Schützenfest Schwalenberg

Schützenfest Schwalenberg 2026 — Three Days of Tradition in the Lippe Region

From May 23rd to 25th, 2026 (Pentecost weekend), the Schwalenberger Schützengesellschaft (Schwalenberg Shooting Association) will celebrate its Pentecost Schützenfest in Schwalenberg, one of Westphalia's most beautiful half-timbered villages. In this artists' town in the south of the Lippe district, the Schützenfest has been the social highlight of the year for generations — supported by 20 shooting squads and opened with the traditional fir tree procession (Tannenfahren).

Tannenfahren — The Traditional Kick-off

Before the actual festival weekend, the Tannenfahren (fir tree procession) rolls through the streets of Schwalenberg: a custom where fir trees are ceremoniously brought in to decorate the Schützenhalle (shooting hall) and the festival grounds. With the Tannenfahren, the Schützenfest, in a way, begins for the people of Schwalenberg days before the official start.

Saturday, May 23rd — Opening, Tattoo, Ball

Starting at 7 PM, the official program begins with a concert on the market square. This is followed by a march to the war memorial on Dohlenberg with a wreath-laying ceremony and the traditional Grand Tattoo (Großer Zapfenstreich). Afterwards, the celebration continues in the Schützenhalle — the party band "Enjoy" will get everyone dancing.

Sunday, May 24th — Parade of the 20 Squads

Sunday is dedicated to the grand parade. Starting at 1 PM, a concert on the market square, then the 20 squads march from various assembly points into the town. The parade is musically accompanied by the marching band of the Schwalenberg Volunteer Fire Department, the Rischenau Drum Corps, and the show band DrumStorm Steinheim. In the evening, DJ Toto takes over the Schützenhalle.

Monday, May 25th — King's Proclamation

The highlight of the Schützenfest is the king's proclamation at the Schützenhalle on Whit Monday — the peak of the town's social calendar. Afterwards, DJ sets with DJ Mac entertain until late in the evening.

Schwalenberg — Westphalia's Artists' Town

The district of Schwalenberg, part of the municipality of Schieder-Schwalenberg, is located in the Lippe district (North Rhine-Westphalia), between the Eggegebirge mountains and the Lippe region. With only about 1,600 inhabitants, Schwalenberg is small but nationally known for its completely preserved half-timbered town center and its tradition of painters (since the late 19th century, the "Schwalenberg Artists' Colony"). The Schützengesellschaft contributes to the preservation of this village identity — the Schützenfest is both tradition and a social commitment.