Maifest der Stiepeler Vereine

Bochum-Stiepel – A District with History

Bochum-Stiepel is a southern district of Bochum on the Ruhr river, with an unusual mix of village character (old farmhouses, small shops, fields) and big-city accessibility (10 minutes to the city center). Landmarks include the Dorfkirche Stiepel (one of the oldest churches in Westphalia, Romanesque, 12th century) and the Stiepel lock on the Ruhr river. The Stiepel clubs maintain a lively village shooting tradition – supported by the Bürgerschützenverein Bochum-Stiepel 1854 e.V.

BSV Bochum-Stiepel – Over 170 Years of Tradition

The Bürgerschützenverein Bochum-Stiepel was founded in 1854, making it one of Bochum's oldest active shooting clubs. Today, the club is based at Kosterstraße 82A, with three 10-meter small-bore shooting ranges and a clubhouse with a kitchen and common room. With over 170 years of tradition, the club upholds Stiepel's customs – the Schützenfest 2028 (September 7–10) is already announced as a major club event.

The Maifest as a Neighborhood Festival

The Maifest der Stiepeler Vereine is different from the BSV's large Schützenfest: it's not purely a club festival, but an open neighborhood festival supported by all Stiepel clubs together. The venue is the club grounds and parking lot of the Gräfin-Imma-Schule. Over two days on the weekend before Mother's Day – May 8–9, 2026 – tradition, family program, and community are brought together.

Maypole Raising Saturday Afternoon

The highlight of the festival is the Maypole raising on Saturday at 3:00 PM. An approximately 15–20 meter high birch tree is traditionally erected with poles and helpers from the club and the neighborhood, decorated with colorful ribbons, a fir wreath, and club crests. A tradition that shapes the spring festival in many Rhenish-Westphalian districts.

Program for Families

The family program is extensive: bouncy castle for the little ones, face painting with volunteer helpers, pony rides (no problem in Stiepel, thanks to its village-style equestrian culture), circus animations with small acrobat and clown acts. Plus a food and drink offering with sausages, fries, coffee, and cake donated by club members.

Knappenverein and Other Clubs

Besides the BSV, the Knappenverein supports the festival, as do other local shooting companies, the brass band, the traditional costume groups, and the parish community. This joint sponsorship makes the festival a true neighborhood event – not just one club, but Stiepel as a whole.