69th Ritterhuder Schützenfest
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Folklore Family

69th Ritterhuder Schützenfest

Traditional marksmen's festival with symbolic town hall storming and people's eagle in the Hammel district

Ritterhude — Landkreis Osterholz (03356)
Dates 27 Jun — 29 Jun 2026
Venue Ritterhude (03356)
Prices
Status

About Ritterhuder Schützenfest

The Ritterhuder Schützenfest of the Ritterhuder Schützenverein is one of the most important club events in the Hammel district. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 69th edition, continuing a long tradition deeply rooted in the community life of the Hammel district. Three days of festivities in the town center combine the king's shooting competition, a parade, a dance evening, and a 'Volksadler' (people's eagle) open to guests. A special tradition is the symbolic town hall storming: the marksmen march to the town hall and symbolically take possession of it – a ritual that underscores the connection between the club and the community. Residents from Ritterhude, the neighboring communities of Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Lilienthal, Worpswede, and from Bremen regularly attend the festival.

Travel to this festival

Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Ritterhuder Schützenfest al mejor precio.

Book a trip on Trainline

Sponsored link

Ritterhude on the Hamme — Tradition and Club Life

The municipality of Ritterhude is located on the Hamme river in the Osterholz district, directly north of the Hanseatic city of Bremen. The Ritterhuder Schützenverein is one of the oldest clubs in the municipality and has been organizing the annual Schützenfest for generations. With its 69th edition in 2026, the tradition will be continued, making club life visible.

Symbolic Town Hall Storming

The hallmark of the Ritterhuder Schützenfest is the symbolic town hall storming. The marksmen march to the town hall, symbolically demand the keys, and symbolically take possession of the building – a theatrical staging that bridges the gap between the club and the community and has been part of the festival ritual for years. The action is accompanied by a brass band and a large audience from the entire community.

People's Eagle for Guests

Another special feature of the festival is the 'Volksadler' (people's eagle), which is open to guests – including non-members. Anyone who wishes can try their hand at the crossbow and take a shot at the people's eagle. This makes the shooting sport tradition accessible to a broad audience.

Ritterhuder Schützenfest — edition 2026

The 69th Ritterhuder Schützenfest 2026 is scheduled for the last weekend of June, likely from June 27 to 29. The king's shooting competition, symbolic town hall storming, parade, dance evening, and a people's eagle for guests will characterize the festival weekend of the Ritterhuder Schützenverein. The exact date will be based on the annual cycle of the previous year's festival (June 28–30, 2025).

Three Days of Festivities in the Hammel District

The festival opens on Friday evening with assembly and the official opening. Saturday features the king's shooting competition, the town hall storming, and a dance evening. Sunday concludes with the parade and the king's banquet.

Town Hall Storming and People's Eagle

The two hallmarks of the festival – the symbolic town hall storming and the people's eagle open to all guests – will be staged with particular care.

Programme Ritterhuder Schützenfest 2026

Friday, June 27, 2026

  • Assembly of marksmen in the town center.
  • Official festival opening in the evening.
  • Dance evening with live music.

Saturday, June 28, 2026

  • King's shooting competition at the shooting range.
  • Symbolic town hall storming at Ritterhude Town Hall.
  • Proclamation of the king and crowning of the majesties.
  • People's eagle open to guests.
  • Grand dance evening in the festival tent.

Sunday, June 29, 2026

  • Grand parade through Ritterhude with a brass band.
  • King's banquet for club members.
  • Morning pint and festival conclusion in the afternoon.

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure will follow the proven key points of previous years: king's shooting, town hall storming, parade, dance evening, people's eagle, and morning pint.

Highlights Ritterhuder Schützenfest 2026

69th Schützenfest of the Ritterhuder Schützenverein, likely June 27–29, 2026. King's shooting, symbolic town hall storming, people's eagle for guests, parade through the community, and dance evening in the festival tent. Club tradition on the Hamme.

Prices Ritterhuder Schützenfest 2026

Free admission to the festival grounds during the day. Dance events may incur an entrance fee.

Practical information — Ritterhuder Schützenfest

Venue

Town center of Ritterhude, 27721 Ritterhude (Lower Saxony, Osterholz district).

Getting There

  • By car: A 27 exit Ritterhude.
  • By public transport: Regional bus from Bremen or Osterholz-Scharmbeck.

Parking

Parking available in the town center. Traffic disruptions are to be expected during the parade.

Admission and Dress Code

Free admission during the day. Dance events may incur an entrance fee. Marksmen wear uniforms.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Spotted an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Contact Ritterhuder Schützenfest

Ritterhuder Schützenfest at a glance

Folk traditions Folklore Family Playful Landkreis Osterholz