Kinderschützenfest Heessen 1835 — 2026 Edition

Heessen — District of Hamm with its Own Castle

Heessen, a district in the north of Hamm with around 12,000 inhabitants, was an independent municipality until 1975. The landmark of the town is Heessen Castle — a picturesque moated castle from the 16th/17th century, today the seat of a private boarding school and a venue for weddings and special occasions. In the castle's Rose Garden, behind the walls and moats, one of the most beautiful children's events in the north of Hamm takes place once a year: the Kinderschützenfest of the Schützenverein Heessen 1835 e.V.

The Schützenverein Heessen 1835 — Tradition for Almost 200 Years

The Schützenverein Heessen 1835 e.V. is one of the oldest shooting clubs in the Hamm district. In addition to the large adult Schützenfest, it has also organized the Kinderschützenfest for decades — a counterpart to the classic Schützen format tailored specifically for children. The 2026 edition is the 56th of its kind — a tradition that has shaped generations of children in Heessen.

Program on May 30, 2026

2:00 PM — Assembly at Heessener Markt

The festival traditionally begins with assembly at Heessener Markt — children gather in a festive formation, many in their own shooting club uniforms or festive attire, some with toy rifles or toy shooting uniforms.

2:30 PM — Parade to the Rose Garden

Afterwards, the festival party, led by marching bands and the reigning children's royal couple, proceeds in a cheerful parade through Heessen to the castle's Rose Garden. Parents, grandparents, and onlookers accompany the procession on foot.

3:00 PM — Festival Begins in the Rose Garden

The actual festival program begins in the Rose Garden. Set up are:

• Carousel — a nostalgic children's carousel for the little ones
• Bouncy Castle — large inflatable play structure
• Laser Rifle Shooting — the child-friendly version of the shooting competition, using laser rifles on targets
• Basketball Layup — throwing accuracy game
• "Hau den Lukas" — the classic strength-testing game
• Mechanical Bull Riding — on a mechanical bucking bronco (well secured, child-friendly)
• Pony Rides and Face Painting
• Play Bus with board games, creative stations, and skill games

Accompanying Refreshments

Parents can get refreshments at sausage stands, the cake buffet, and drink stands. The shooting club is partly financed by sales — buying a second cup of coffee supports the club's activities.

6:00 PM — Crowning and Raffle

The highlight is the crowning of the Children's King and Queen: the new children's royal couple is chosen from the best shooters in the laser discipline, who are then ceremonially crowned and awarded sashes. Immediately afterwards, the drawing of the grand raffle takes place with numerous prizes — from toys to merchandise from well-known sponsors from Heessen and Hamm.

Heessen Castle as a Backdrop

What distinguishes the Heessen Kinderschützenfest from other Schützenfests is the castle backdrop: the Rose Garden with the moated castle in the background, the tall trees, the historic walls — a setting not found at any other festival event in Hamm. Many families return year after year because their children were once Children's King or Queen and now pass this tradition on.

Admission and Practical Information

Admission is completely free. Only food, drinks, and some activities (e.g., mechanical bull riding for a small fee) are chargeable. Assembly: 2:00 PM, Heessener Markt. Getting there: By car via Werler Straße or Heessener Hauptstraße — parking in the town center. By public transport: Bus lines from Hamm Hbf to Heessen. Those coming with children can combine the festival with a picnic on the adjacent Rose Garden meadow.