Schützenfest Gütersloher Stadtschützengesellschaft im Heidewald

A City Marksmen's Society Founded in 1832

The Gütersloh City Marksmen's Society v. 1832 e.V. is one of Ostwestfalen's traditional brotherhoods. Since its founding in 1832, it has organized several Schützenfeste (marksmen's festivals) annually in various Gütersloh districts. The main festival in Heidewald will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 — on the traditional festival meadow in Heidewald.

Heidewald — Festival Meadow and Sports Center

Heidewald is a green recreational and festival meadow in the south of Gütersloh, closely associated with sports (DFB Cup tradition through FC Gütersloh) and club life. This is where the city marksmen celebrate their main festival — with a king's shooting competition, a parade, a festival tent with live music, and a ball. The event is both a social occasion and a traditional sporting competition.

Multi-District Brotherhood

A special feature of the Gütersloh City Marksmen's Society: it organizes several Schützenfeste in different districts throughout the year. In 2026:

• Niehorst: May 23, 2026
• Kattenstroth: June 13, 2026
• Nordhorn: June 27, 2026
• Heidewald (Main Festival): August 8, 2026

These district festivals are small, intimate events for the respective neighborhood, while the Heidewald festival is the large, representative main event.

Gütersloh in Ostwestfalen

Gütersloh, with around 100,000 inhabitants, is the district town of the Gütersloh district in Ostwestfalen. The city is primarily known for Bertelsmann (corporate headquarters), Miele (world-renowned home appliance manufacturer), and the Stadthalle. Gütersloh's marksmen's traditions are among the most extensive in Ostwestfalen — almost every district has its own brotherhood, and the City Marksmen's Society v. 1832 unites the tradition of the inner-city districts. The Schützenfest in Heidewald is the highlight of this civic year.