Schützenfest Borgholzhausen

Schützenfest at the Foot of the Teutoburg Forest

As May sweeps across the East Westphalian uplands, the most important week of the year arrives in Borgholzhausen: the Schützenfest. From Wednesday, May 13th, to Sunday, May 17th, 2026, the Schützenplatz on Ravensberger Straße transforms into the convivial center of this town of just under 9,000 inhabitants nestled by the Teutoburg Forest.

Kick-off on Wednesday Evening: Wild Side Party

The Schützenfest begins untraditionally, modernly, and loudly on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, with the 'Wild Side Party', which has become a hallmark of the event. The motto for 2026 is: 'Achtung wild!'. DJs Max & Nick will present a program of current chart hits, party classics, and Schützenfest anthems — admission is €10 for adults and €7 for youths aged 16 and over (until midnight).

Three Days of Festivities in Classic Shooting Style

From Thursday to Sunday, the classic program elements of an East Westphalian Schützenfest follow: Vogelschießen (bird shooting) to determine the royal couple, a parade with all companies of the shooting club through the town center, a gala ball with the proclamation of the new royal couple and dancing, along with Frühschoppen (morning pint), a family day, and a children's program. The festival tent on the Schützenplatz remains open late into the night.

Schützenverein Borgholzhausen

The organizer is the Schützenverein Borgholzhausen e.V., one of the town's most traditional clubs. The club life, with its companies, marching band, ladies' association, and veteran company, shapes the social fabric of the community — the Schützenfest is the highlight of the club's year.

Borgholzhausen and the Ravensberg Region

Borgholzhausen is located in the district of Gütersloh, on the western edge of the Teutoburg Forest, in the heart of the historic Ravensberg Region. The town is manageable — with just under 9,000 inhabitants — but boasts a vibrant club life and a tradition of folk festivals, which, besides the Schützenfest, also include the Maifest*ival and the 'Adventszauber' (Advent magic). Anyone wishing to experience the East Westphalian-Protestant folk festival format will find themselves in the right place here.