Schützenfest Geeste (St. Antonius)

Schützenverein St. Antonius Geeste since 1653

With a club history dating back to 1653, the Schützenverein St. Antonius Geeste is one of the oldest marksmen's associations in Germany. Over 370 years of club tradition make the Schützenfest in Geeste a special experience: here, established customs blend with vibrant present-day life. The patron saint of the club is Saint Anthony, whose veneration has played an important role in the Catholic Emsland region since the Middle Ages.

Three Festival Days on May 1st

The 2026 festival spans three days, from Friday, May 1st (Labour Day) to Sunday, May 3rd. Friday marks the festive opening with the assembly of the marksmen, a parade, and the first evening celebration in the tent. Saturday is dedicated to the grand Schützenball (marksmen's ball) with dance music until late into the night. Sunday culminates in the King's Shoot, the proclamation of the new King, the King's dinner, and the King's dance.

Royal Couple 2025/2026: Martin and Elisabeth Schomaker

The reigning royal couple Martin and Elisabeth Schomaker have represented the Schützenverein St. Antonius Geeste since the 2025 Schützenfest. At the King's Shoot on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, the royal title will be awarded anew: whoever shoots the last splinter off the wooden bird will be proclaimed the new King and will choose his Queen. The proclamation of the new majesties and the honoring of the outgoing royal couple are festive highlights of Sunday.

Geeste — Municipality in Southern Emsland

Geeste is a municipality in the southern district of Emsland, located on the Hase river and near the Dutch border. The municipality combines rural tradition with modern infrastructure and is home to an active village community. The Schützenfest St. Antonius is the undisputed highlight of the festival calendar, bringing the community and guests from surrounding areas together for three days of customs, music, and conviviality.