Schützenfest Meerbusch-Osterath

Heimat- und Schützenbund Osterath 1955 e.V.

The Heimat- und Schützenbund Osterath 1955 e.V. represents the organized shooting tradition in the Osterath district of Meerbusch (Rhein-Kreis Neuss district). Founded in 1955 — relatively young compared to many centuries-old shooting fraternities of the Rhineland — the association has developed over seven decades into one of the defining institutions of Osterath's community life. The Schützenfest takes place on a two-year cycle — 2026 is a Schützenfest year.

2026 Programme — from Regimental Shooting to the Main Festival

Preparatory Events

• 3 September 2026, 5:00 PM — Regimentsschießen (Regimental Shooting)
• 4 September 2026, 8:00 PM — Zugführerversammlung (Parade Leader Meeting)
• 8 July 2026, 5:00 PM — Deadline for Children's Drawing Competition

Main Festival from Friday, 18 September 2026

Opening on Friday, 18 September 2026 at 4:00 PM. The weekend includes the classic elements of a Lower Rhine Schützenfest:

• Festival Tent with dance music and live bands
• Proclamation of the King for King Paul I. (Rote Friderizianer)
• Parades through the district with music bands, flag delegations, drum corps, and all associations
• Honouring of the King with an honour guard
• Shooting competitions among the shooting companies
• Family programme and children's events

Schützenkönig 2026 — Paul I.

The reigning Schützenkönig (King) for 2026 is Paul I. from the shooting club Rote Friderizianer. The Rote Friderizianer are one of the most traditional clubs in the HSB Osterath — the 2026 proclamation of the king will be marked by their tradition. The King and his court — Queen, adjutants, ladies-in-waiting — form the ceremonial leadership of the association for two years.

Tanz in den Mai — The Kick-off on 30 April 2026

The Schützen year unofficially begins on 30 April 2026 with the traditional 'Tanz in den Mai' (Dance into May) in the heated festival tent — a festive evening for all members and guests, building anticipation for the big festival in September. A popular event that attracts people from Osterath and the surrounding area, even without the Schützenfest context.

Osterath — District of Meerbusch

Osterath, with around 12,000 inhabitants, is one of the largest districts of Meerbusch (total approx. 56,000 inhabitants) on the Lower Rhine, located between Düsseldorf, Krefeld, and Neuss. The town centre has retained its village identity — which makes the Schützenfest all the more authentic, as it is a genuine community celebration and not a commercially procured event. Those combining the festival with a weekend in the Lower Rhine region will find Pesch Castle Park in Meerbusch, the Altstadt (Old Town) in Düsseldorf, and the typical floodplain landscapes of the Lower Rhine along the Rhine river.