Schützenfest Thüle 2026

St. Johannes Schützenbruderschaft Thüle — Catholic Marksmen Tradition

The St. Johannes Schützenbruderschaft Thüle is one of the traditional Catholic Schützenbruderschaften in the Oldenburger Münsterland region. Unlike most marksmen's clubs in predominantly Protestant Northern Germany, the Bruderschaften in the Catholic-influenced western Lower Saxony have a strong church-religious tradition: The name of a patron saint (here: John the Baptist) is programmatic, the festival traditionally begins with a celebratory church service, and the religious component is an integral part.

King's Shoot in Advance on May 16

A special feature of the Thüle Bruderschaft: The King's Shoot will take place in 2026 on May 16 — more than a month before the actual festival weekend. This separation is not unusual in the Schützenwesen: The shooting requires concentrated conditions and does not need the festival tent atmosphere. The determined King and his court will then be presented and celebrated at the main festival.

Schützenfest on June 30 and July 1, 2026

The actual festival weekend takes place on June 30 and July 1, 2026 — a date at the transition from June to July, falling between the Pentecost Schützenfeste and the main Friesoythe festival in early August. Over two days, the Bruderschaft celebrates with a parade, ball, proclamation of the King and Queen chosen in May, catering, and the typical Schützenfest atmosphere.

Thüle — Friesoythe Hamlet

Thüle is one of the districts of the town of Friesoythe and belongs ecclesiastically to the parish of St. Marien Friesoythe. The Schützenbruderschaft is closely linked to the parish — the Schützenfest and church life are part of this tradition. The Schützenfest is the highlight of the village community's calendar.