Schützenfest Hövelhof

Schützenfest Hövelhof — Hubertus Tradition in the Senne Village

The Schützenfest Hövelhof is one of the most traditional folk festivals in eastern Westphalia. It is organized by the St. Hubertus-Schützenbruderschaft Hövelhof e.V. — one of the oldest Hubertus brotherhoods in the Paderborn district. Dates for 2026: Saturday, June 27th to Monday, June 29th. Two weeks earlier, on Sunday, June 14th, the bird shooting takes place — the competition discipline in which the new rifle king is determined. Festival center: the Schützen- und Bürgerhaus Hövelhof, Von-der-Recke-Straße 40, 33161 Hövelhof.

Hövelhof — Senne Municipality on the Edge of the Training Area

Hövelhof, with around 16,000 inhabitants, is the southernmost municipality in the Paderborn district and officially calls itself "Sennegemeinde Hövelhof“ — as the town is located directly on the edge of the Senne, a unique heath and sand landscape, which is now partly a military training area and a nature reserve. This location shapes the local identity: agriculturally and Catholic rooted, with strong club structures and an active riflemen tradition. The Schützenfest here is not tourist folklore, but a living village event.

Hubertus Patronage — Patron Saint of Hunters and Riflemen

The brotherhood bears the patronage of Saint Hubertus of Liège (655–727), the patron saint of hunters, riflemen, and forest workers. The Hubertus tradition is particularly strong in the Paderborn diocese — many riflemen clubs in the predominantly Catholic East Westphalia bear his name. The brotherhood organizes devotions, grief counseling for deceased riflemen, and joint appearances at parish services — the connection between faith and the riflemen's tradition is closer here than in Protestant or mixed regions.

Bird Shooting — Sunday, June 14th, 2026

Two weeks before the actual festival, the new king is determined. During the bird shooting, candidates aim their traditional carbine at a wooden bird on a high pole. Whoever shoots down the last wooden piece becomes king — a discipline that requires concentration, luck, and endurance. The newly crowned king and his queen then choose their retinue for the festival.

Program Structure Schützenfest Weekend

Saturday, June 27th, 2026

• Opening at the Schützen- und Bürgerhaus
• Festival evening with dancing and music

Sunday, June 28th, 2026

• Parade through Hövelhof
• King's ceremony
• Family program at the Schützen- und Bürgerhaus

Monday, June 29th, 2026 — Highlight

• 9:00 AM: Assembly of the brotherhood at the Schützen- und Bürgerhaus
• 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Morning pint (Frühschoppen)
• 5:00 PM: Festive entrance of the king couple
• Followed by festival ball and dancing

Schützen- und Bürgerhaus — Festival Venue and Club Base

The Schützen- und Bürgerhaus at Von-der-Recke-Straße 40 serves as both the club's home and festival hall. With a large hall, garden, and shooting range, it is a year-round meeting place for the brotherhood. During the Schützenfest, the area around the house becomes the festival arena: tents for the festival ball and morning pint, outdoor areas for children's carousels and market stalls, open hall windows facing the king's throne. Admission is free — payment is made on-site for food, drinks, and raffle tickets.