Schützenfest Damme

Damme Marksmen's Association of 1838

The Damme Marksmen's Association of 1838 has been part of Damme's public life for almost two centuries. In the same year, 1838, a continuous history of the association began, shaping the marksmen's tradition in the town. Although Damme is primarily known as a carnival stronghold (Dammer Carneval since 1614), the marksmen's tradition is just as vibrant and identity-forming here.

Three Days of Festivities at the End of July

The festival in 2026 runs from Saturday, July 25th to Monday, July 27th. Three days of festivities with clearly structured muster times:

• Saturday 2:00 PM: Muster of the marksmen at the Schützenplatz
• Sunday 2:00 PM: Muster and parade through Damme
• Monday 4:30 PM: Muster and proclamation of the king

This precise structuring of muster times refers to the militarily influenced tradition of the marksmen's associations, which is particularly upheld in the Oldenburger Münsterland.

Saturday — Opening and Shooting Competitions

The festival begins with the muster on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The association members march in traditional attire and with banners to the Schützenplatz. Subsequently, the shooting competitions and the King's shooting take place. In the evening, a festive ceremony with dancing in the festival tent follows.

Sunday — Grand Parade

Sunday, with the muster at 2:00 PM, brings the main highlight: the grand parade through Damme. A marching band, association banners, marksmen in traditional attire, and possibly the first signs of the new marksmen's king march through the town center. The population stands along the route and applauds. Afterwards, a joint celebration at the Schützenplatz with catering and dancing.

Monday — King's Proclamation

Monday, with the muster at 4:30 PM, is the actual King's Day. The ceremonial proclamation of the new marksmen's king is the emotional climax. Members, families, and guests gather in the festival tent, the new king is officially announced, and the King's dinner follows. It is a moment for the association family, making the members' bond palpable.

Damme as a Town with Two Festivals

Damme is a town that accommodates two major festival traditions — the Dammer Carneval in February and the Schützenfest in July. These two poles mark the year and shape the town's self-understanding. Anyone wishing to get to know Damme should visit both festivals — they show the town in its two complementary aspects: exuberantly carnival-like in winter, traditionally celebratory in summer.