Schützenfest St. Michael Marbeck

Marbeck in the Münsterland Region of Borken

Marbeck is one of the rural districts of the town of Borken in the Westmünsterland region (Borken district, Münster administrative region). With around 3,500 inhabitants, it is a classic Münsterland farming village, characterized by agriculture, the Schützenwesen (marksmen's tradition), and a remarkably vibrant club culture. The club life of the Schützenverein St. Michael Marbeck e.V., founded in 1927, shapes the village year — and the annual Schützenfest on the third weekend of May is the social highlight.

Three Days of Schützenfest at the "Zum Haselhof" Festival Tent

In 2026, the Schützenfest runs from Saturday, May 16th, to Monday, May 18th. The venue is the large festival tent at "Haselhof" in Borken-Marbeck, which is specially erected for the festival each year. Three days of classic Schützen traditions — kicking off on Saturday with a Schützenmesse (marksmen's church service) and a procession to the shooting range, the members' bird shooting competition, and the opening ball in the evening. Sunday features the grand parade and the festival ball, while Monday is dedicated to the bird shooting and the crowning of the new king and queen.

Bird Baptism, Throne Storming, Bird Burial

A special feature of the Marbeck Schützenfest are the distinct customs cultivated by the club: the Vogeltaufe (bird baptism - ceremonial consecration of the wooden bird before the shooting), the Thronsturm (throne storming - a humorous, ritualistic handover of the royal title at the end of the festival), and the Vogelbeerdigung (bird burial - ceremonial burial of the shot bird remnants on the last day of the festival). These customs are typically Westphalian and demonstrate the marksmen's humorous yet deeply rooted connection to their tradition.

Kirmes at the Festival Grounds

Parallel to the Schützenfest, a Kirmes (fair) takes place with carousels, snack stands, a shooting gallery, and a lottery booth on the festival grounds — the combination of a traditional Schützenfest and a Volksfest (popular festival) makes the weekend attractive for families. The local Marbeck clubs participate with their own program items and food stalls.

Outlook for 2027: 100th Anniversary

In 2027, the Schützenverein St. Michael Marbeck will celebrate its 100th anniversary. An expanded festival program is planned from May 14th to 17th, 2027 — featuring a Kaiser shooting on May 8th (a rare honor in which only former club kings participate) and a grand festival day on Whit Sunday, May 16th, 2027. The 2026 edition is therefore the last "normal" Schützenfest before the anniversary year.

Getting to Marbeck

By car via the B 70 (Borken-Bocholt) — parking available around the festival tent at "Haselhof". By public transport: Borken train station (RB 43 from Wesel or Coesfeld), then take a bus to Marbeck. Approximately 35 minutes by car from Coesfeld, around 30 minutes from Wesel. Marbeck is located about 6 kilometers from Borken's town center.