Schützenfest Helpenstein – Kirmesgesellschaft Fidele Brüder 1921

Helpenstein – a district and its Schützenfest

Helpenstein belongs to the city of Neuss (Rhein-Kreis Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia) and has been one of the smaller districts between Holzheim and Norf since its incorporation in 1975. The Kirmesgesellschaft Fidele Brüder 1921 e.V. has been the central driving force of village life here for over a century; its Schützen- and Kirmesfest is the highlight of Helpenstein's annual calendar. Unlike the large citizens' shooting festivals in Neuss city center, the Helpenstein festival remains a purely village event – with manageable distances, familiar faces, and an atmosphere that has long since become rare in the larger towns of the Lower Rhine region.

What to expect at the Kirmes

For four days, everything in Helpenstein revolves around tradition, conviviality, and a bit of funfair. Admission is free on all days.

• Hahnenkönig-Krönung (Rooster King Crowning) – the Helpenstein version of the Schützenkönig (shooting king), crowned by the traditional Hahnenköpfen (rooster head-butting) on the opening day
• Festival tent with live music and DJs in the evenings – usually featuring Lower Rhine cover bands and Schlager classics
• Frühschoppen with the music club – on Sunday with the Musikverein Holzheim and cool drinks
• Festumzug (Parade) – on Monday with a marching band, the Hahnenkönig couple, and friendly clubs from the neighboring districts of Neuss
• Children's program and carousels – a small fairground with classics for families

The Fidelen Brüder 1921

Founded in 1921 as a post-war social club, the Fidelen Brüder have shaped Helpenstein's club life for over 100 years. Today, the club has just under 100 active members, supported by several generations of Helpenstein families. The focus is classically on preserving Kirmes traditions: Hahnenkönig, Festumzug, ecumenical church service, Frühschoppen, and collectively providing a festival tent for the entire village.

The third weekend in July – a fixed date in the Lower Rhine calendar

Like many Rhenish Kirmes clubs, Helpenstein sticks to a fixed weekend: the third in July. Those who celebrate once come back the following year. In 2026, the four festival days will fall on July 17–20 – Friday to Monday, as tradition dictates.

Neuss and the Rhein-Kreis – a Schützenfest stronghold

The Rhein-Kreis Neuss, with the Neusser Bürger-Schützenfest, the world's largest shooting parade, is one of the heavyweights of Rhenish shooting traditions. But the districts of Helpenstein, Holzheim, Reuschenberg, and Grimlinghausen also maintain their own festivals, each with its own character. Helpenstein stands for classic village Lower Rhine carnival without any claim to spectacle – and that is precisely what makes this Schützenfest so appealing.