Schützenfest Duisburg-Rahm

Schützenfest Duisburg-Rahm — First documented in 1511

The St. Sebastianus Brotherhood Duisburg-Rahm of 1511 e.V. looks back on a history of over 500 years. First documented in 1511, it is one of the oldest shooting brotherhoods on the Lower Rhine. Its annual Schützenfest on the first weekend of September is a fixed date in the event calendar of southern Duisburg. In 2026, the festival runs from September 4th to 6th.

Program — Three Days of Festivities

Friday, September 4, 2026 — Festival Kick-off

The festivities begin with a reception for the king at the club house and an assembly call. The Tambourkorps (drum corps) and music bands provide the musical opening. In the evening, the first dance evening with a regional dance band starts in the festival tent on Reiserpfad – a convivial start.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 — Parade and King's Ball

The highlight on Saturday is the parade. The marksmen gather at the club house, march with flag bearers, music bands, and the royal couple through Duisburg-Rahm before returning to the club house for a lunch break. The afternoon features public entertainment and a family program. In the evening, the grand King's Ball takes place in the festival tent – the social highlight of the festival.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 — Bird Shooting and Festival Finale

Sunday brings the traditional bird shooting. The marksmen assemble to shoot the wooden bird off the pole – whoever lands the decisive shot becomes the new Schützenkönig (shooting king). This is followed by the proclamation of the king, his coronation, and an oath. The evening concludes with a festival finale in the tent.

Duisburg-Rahm — Rural South of Duisburg

The district of Rahm is located in the south of the major city of Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia). Unlike the industrially shaped Duisburg-North, the south is more rural, with forests, fields, and small villages. Rahm has retained its village character – the annual Schützenfest is an expression of this independent identity within the large city.

St. Sebastianus Brotherhood

Saint Sebastian is one of the best-known patron saints of shooting brotherhoods. Martyred with arrows as a Roman saint of the 3rd century, he was later venerated as the patron saint of archers and crossbowmen. Numerous shooting clubs in the Rhineland and Westphalia bear his name – the Duisburg-Rahm brotherhood is one of the oldest. It organizes the Schützenfest, an annual Christmas market, and club activities related to marksmanship.