Schützenfest Höhenberg — St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Köln-Höhenberg

Schützenfest Höhenberg — 100 Years of Tradition in Köln-Höhenberg

On Friday, September 4th, and Saturday, September 5th, 2026, the St. Sebastianus Riflemen's Brotherhood Köln-Höhenberg of 1924 will celebrate its annual Schützenfest. Founded in 1924, the brotherhood looks back on over 100 years of preserving traditions in the Cologne district of Höhenberg. Office and headquarters: Erfurter Straße 4, 51103 Köln.

Dignitaries' Shoot in Advance — August 22nd

As is traditional in Cologne's riflemen's associations, there is a preliminary Dignitaries' Shoot for the brotherhood's officials. On Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, the dignitaries will compete to determine the future Company Commander, Captain, and other roles for the coming year from among their ranks. These internal competitions are less public but are an important preparation for the actual Schützenfest 14 days later.

King's Shoot and Parade on September 4th/5th

The main weekend follows the classic Schützenfest schedule:

• Friday, September 4th — Opening at the festival grounds, assembly of the companies, first evening festival programs. The King's Shoot begins with the hoisting of the bird target.
• Saturday, September 5th — King's Shoot: the riflemen assemble, and the last splinters of the wooden bird are shot down. Whoever takes the decisive shot becomes the new King. In the afternoon, a grand parade through Köln-Höhenberg with the guard, brass band, and all brotherhood members. In the evening, the Coronation Ball.

St. Sebastianus — Patron Saint of Riflemen

Like most Rhenish riflemen's brotherhoods, the Höhenberg association is also under the protection of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of riflemen. In addition to competitive shooting, the brotherhood also maintains its ecclesiastical and social function: it is integrated into the parish community, participates in Corpus Christi processions, and supports social projects in the district.

Köln-Höhenberg — the District East of the Rhine

Köln-Höhenberg is a district east of the Rhine in the Kalk borough of Cologne, east of the city center. With around 11,500 inhabitants, it is a rather small but densely populated district. Höhenberg developed from a historic workers' settlement and maintains a strong club structure to this day. The St. Sebastianus Riflemen's Brotherhood is one of the oldest and most important of these associations.

Admission and Practical Information

The Schützenfest is free to enter on the festival grounds and during the parade. Catering is provided by the brotherhood itself — beer, bratwurst, fries, and specialties. The parade on Saturday afternoon is the most popular event; you shouldn't miss it if you live in or around Höhenberg or want to experience Cologne's riflemen's culture.