Schützenfest Bergen (121st Schützenfest)

121 Years of Marksmen Tradition

The Schützenfest of the Bergen City Marksmen Corps will be celebrated for the 121st time in 2026 – a number that highlights the centuries-old tradition of the marksmen's association. With around 13,000 inhabitants, Bergen is one of the larger towns in the northern Celle district and an important center within the Südheide region.

Five Days of Schützenfest

The festival traditionally runs from Wednesday to Sunday around the first weekend in July. The classic program points of a North German Schützenfest are spread across the five days:

• Grand Parade with all marksmen's corporations, marching bands, and fanfare bands
• King's Shooting with a festive proclamation
• Grand Festival Ceremony and festival evenings in the tent
• Children's Schützenfest for the young participants
• Family Day with a morning pint and children
• Grand Zapfenstreich (a traditional military tattoo) to conclude
• Accompanying amusement rides, food stalls, and festival tent

Tradition and Community

The Bergen Schützenfest is more than a sporting and festive event – it is a moment of identification for the entire city. The tradition of being active in the marksmen's corporation spans many families. The King or Queen of the year enjoys honorary status in the city community throughout the year.