239th edition of the independent Hankensbüttel Children's Marksmen Festival since 1787
With 1787, the history of the Hankensbüttel Kinderschützenfest dates back to the Age of Enlightenment. Then as now, the goal is clear: to offer children their own marksmen's festival where they are not just accessories, but the main actors. In 2026, the Hankensbüttel Marksmen's Society will celebrate the 239th edition – few marksmen's festivals in Germany can look back on a comparable children's festival tradition.
The Kinderschützenfest is deliberately held the weekend before the main festival for adults. This temporal separation ensures that the children receive the full attention of the Marksmen's Society, parents, and the village community – without the pressure of a parallel adult festival. The concept has proven itself over generations and is one of Hankensbüttel's hallmarks.
The focus of the festival is the competition for the children's king title. In age-appropriate competitions with age-appropriate weapons, the children determine their new king or queen. The proclamation takes place in a festive setting, and the handover of the children's king's chain is a moment that many young marksmen remember for a long time.
A separate festive parade winds through Hankensbüttel – with the children in uniform, accompanied by a marching band and the reigning children's royal family. On the festival grounds, carousels, a bouncy castle, games, ice cream, and candy stalls ensure full attention. Parents, grandparents, and siblings accompany the festival and celebrate the children's day.
The independent Kinderschützenfest is more than just a children's program: it is an investment in the future of the marksmen's tradition. Those who were children's king or queen as a child often remain connected to the club for life – a key factor ensuring the continuity of the Hankensbüttel Marksmen's Society for over two centuries.
The format has evolved over generations and is clearly aimed at children from about six years old up to adolescence. Age-appropriate competition formats, pedagogically supervised stations, and a dense family offering characterize the festival.
Parents and grandparents travel from Hankensbüttel and the entire Samtgemeinde to accompany their children. Those who were once children's king or queen in Hankensbüttel often remain connected to the club for life.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the Marksmen's Society in the spring. The structure follows the proven key points:
Schützenplatz Hankensbüttel, 29386 Hankensbüttel (Samtgemeinde Hankensbüttel, Gifhorn District).
By car via the A39 or L289 towards Hankensbüttel. Parking available at the festival grounds.
Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th, 2026 (weekend before the main festival).
Admission to the festival grounds is traditionally free. Food and carousel rides are paid.
Classic family program – parents and grandparents welcome. Current information at sg-hkb.de.
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