Schützenfest Bergneustadt

Bergneustadt — the Bergisches Land City in its 725th Anniversary Year

When you come to Bergneustadt, you enter a Bergisches Land district capital with around 19,000 inhabitants in the Oberbergischer Kreis. Bergneustadt is located in the southwestern Sauerland region, on the Wuppertal reservoir and at the transition to the Bergisches Land. In 2026, the city celebrates its 725th anniversary of becoming a city — a tribute to Count Heinrich von Sayn-Wittgenstein, who granted Bergneustadt city rights in 1301. The city anniversary makes the entire event year 2026 a special occasion — and the Pentecost Schützenfest is at its center.

1353 — Over 670 Years of Schützen Tradition

The Schützenverein Bergneustadt 1353 e.V. is one of the oldest Schützen associations in Germany. Its founding dates back to the year 1353 — a good 50 years after the city was established. This places Bergneustadt among the medieval citizen militias from which the German Schützenwesen (marksmen's tradition) emerged. Originally, the association was an armed citizen militia for city defense — today, it is a hub for social club life and the guardian of one of the most traditional Pentecost Schützenfeste in Südwestfalen.

Four Days of Festivities at Pentecost 2026

The 2026 Schützenfest runs from Whit Friday, May 22nd to Whit Monday, May 25th. This four-day choreography combines Schützen traditions with party elements — a modern extension of the classic Schützenfest:

• Fri 22.05.: 3rd Neustadt Mallorca Party with Schlager DJs and 250 free drinks — kick-off for the party generation
• Sat 23.05.: Ceremonial commitee meeting with the festive opening of the Schützenfest
• Sun 24.05.: Whit Sunday with 80s/90s Party for the generation that now fills the family tents
• Mon 25.05.: Whit Monday with the King's Coronation as the festive highlight

Musikzug Bergneustadt — The House Band

For decades, the Musikzug Bergneustadt has been the house band of the Schützenfest — a traditional brass band with a busy regional performance schedule. The Musikzug musically accompanies all important program points: the parade, assembly, laying of wreaths, and the King's Coronation. Without the Musikzug, the Schützenfest in its traditional form would be unthinkable — and the people of Bergneustadt know it. The Musikzug is part of the local club scene, with many members also being active marksmen.

Mallorca Party on Whit Friday

With its third edition, the Neustadt Mallorca Party has established itself as the opening highlight. The event brings the Mallorca Schlager phenomenon to the festival tent: DJs play the hits from Ballermann, with entertainment, Mallorca-style decoration, and — as a trademark — 250 free drinks for the first guests. The party is aimed at the young adult generation, for whom the classic Schützenfest is often perceived as too traditional. With the Mallorca format, the club opens the festival to a new audience.

Whit Sunday — 80s/90s Party

Whit Sunday brings the 80s/90s Party — the generation that now attends the festival tent with their families. With hits from Modern Talking, Madonna, Nena, Take That, and German New Wave classics, the festival tent evening turns into a nostalgic dance floor. For many Bergneustadt families, Whit Sunday is the main day to visit — family activities during the day, dance party in the evening.

Whit Monday — King's Coronation and Parade

On Whit Monday, the festive highlight takes place: the King's Coronation. The new king, previously determined in the bird shooting competition, is crowned in a solemn ceremony. A grand parade through the historic old town, a royal reception, and an official welcome at the town hall — the classic choreography of Westphalian Schützen customs. The 2026 anniversary year offers additional honors and program points for the 725th city anniversary.