Schützenfest and Kirmes Lindlar

Lindlar — Bergisches Land in the Oberbergischer Kreis

Lindlar is a traditional market town in the Oberbergischer Kreis, located east of Cologne on the high plateau of the Bergisches Land. With nearly 22,000 inhabitants spread across more than 100 districts and hamlets, it is one of the larger municipalities in the Oberbergisches region — and culturally shaped by a strong club life. At the heart of this club life is the Schützenverein Lindlar e.V., whose main Schützenfest with an attached Kirmes takes place annually at the end of July / beginning of August — in 2026 from July 31 to August 4, with the festival opening at 4 PM.

Five Days of Festival Activities in the Town Center

The venue is not an isolated shooting range, but the center of Lindlar around the Markt, Marktstraße, and Hauptstraße. The combination of Schützenfest and Kirmes characterizes the Lindlar festival and distinguishes it from many pure Schützenfeste: While the marksmen hold their competitions, parades, and balls, the Kirmes with rides and food runs in parallel. Those who come with family will find both — tradition and popular entertainment in the same area.

Schedule 2026 — Five Days of Program

The five-day program follows a proven structure:

• Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4 PM — Festival opening with assembly of the marksmen, salute shots, opening of the Kirmes. First festival evening in the tent with live music or DJ.
• Saturday, August 1, 2026 — Club day with competitions, evening Schützenball in the festival tent
• Sunday, August 2, 2026 — High Mass for the Schützenfest, grand parade through Lindlar with friendly clubs from the Bergisches Land, reception in the festival tent, family Kirmes in the afternoon
• Monday, August 3, 2026 — King's shooting competition at the bird pole, coronation of the new king and queen, evening king's ball
• Tuesday, August 4, 2026 — Family day with reduced prices for children's rides at the Kirmes, winding down in the evening

The Schützenverein Lindlar e.V.

The Schützenverein Lindlar e.V. is one of Lindlar's oldest and largest citizens' associations. The club preserves the Bergisches marksmen tradition (High Mass, salute shots, king's title) and modern elements (youth sections, family offers, Kirmes activities). Friendly clubs from the Oberbergischer Kreis (Engelskirchen, Wipperfürth, Marienheide, Gummersbach) are traditionally guests at the Sunday parade.

Kirmes with Rides and Food Stalls

The parallel Kirmes includes elements typical for Bergisches Kirmes events: bumper cars, chain carousel, children's carousels, smaller rides, plus food stalls, shooting galleries, candy stalls, and a festival tent with catering. Family day on Tuesday with reduced prices for children.

Discover Lindlar and the Bergisches Land

For those combining the festival with a weekend trip: The Lindlar Open-Air Museum (with historic Bergisches farmhouses, mills, inns) is one of NRW's most attractive destinations and only a few kilometers away. Hikes into the Sülz Valley, bike routes on the Sülztalbahn railway line, and the Lingese reservoir offer activities for nature lovers.