Schützenfest Duisburg-Serm

Schützenfest since 1927 in Duisburg-Serm

The St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Duisburg-Serm e.V. was founded in 1927, making it one of the traditional marksmen's clubs in the western Ruhr area. Its Schützenfest is the most important club event of the year and, at the same time, the largest folk festival in the Serm district. It always takes place on the weekend before Ascension Day — thus from May 8 to 10, 2026.

The Three-Day Festival Program

The Schützenfest follows a classic Rhenish-Westphalian schedule:

• Friday, May 8, 2026: Opening with Zapfenstreich (ceremonial closing with march and salute) and dance evening in the festival tent
• Saturday, May 9, 2026: High mass in the morning, honoring of jubilarians (for marksmen with long-term membership), children's program, shooting competitions, in the evening a grand parade at 5:30 PM
• Sunday, May 10, 2026: Frühshoppen (morning pint), joint lunch, King's and Prince's shooting, grand parade at 6:00 PM, proclamation of the new King and Prince couple in the festival tent

Festival Tent at the Schützenplatz

The center of all activities is the festival tent at the Schützenplatz in Serm. This is where the evening dance events, the honoring of jubilarians, the proclamation, and the social highlight of the weekend take place. In addition, a funfair with carousels and rides is set up — a classic folk festival setting.

Tambour Corps and Parade

The Schützenfest is closely linked musically with the Tambour Corps and several Schützenkompanien (marksmen's companies), who march in uniform with hats and plumes. The parades on Saturday and Sunday evenings are the visual highlights — a spectacle of tradition, music, and club pride moving through the district.

Duisburg-Serm — Southern District with a Rural Character

Serm is located in the south of Duisburg, directly on the Rhine, with a more rural character than the city's northern industrial areas. The Schützenfest reflects this local identity — down-to-earth, traditional, with strong club ties. Those interested in Rhenish folk traditions in the Ruhr area will find an authentic example here.

Free Admission and Accessibility

Admission to all event points is free on all days. The Schützenplatz is accessible. Seating can be reserved for groups via the Schützenbruderschaft's contact form.

State of NRW — Club Life and Identity

In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Schützenwesen (marksmen's traditions) is one of the most important folk cultural traditions — in both the Rhenish and Westphalian regions. Duisburg-Serm, with its Schützenfest since 1927, is a reliable example of this culture in the western Ruhr area.