Traditional folk and marksmen's festival in the Bissendorf district of Wedemark on Pentecost
Anyone spending Pentecost in Wedemark can hardly miss the Bissendorf Schützenfest. The Bissendorf district, a historically grown village north of Hannover, transforms into a large festival mile around the Schützenplatz (marksmen's square) and the festival tent for three days. The Bissendorf Marksmen's Association is the organizer, keeping the tradition of Hannover's marksmen's culture alive with its active marksmen, marching bands, and friendly clubs from the region.
Schützenfeste have a particularly long tradition in Lower Saxony. In Wedemark, they are closely linked to village self-government and club life. The king's shoot, where the new monarch is determined from among the marksmen, has always been the sporting and social highlight. Surrounding this are the parade, the reception of the monarchs, the ceremonial dance, the king's dinner, and the traditional early morning pint (Frühschoppen) on Whit Monday. The Bissendorf Marksmen's Association meticulously maintains these procedures while also opening the festival to the entire village community.
Set against the backdrop of the extended Pentecost weekend, the festival usually begins on Friday evening with the 'Aufmarsch' (procession), a ceremonial opening at the festival tent, and the first big dance night. Saturday is dedicated to competitions and social receptions, before the festive highlight on Sunday with a church service, parade, and the crowning of the new monarchs. The festival grounds offer amusement rides, shooting galleries, sweet stalls, and a beer stand for a classic folk festival atmosphere. Live bands and DJs play in the festival tent, while neighbours, families, club delegations, and returning locals meet at the tables.
Despite its folk festival character, the Bissendorf Schützenfest remains a festival for the whole family. During the day, children and young people are invited to participate in games and discounted rides. On Whit Monday, the Frühschoppen and family day invite visitors to wind down the festival in a relaxed atmosphere. Those who want to experience Wedemark away from the well-known sights will find an authentic piece of Lower Saxony's festival culture here, supported by volunteer commitment and preserving its village character over the decades.
From Friday, May 29, to Whit Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Bissendorf Marksmen's Association invites you to the traditional Pentecost Schützenfest in the Bissendorf district of Wedemark. Over three days, the festival combines sporting disciplines, convivial dance evenings, and classic folk festival fun for the whole family.
On the festival grounds, guests can expect a mix of amusement rides, shooting galleries, sweet stalls, and snack stands. In the festival tent, live bands and DJs create a lively atmosphere. Marksmen from Bissendorf and friendly clubs from the region march in uniform through the village and participate in the ceremonial events surrounding the king's shoot and crowning.
The exact 2026 program will be published by the Bissendorf Marksmen's Association in the spring. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
The final program sequence with exact times and assembly points will be published shortly before the festival on the website of the Bissendorf Marksmen's Association.
Bissendorf is a district of the Wedemark municipality, about 20 km north of Hannover. Accessible by car via the A7 (exit Mellendorf) and the B3. By public transport: S-Bahn line S4 to Mellendorf, then continue by bus to Bissendorf.
Designated parking areas will be available around the Schützenplatz and in the town centre during the Schützenfest. Please respect residential streets.
Access to the festival grounds and the festival tent is free during the day. Admission fees or table reservations may apply for individual dance evenings and special events. Current information is available on the Marksmen's Association website.
Several stalls in the festival tent and on the grounds offer a wide range of food and drinks — from classic bratwurst and fries to hearty delicacies and sweet specialities.
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