Schlebuscher Schützen- und Volksfest

Schlebusch — Leverkusen's Volksfest District

If you want to experience what a classic Rhineland-Bergisches Schützen- und Volksfest looks like in Leverkusen, head to Schlebusch on Corpus Christi. The eastern district of Leverkusen — one of the largest with nearly 28,000 inhabitants — has preserved its independent village tradition. The highlight of Schlebusch's festival year is the Schützen- und Volksfest in early June: four days of tradition, live music, and funfair in Wuppermannpark.

608 Years of Schützenbruderschaft — One of Germany's Oldest

Behind the festival stands the St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Leverkusen-Schlebusch 1418 e.V. With its founding year of 1418, it is one of the oldest shooting associations in Germany — even older than the famous Hitdorf Brotherhood (1428) in the neighboring district. The 608th Schützenfest in 2026 is proof of an unbroken, six-hundred-year tradition.

Four Days, Five Concerts — The 2026 Music Program

The 2026 Volksfest offers a packed concert program: Thursday, June 4th (Corpus Christi) opens at 11 AM with the Original Oberkrainer Sextett playing Alpine brass music, followed in the evening at 6 PM by the cover band Elton & the Joels with hits from Elton John and Billy Joel. On Friday, June 5th, Cologne rock band HÖRGERÄT takes over at 7:30 PM. On Saturday, June 6th, local dialect band Köbes Underground takes the stage at 7 PM — one of the most popular live acts in Cologne/Bergisch. Sunday, June 7th starts at 4 PM with the LivinGospel choir, followed at 6 PM by the concert highlight: Bläck Fööss — one of the best-known Cologne dialect bands, active since 1970, popular far beyond Cologne.

Schützenfest Program Parallel to the Volksfest

Parallel to the Volksfest, the traditional 608th Schützenfest of the Brotherhood takes place. Thursday at 3 PM is the official opening with the King's proclamation. Friday is the Vogelschießen (King's Shot) — the highlight for the Brotherhood. Saturday features the grand Königsball (King's Ball) with the new King and Queen. Sunday includes High Mass and the Coronation Ceremony at 10 AM. The Gezelin Festival Week continues the program from June 7th to 13th with further events.

Wuppermannpark and Funfair

The venue is the Wuppermannpark in the center of Schlebusch — an approximately 2-hectare park, accessible year-round, which is fully utilized for the Volksfest. The festival grounds include a large festival tent with about 1,000 seats, a main stage for live concerts, a funfair with about 25 rides and market stalls, and a sales area with around 100 stalls for crafts, gastronomy, and market goods. The Schlebusch clubhouse serves as a covered seating area.

Bläck Fööss as the Highlight — Cologne Dialect Tradition

The Sunday evening concert by Bläck Fööss is the musical highlight of the festival. Founded in 1970, the Cologne-based band is considered the most important Cologne dialect band. Hits like „Drink doch eine met“, „Mer losse d'r Dom in Kölle“, and „Bye, bye my love“ are city anthems. A Bläck Fööss concert is a collective sing-along ritual — especially at a Schützen- und Volksfest like Schlebusch.

Free Admission — The Schützenbruderschaft as Organizer

The Volksfest is free to enter. It is financed through stall fees, gastronomy revenue in the festival tent, and sponsorships. This structure has proven successful for decades and allows for a high-quality concert program with Bläck Fööss and Köbes Underground without an admission barrier.