Schützenfest Gladebeck

Shooting Tradition as the Heart of Village Life

Shooting clubs have shaped social life in the villages of Southern Lower Saxony for centuries. The Gladebeck Shooting Club in the Gladebeck district of the town of Hardegsen is one of the area's traditional institutions and hosts the Schützenfest annually — the emotional highlight of the club year and one of the most important dates in the village calendar.

Four Days Around May 1st

The Schützenfest 2026 begins on Thursday, April 30th, at 8 PM and ends on Sunday, May 3rd, at 6 PM. This four-day festival duration allows all traditional program points to be celebrated in detail and gives space to all generations.

Bird Shooting and Proclamation of the King

At the center of every Schützenfest are the bird shooting and the proclamation of the king. The shooters gather to shoot the wooden eagle off the pole — whoever hits the last splinter becomes the shooting king for one year. The proclamation of the king is a solemn moment celebrated with a ceremony, a royal dinner, and mutual congratulations.

Festive Parade, Dance Evening, and Morning Pint

A traditional festive parade leads the shooters, guests, and friendly clubs through the village — a colorful spectacle with uniforms, flags, and brass bands. Dance evenings with live music get the guests celebrating. The morning pint on Sunday is a proven tradition where people chat over bratwurst and beer.

Family Day

A family day with activities for children, children's shooting with light rifles, and small competitions ensures that the younger generation also enjoys the Schützenfest. This is how the shooting tradition is passed on to a new generation.