Schützenfest Bokern-Märschendorf

Schützenverein Bokern-Märschendorf v. 1955

The Schützenverein Bokern-Märschendorf e.V. v. 1955 is one of the marksmen's clubs in the Lohne municipal area, focusing on the districts of Bokern and Märschendorf. Founded in 1955, the club is relatively young compared to the main Lohne club founded in 1608 — yet deeply rooted in tradition. The annual Schützenfest on its own grounds at Dinklager Landstraße 14 is its central club event.

Five Festival Days

The 2026 festival runs from Thursday, May 14th to Monday, May 18th — a five-day event unfolding the full program of a Schützenfest. With the support of the 6th Battalion of the Schützenverein Lohne, which handles organizational support, the festival becomes a spring highlight.

Classic Schützenfest Program

The program follows the proven structure of North German Schützenfeste:

• Assembly of the marksmen with traditional attire and flags
• Festival marches with marching bands through the districts of Bokern and Märschendorf
• King's shooting — determination of the new marksmen's king
• Proclamation of the marksmen's king with king's banquet
• Dance evenings with live music in the festival tent
• Children's Schützenfest and family program
• Morning pint (Frühshoppen) and communal meals

Free and Accessible

An important feature: The Schützenfest is accessible free of charge and barrier-free. There are no entrance fees, and the festival grounds are easily accessible for people with mobility impairments, families with strollers, and seniors with walkers. This low-threshold approach makes the festival open to everyone.

Districts Bokern and Märschendorf

Bokern and Märschendorf are districts of Lohne in the southern part of the city — rural, with established structures and a close-knit village community. The marksmen's club is a central anchor of club life here. The annual festival strengthens the district identity and connects residents across generations.

Integrated into Lohne's Marksmen Tradition

With organizational support from the 6th Battalion of the Schützenverein Lohne, the festival is integrated into the larger Lohne marksmen tradition. The main club, founded in 1608, and the district clubs like Bokern-Märschendorf together form a network that keeps the marksmen's culture alive throughout the entire city area.