Schützenfest since 1821 — Pentecost traditions by the Huywald forest
When a Pfingstfest has been documented since 1821, it has a story to tell. The Pfingstfest Eilsdorf – a district of the municipality of Huy in the Harz district – is one of the oldest continuously documented marksmen's and Pentecost festivals in Saxony-Anhalt. The Eilsdorf Marksmen's Club has preserved the tradition for over two centuries – with the King's Procession, the King's Proclamation, and festive accompaniment.
Eilsdorf is located on the northern edge of the Huywald, a wooded ridge in the North Harz mountains between Halberstadt and Wernigerode. The municipality of Huy was formed in 2010 from the merger of 13 villages, including Eilsdorf, Pabstorf, Aderstedt, and Huy-Neinstedt. It is part of the Vorharz collective municipality in the Harz district – a region where Schützen-, Pfingst-, and local festivals are central to community and social life.
The festival begins on Whit-Friday with the marquee opening. On Whit-Saturday, the main festival day, the marksmen will process starting at 11 AM in Eilsdorf — the King's Procession and the collection of dignitaries. In the afternoon, the traditional coffee and cake gathering starts at 2 PM for families and seniors, followed by the marquee program with live music and disco in the evening. Whit-Sunday and Monday conclude with morning drinks (Frühschoppen) and family programs. The state of Saxony-Anhalt has one of its most unbroken traditional festivals in Eilsdorf.
The Eilsdorf Pfingstfest 2026 brings three days of marksmen's and Pentecost traditions to the sports field. Whit-Saturday, May 23rd, is the main festival day with the traditional King's Procession starting at 11 AM and the King's Proclamation. Families can enjoy coffee and cake from 2 PM, made with cakes from club kitchens; in the evening, a live band plays, followed by disco in the marquee.
Whit-Sunday and Whit-Monday continue the program with Frühschoppen, traditional elements, and family activities. The festival has been documented in this region since 1821 and is a key date in the Huy municipality's club calendar.
Updated detailed program at gemeindehuy.de.
By car via the B79 (Halberstadt–Wernigerode), follow signs to Eilsdorf. By train to Halberstadt, then bus or taxi. Parking available at the sports field and in the village.
Pentecost weekend, May 23rd to 25th, 2026. King's Procession Saturday 11 AM, coffee and cake 2 PM, marquee program in the evenings. Admission to the festival grounds is generally free; individual marquee evenings may have an entrance fee payable at the door.
Family-friendly, with a distinct children's and seniors' program. Dogs on leashes are allowed, but less practical inside the marquee.
Current program available at gemeindehuy.de.
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Sportplatz Eilsdorf
Sportplatz Eilsdorf, OT Eilsdorf, 38838 Huy