Schützenfest Osterwick Rosendahl

Tradition in the Münsterland — Schützenbruderschaft Ss. Fabian und Sebastian Osterwick

The Schützenbruderschaft Ss. Fabian und Sebastian Osterwick is one of the traditional Catholic shooting brotherhoods of the western Münsterland. It bears the name of the early Christian martyrs Fabian and Sebastian — both patron saints of marksmen and civil guards in the Catholic tradition. The annual Schützenfest in Osterwick, a district of the municipality of Rosendahl in the Coesfeld district, is the highlight of the club's year and one of the most important dates in the local calendar.

July 11 to 13, 2026 — Three Days of Tradition

For 2026, the Schützenfest is scheduled from July 11 to 13 (Saturday to Monday) — confirmed by the countdown on the club's website. The venue is the Osterwick shooting grounds with a marquee, the bird pole, and ample space for the shooting sections and thousands of guests from Osterwick and the surrounding area.

Standard Program of a Münsterland Schützenfest

Saturday, July 11, 2026 — Opening

• Assembly of the shooting sections at the shooting grounds
• Zapfenstreich (Tattoo) and ceremonial opening
• Grand Dance Evening in the marquee with a live band

Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Festive Procession

• Grand Festive Procession through Osterwick with the reigning King and Queen, shooting sections, music clubs, and floats
• King's Award Ceremony for the reigning couple
• King's Ball in the marquee in the evening

Monday, July 13, 2026 — King's Shooting

• King's Shooting at the Bird — Selection of the new King and Queen 2026/2027
• Coronation of the new Majesties
• Festive Conclusion with catering and dancing

The Royal Dynasty

The Osterwick shooting brotherhood maintains a meticulous list of kings:

• 2025: King Torsten Gauselmann
• 2024: King Thomas Blakert
• 2026: New Majesties will be determined at the King's Shooting on July 13, 2026

Osterwick and Rosendahl — The Context

The municipality of Rosendahl (approx. 11,000 inhabitants) in the Coesfeld district comprises the districts of Darfeld, Holtwick, Osterwick, and smaller farming communities. Osterwick is one of the most independent districts with its own church, its own shooting club, and an active village community. The Schützenfest is the most important event in Osterwick's club year — all generations come together, and the marquee and bird pole become the center of village life.

The Catholic Shooting Tradition

Shooting brotherhoods in the Münsterland are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition — patronage of a holy protector (here Ss. Fabian and Sebastian), club masses, participation in church festivals, traditional values. However, modern brotherhoods have long been open to members of any faith or no faith — sociability, club life, and participation in village events are now paramount.