Schützenfest Schotthocker Junggesellen Rheine

Schützenfest Schotthocker 2026 — a Traditional Junggesellen Brotherhood

From 11 to 15 June 2026, the Schotthocker Junggesellen-Schützenverein 1827 Rheine will celebrate its annual Schützenfest on the festival grounds in Walshagenpark. The association is one of the largest and oldest Junggesellen-Schützenvereinigungen in the Münsterland region — with over 280 members, more than 70 of whom are active Junggesellen, and a tradition spanning almost 200 years since 1827.

2026 Programme — Five Days of Festivities

Thursday, 11 June 2026 — Kick-off

• Opening with a ceremonial flag-raising
• First festival evening in the marquee

Friday, 12 June 2026 — Festival Reception

• Reception of friendly associations
• Festival ceremony and dance evening

Saturday, 13 June 2026 — Bird Shooting

• Traditional bird shooting at the target stand
• Determination of the new Junggesellen King
• Festival evening with live band

Sunday, 14 June 2026 — Parade and Coronation

• Drum and bugle corps wake-up call
• Grand parade through the streets of Rheine
• Solemn coronation of the new King and his court
• Festival ball in the evening

Monday, 15 June 2026 — Festival Finale

• Shooting competitions for members
• Morning pint and fraternity receptions
• Festival finale in the marquee

Royal Court 2025/26 — the Reigning Brotherhood Leadership

• King and Queen: Guido & Andrea Kloos
• Emperor and Empress: Günter & Britta Theismann (highest honour, achieved through exceptional shooting success over several years)
• Children's King and Queen: Leon Jürgens & Emily Strathemann

The entire royal court represents the Schotthocker Junggesellen-Schützenverein internally and externally for one year, visits festivals of neighbouring brotherhoods, and presides over the festivities.

Schotthocker Junggesellen-Schützenverein 1827

The Schotthocker Junggesellen-Schützenverein was founded in 1827 and has been one of the most important brotherhoods in the western Münsterland for almost two centuries. A Junggesellen-Schützenverein differs from a classic brotherhood in that active membership is reserved for young, unmarried men (the "Junggesellen"), while supporting and honorary members come from all age groups. This format is typical for parts of the Münsterland and Lower Rhine regions. The association currently has over 280 members — a remarkable number in an era when many brotherhoods struggle with recruitment.

The Junggesellen Format

Active Junggesellen appear in uniform, wear the marksmen's insignia, and take on the central roles in the parade. Only the Junggesellen King can be determined during the bird shooting — if a Junggeselle marries, he transitions to supporting or honorary membership. This tradition preserves a special generational character of the festivities and explains why the Schotthocker still have so many young active marksmen today.

200th Anniversary 2027

In 2027, the Schotthocker Junggesellen-Schützenverein will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Three days of festivities are planned for the grand jubilee celebration: 11–13 June 2027 in Walshagenpark — with an expanded festival programme, a jubilee commemorative publication, reception duties, and particularly elaborate float designs.

Walshagenpark — The Festival Grounds

Walshagenpark is located in the north of Rheine and is one of the most beautiful and largest city parks in the region. With extensive lawns, old trees, and a distinctive festival area, the park has been the stage for major events for decades — from Schützenfeste to summer concerts and sporting events.

Rheine — A Mid-sized City in the Western Münsterland

The city of Rheine, with around 78,000 inhabitants, is located in the north of the Münsterland region, on the Ems river and bordering Lower Saxony. It is the largest city in the Steinfurt district and an important transport hub between the Ruhr area, Münsterland, and Lower Saxony. Schützenfeste, Kirmes (fair) traditions, and customs play a central role in Rheine — in addition to the Schotthocker, several other Schützenvereine and brotherhoods shape the city's festival calendar.