Schützenfest Düsseldorf-Derendorf (St. Sebastianus 1655)

Düsseldorf-Derendorf — A District with its Own Traditions

Derendorf is located in District 6 of the state capital Düsseldorf, north of the Old Town, between Pempelfort, Mörsenbroich, and Rath. Despite its central location, the district has preserved a distinct identity of its own — with Frankenplatz as its heart, the Holy Trinity Church, long-established clubs, and a Schützenbruderschaft whose history dates back to 1655.

Sankt Sebastianus 1655 — 371 Years of Tradition

The Sankt Sebastianus Schützenverein Derendorf 1655 e.V. was founded in 1655 — five years after the end of the Thirty Years' War. This makes it one of Düsseldorf's oldest marksmen's guilds. Today, it not only organizes the Derendorf Schützenfest but also coordinates with friendly clubs from the neighboring districts of Mörsenbroich and Pempelfort. In May 2026, a large anniversary bivouac took place, celebrating the 100th anniversary of three sub-units: 1. von Hindenburg, St. Paulus, and the Tambour-Corps Derendorf. The Freischütz Mörsenbroich celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Program — Four Days on the First Weekend of July

The Schützenfest traditionally takes place on the first weekend of July — in 2026, from Friday, July 3rd to Monday, July 6th. Main participants: the marksmen's battalion, the king and queen, flag detachments, more than 15 music groups from Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, drum corps, and friendly clubs. The central program points are the parade through the streets of Derendorf, the king's bird shooting with the crowning of the new monarchs, the Großer Zapfenstreich, and the festival ball.

Patronage and Community Involvement

The patron for 2026 is Düsseldorf's Lord Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller; District Mayor Annette Klinke will present the commemorative certificates to the celebrating associations. This strong community involvement makes the Derendorf Schützenfest one of the most significant district festivals in Düsseldorf's northern city center.

Frankenplatz and the Derendorf District as the Festival Setting

Frankenplatz is the festival center with a marquee and stage. The parade winds through Derendorf's residential streets, making the festival a neighborhood experience — residents decorate houses and windows, and visitors from all over the city flock to attend. The atmosphere is open, familial, and typically Rhenish-cheerful.

Düsseldorf and Rhenish Marksmen Traditions

The Schützenwesen (marksmen's traditions) is deeply rooted in the Rhineland — almost every Düsseldorf district community has its own marksmen's club, and several large Schützenfeste take place in Düsseldorf every year. The largest is the Schützen- und Heimatfest in the Altstadt, but the Derendorf festival holds its own as one of the most traditional district festivals. Anyone wanting to experience Rhenish customs will find an authentic example here.