98th Ostrhauderfehn Marksmen's and Folk Festival

Marksmanship Tradition for Almost a Century

With its 98th edition in 2026, the Ostrhauderfehn Marksmen's Festival looks back on a tradition of almost a hundred years. Like many marksmen's associations in northern East Frisia, the Ostrhauderfehn Marksmen's Association combines the shooting sport element — the bird shooting, the king shooting — with a distinct social festival culture. The importance of the marksmen's association as a social link within the village is still evident today in the Rheiderland and Overledingerland regions.

Festival Grounds at Langholter Straße

The venue is the festival grounds at Wilken Poelker's, Langholter Straße 43, in 26842 Ostrhauderfehn. The large marquee serves as the central stage for the events — from the proclamation of the king to the dance evenings and the morning pint. Around the marquee, there will be amusement stalls, catering stands, and the shooting range.

Marksmen's Festival Program

The classic marksmen's festival program includes bird shooting, king's dinner, a parade through the town, a dance evening with a band, a family day with reduced prices for children, and a morning pint on Sunday morning. For the 98th edition in 2026, the marksmen's association has also announced a new feature in the opening program, which will particularly shape the start of the festival weekend.

Embedded in Ostrhauderfehn's Festival Year

The Marksmen's and Folk Festival is one of the most important social events in the year for the municipality of Rhauderfehn and its district Ostrhauderfehn. It complements the region's festival calendar and also serves as a meeting point for numerous friendly marksmen's associations from the Leer district.