Schützenfest Medebach

Tradition in the Hochsauerland

The Schützenfest is the annual highlight of the Hanseatic town of Medebach. Organized by the St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft, it traditionally falls on the first weekend in August — in 2026, from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2. For three to four days, the festival grounds and Medebach's town center transform into a continuous festival backdrop with parades, the 'Vogelschuss' (bird shooting), a festival tent, and fairground attractions.

'Vogelschuss' and King's Proclamation

The core of every Schützenfest in the Sauerland and Münsterland regions is the 'Vogelschuss' on the Saturday of the festival. Whoever knocks the wooden bird off the pole with the final shot becomes the new Schützenkönig (Riflemen's King) for one year and presents himself with his queen to the brotherhood and the town on Sunday. The proclamation of the king, the grand parade on Sunday, and the King's Ball are part of the fixed schedule.

Three-Day Program

The festival begins on Friday afternoon with the brotherhood's parade through Medebach, followed by the opening dance in the festival tent. Saturday is dedicated to the 'Vogelschuss'; on Sunday, the festival high mass, the grand parade, and the traditional dance in the festival tent take place. Monday is for the festival's conclusion and clearing the festival grounds.

St. Sebastianus Brotherhood Medebach

The St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Medebach preserves the Catholic riflemen's tradition of the Hochsauerlandkreis — with Saint Sebastian as the patron saint, military discipline, social engagement, and a packed calendar of events throughout the year. On the association's website, the brotherhood documents its festival traditions with photo galleries dating back to 2015. Live broadcasts of individual program items are occasionally offered on YouTube and Facebook.

Medebach in Hochsauerland

Medebach, located on the border with Hesse, is one of the oldest towns in Sauerland — as a Hanseatic town with its own town charter since the 13th century. Today, it has around 8,000 inhabitants and thrives on tourism and agriculture. The Schützenfest is its identity-defining annual event.