Schützenfest Düsseldorf-Holthausen — St. Hubertus

Marksmen's Traditions in Southern Düsseldorf

While Düsseldorf is internationally perceived as the capital of fashion, trade fairs, and media, traditions in the southern districts remain deeply rooted in the Rhenish Schützenwesen (marksmen's traditions). Holthausen, a district in southern Düsseldorf within district 9, is one of the neighborhoods where this tradition has remained alive. The St. Hubertus Schützenverein Holthausen holds its Schützenfest every year on the first weekend of May — in 2026, on Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd.

Two Days of Festivities

Unlike the four-day Schützenfeste in Münsterland, celebrations in Rhenish Düsseldorf are more compact — two days. The association itself announces the program as follows: "On Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, the time has finally come!" Members, residents of the district, and guests are invited to experience the festival together with friends and acquaintances.

Classic Rhenish Structure

The program follows the classic Rhenish Schützenfest structure, as is also maintained in other Düsseldorf districts:

• Parades in uniform through the district — the marksmen wear historically influenced attire
• Receptions of the marksmen's officers with the King and Queen and friendly associations
• Festkommers (festive assembly) as a formal gathering in the festival tent or club house
• Evening balls with live music and dancing
• Possibly a King's Shoot for the new royal title, if a change is due this year

Holthausen — Düsseldorf's Rural South

Holthausen is located in southern Düsseldorf, at the transition between the big city and the Rhein-Kreis Neuss. With its fields, farms, and allotment gardens, the district has preserved a rural character that you won't find in the trendier Düsseldorf-Pempelfort or the hip Flingern. Community life around the marksmen's clubs, parish, and sports clubs is intense — many families have been connected to the St. Hubertus Schützenverein for generations.

Authentic Düsseldorf Tradition

Anyone wishing to experience an authentic Rhenish Schützenfest — away from the large, tourist-oriented festivals like those in Neuss or Düsseldorf-Oberkassel — will find a community-supported festival in Holthausen. The atmosphere is friendly, and the marksmen are open to guests. Visitors should respect the spirit of the club: the Festkommers is a solemn event, not a loud folk festival.

May Day in Düsseldorf

The date of May 1st and 2nd is strategically convenient: May 1st is a public holiday, allowing many Düsseldorf residents to use the long weekend for the Schützenfest. Families can plan to attend the Schützenfest on Friday and enjoy a walk along the Rhine or a stroll through Düsseldorf's Old Town on Saturday.