Heimat- und Schützenfest Alfeld (Leine)
Traditional town festival in Alfeld an der Leine since 1965, continuing the Freischießen tradition
2026
About Heimat- und Schützenfest
Heimat- und Schützenfest — edition 2026
As in previous years, the festival is organized in close cooperation between the Schießsportverein Alfeld von 1925 e. V., the town of Alfeld, and numerous clubs. The exact program will be announced in the summer of 2026 on the town's website and in local media.
The grand marksmen's parade on Sunday (likely on Wednesday or the peak day within the Mon-Thu dates in this edition) will bring the city center to a standstill and is an attraction for the entire region.
Highlights Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
- Four days of Heimat- und Schützenfest in Alfeld (Leine)
- Tradition since 1965, referencing Freischießen since 1958
- Grand marksmen's parade
- Bird shooting and king's proclamation
- Amusement park with rides
- Dance evenings in the festival tent
Programme Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
Program Structure 2026
The exact 2026 program will be published by the organizer in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- Monday, August 10, 2026 – Opening in the afternoon, start of the amusement park, first dance evening in the festival tent.
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Bird shooting, King's dinner in the evening, grand dance evening.
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026 – Official ceremony, further marksmen's and stage program, highlight dance evening.
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 – Grand marksmen's parade, proclamation, family program, winding down in the evening.
Areas
- Festival Tent – Dance evenings, live music, official ceremony.
- Shooting Range – Bird shooting and shooting competitions.
- Amusement Park – Carousels, rides, food stalls.
- Parade Route – Through Alfeld's city center.
- Family Area – Bouncy castle, children's carousel, face painting.
Prices Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
Practical information — Heimat- und Schützenfest
Date 2026
- Monday 10 to Thursday 13 August 2026
Location
- Alfeld (Leine), 31061
- Festival grounds and city center
Admission
- Admission to daytime events, parade, and festival grounds generally free
- Rides and festival tent dance evenings at daily rates
Getting There
- By train to Alfeld (Leine), walk from the station to the city center
- By car via the B3 or the A7 (exit Bockenem)
Notes
- Traffic restrictions in the city center during the parade
- Formal attire customary for the parade
- Detailed program will be published in summer 2026 on the town's website
History and Tradition
The Heimat- und Schützenfest Alfeld (Leine) was first held in 1965 and follows the tradition of older marksmen's and local festivals in the town. Alfeld's Freischießen tradition dates back to 1958 and shapes its current format. The festival is organized by the Schießsportverein Alfeld von 1925, which has been dedicated to shooting sports and the preservation of marksmen's traditions since its founding.
Alfeld an der Leine
Alfeld is located in the southern part of the Hildesheim district, picturesquely situated in the Leine valley between the Sieben Berge and Vorholz hills. With around 19,000 inhabitants, Alfeld is a typical medium-sized town in Lower Saxony with a compact, well-preserved city center. The UNESCO World Heritage Fagus Factory (shoe last factory by Walter Gropius) is located on the outskirts of the town and is an international attraction.
Four Days of Program
The festival spans from Friday to Monday and combines the full program of a Lower Saxony marksmen's and local festival: Opening on Friday, bird shooting on Saturday, a grand parade on Sunday, and a family day or morning pint on Monday. In the festival tent, there are dance evenings every night with live bands or DJs, and the amusement park with carousels, rides, food stalls, and shooting galleries accompanies the program.
Marksmen's Parade
The grand marksmen's parade on Sunday is the highlight of the festival: Marksmen's companies, drum corps, music bands, clubs, and floats march through Alfeld's town center, lined by spectators from all over the town and surrounding area. Afterwards, the community gathers in and around the festival tent for a joint ceremony with the proclamation of the king.
Family-Friendly
In addition to the classic marksmen's elements, the festival offers an extensive family program. The amusement park, children's carousels, hands-on activities, face painting, and bouncy castles ensure that families with small children also have a full day of festivities.
Rooted in Alfeld
Like many Schützenfeste in Lower Saxony, the Heimat- und Schützenfest Alfeld is much more than a marksmen's competition: it is the most important community-building event in the town, a meeting place for former residents of Alfeld who travel from all over the region, and an attraction for tourists who want to experience an authentic Lower Saxony marksmen's festival.
Where it takes place Heimat- und Schützenfest
Heimat- und Schützenfest at a glance
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