Grand anniversary Schützenfest of the Lemgoer Schützengesellschaft von 1575 — four days of festivities for the 450th birthday
The Lemgoer Schützengesellschaft von 1575 is one of the oldest riflemen's societies in Germany. Founded in 1575 within the then citizenry of Lemgo, the society has moved through five centuries of German history — through the Thirty Years' War, the Napoleonic occupation, two World Wars, the division and reunification of Germany. The 450th anniversary in 2026 is the occasion for an extraordinary festival weekend that goes well beyond the annual Schützenfest.
The programme starts on Friday 28 August 2026 with a Regimentszapfenstreich on the market square at 18:45, followed by concert + DJ Mino set from 20:00. Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to the traditional Schützenfest elements — Vogelschießen (shooting at the wooden eagle), festive kommers with guest associations, king's ball. The king's proclamation of the new majesties takes place either on Sunday 30 August or Monday 31 August at 16:00. A grand parade with allied riflemen's societies from Ostwestfalen-Lippe and all over Germany moves through Lemgo's old town.
Alongside the classic association programme there is an extensive family programme: bouncy castle, crafts workshops for children, food offer with local providers, festival tent with live music and dancing. The Schützenplatz becomes a family-friendly festival ground that draws several thousand visitors even outside the ceremonial highlights.
The Hanseatic city of Lemgo in the Lippe district (Ostwestfalen) is one of the best-preserved Renaissance and half-timbered towns in Germany. With its medieval market square, the museum house of the "Witch Mayor" (Hexenbürgermeister-Haus) and its active city marketing, Lemgo is a popular tourist destination in the Weserbergland. The riflemen's society and the anniversary Schützenfest are among the central identity markers of this Hanseatic city.
Four days of extraordinary anniversary programme for the 450th birthday of one of Germany's oldest riflemen's societies. The classic Schützenfest format is combined with an especially elaborate opening Zapfenstreich and a grand parade on Sunday with guest associations from all over Germany.
Free admission to the festival grounds, the grand parade and the Regimentszapfenstreich. King's ball and individual concerts may require a table reservation via the association.
By train to Lemgo (RB72 from Bielefeld or Hamm — Lemgo-Lüttfeld station is a 5-minute walk from the Schützenplatz). By car via the A2 (exit Bielefeld), then B66 towards Lemgo.
Friday 28.8. from 18:45 (Regimentszapfenstreich on the market square). Saturday and Sunday continuous festival on the Schützenplatz. King's proclamation on Sunday or Monday at 16:00.
Free to the festival grounds and the grand parade. King's ball and individual concerts may require a table reservation.
Plan a stroll through Lemgo's historic old town before the Schützenfest weekend — the market square with the town hall is one of the finest Renaissance ensembles in northern Germany.
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Schützenplatz Lemgo
Schützenplatz, 32657 Lemgo