Schützenfest Gartow 2026

Schützengilde Gartow since 1850

The Schützengilde Gartow von 1850 e.V. looks back on over 170 years of club history and is one of the most traditional marksmen's associations in the eastern Wendland region. The annual Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) is its social highlight and an important community festival for Gartow and the surrounding municipalities in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district.

Three Days of Volksfest 2026

From Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Gartow Schützenplatz will be transformed into a festival ground. Preparations begin on May 26 with the setup of the festival grounds, and the traditional Exerzierabend (drill evening) will take place on May 27.

Proven Program

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:

• Friday: Opening, assembly of the guild, festival evening with live music
• Saturday: Bird shoot, determination of the new majesties, festive parade, dance evening
• Sunday: Proclamation of the king, king's banquet, family day with Frühshoppen (morning pint)
• Throughout: Carousels, shooting galleries, food and drink stands

Gartow and the Marksmen's Tradition

Gartow is located in the far east of Lower Saxony, nestled between the Elbe River and the Wendland forest. Here, as throughout the Wendland region, the marksmen's culture is an integral part of the village community. The Schützenfest brings together young and old, long-established families and new guests.