Kreisschützenfest Elspe 2026

Kreisschützenfest 2026 — the highlight of the Sauerland Schützen year

From September 25th to 27th, 2026, the Kreisschützenfest will take place in Elspe, a district of Lennestadt in the Olpe district. This is the most important date in the calendar for the Sauerland Schützenvereine (marksmen's clubs). The district festival rotates among the Schützenvereine of the Olpe district, and in 2026, it will be hosted by the Schützenverein St. Jakobus Elspe e.V. Over 4,000 participants are expected in the grand parade — marksmen from all companies of the district, brass bands, marching bands, and festival guests.

Three days of festivities — program

The three days follow a structured program:

• Friday, September 25th, 2026 — Vogt-Party: From 8:00 PM, marquee atmosphere with the Sauerland show band Maniac.
• Saturday, September 26th, 2026 — District King's Shoot: Shooting competitions in the morning, Grand Zapfenstreich in the late afternoon, marquee party in the evening with Simply Live.
• Sunday, September 27th, 2026: High mass, parade through Elspe, concluding concert.

Grand Parade — 4,000 Marksmen

The parade on Sunday is the visual centerpiece of the weekend. Over 4,000 marksmen from the entire Olpe district march in uniform, accompanied by brass bands and marching bands, through Elspe. King and Queen couples from all clubs will be present, as well as distinguished guests from the Sauerländer Schützenbund (Sauerland Marksmen's Association) and local politics.

Krombacher as Exclusive Beer Partner

The Krombacher Brewery — one of Germany's largest private breweries, located in Krombach (Kreuztal) in the neighboring Siegerland region — exclusively supplies the marquee. The partnership between the Olpe District Marksmen's Association and Krombacher has existed for years and was extended in 2025 for 2026.

Elspe — a stronghold of marksmen in the Sauerland

The district of Elspe, part of the town of Lennestadt (Olpe district, North Rhine-Westphalia), is known beyond the region for the Elspe Festival, famous for its Karl May plays. With only 4,000 inhabitants, Elspe is a relatively small place — hosting the Kreisschützenfest 2026 is both an honor and a challenge. The Schützenverein St. Jakobus Elspe e.V. bears the main responsibility for the organization.

Sauerland Marksmen's Tradition

The marksmen's tradition in the Sauerland has a different character than on the Lower Rhine: here, brass bands and marching bands dominate the musical scene, the King's Shoot is characterized by its sporting and technical aspects, and Catholic roots are felt more deeply. The Kreisschützenfest brings this tradition to a concentrated stage.