent with Mettbrötchen (minced pork rolls), beer, and club speeches.

In the afternoon, the bird shooting starts at the wooden marksman's bird at the shooting stand. Marksman after marksman steps up, rifle in hand, with deliberation. The final shot that brings down the bird crowns the new Schützenkönig (marksman king). The king chooses his queen, and the royal couple is escorted back to the festival tent with a collection and a parade. Awarding of dignitaries and proclamation of the Grand King.

In the evening, the festival ball with a live band follows — further dancing and entertainment until late into the night.

Monday, June 1, 2026 — Morning Pint and Festival Finale

The third day of the festival begins with the morning pint, followed by the royal reception at the new royal couple's home. In the afternoon, catering in the festival tent, and from the evening onwards, a dance evening with a DJ to conclude the festival. A classic Monday festival finale that brings the entire farming community together once again.

Harwick — Farming community near Gescher in the western Münsterland

Harwick is a rural farming community within the town of Gescher, Borken district — in the far west of North Rhine-Westphalia, on the border with the Netherlands. Gescher itself is nicknamed "Bell City" (due to the resident bell foundry Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock). The Harwick marksmen's guild is one of the oldest and largest clubs in the farming community — the Schützenfest here is much more than an event; it is the identity-defining annual festival where generations meet and celebrate together.