Schweinfurter Vogelschuss
Bavaria's oldest spring Volksfest since 1787
About Vogelschuss Schweinfurt
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A Tradition Since 1787
The Schweinfurter Vogelschuss is one of the oldest documented Volksfeste in Bavaria. As early as 1787, the Schweinfurt Marksmen's Guild, founded in 1432, first shot at a wooden bird to crown the annual 'Vogelkönig' (Bird King). Over the centuries, this old Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) evolved into the spring Volksfest that opens the festival season in Schweinfurt, Lower Franconia. The fact that the festival has taken place for over 230 years without interruption makes it a defining event for the industrial city on the Main.
Shooting Competition and Funfair
At its heart is the traditional Vogelschuss: Members of the Schweinfurt Marksmen's Guild shoot at a wooden bird with small-caliber rifles until it falls from the pole. The shooter who makes the final hit is crowned 'Vogelkönig' and leads the parade in the following year. In recent decades, a classic Volksfest funfair has established itself around this tradition, with a festival tent, rides, a Ferris wheel, dodgems, and all the typical showmen.
Volksfestplatz Niederwerrner Straße
The Volksfestplatz on Niederwerrner Straße in the north of the city offers space for around 50 showman businesses on several hectares. With almost 13 hectares, the area is one of the largest Volksfest sites in Lower Franconia. Schweinfurt is located in the state of Bavaria, district of Lower Franconia, and with around 54,000 inhabitants, it is one of the industrial strongholds of the region — the Vogelschuss is a fixed date in the event calendar here.
Parade and Fireworks
The festival opens with a parade from the Marksmen's Guild to the Volksfestplatz and the first shot by the reigning 'Vogelkönig' at the festival tent. The grand opening fireworks around 10 p.m. are known far beyond the city limits. On 'Kindertag' (Children's Day) in the second week of the festival, showmen offer discounts of up to 50 percent on rides, a popular event for families from the entire district.
Vogelschuss Schweinfurt — edition 2026
10 Days of Spring Volksfest
From Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 19, 2026, the 239th edition of the Schweinfurter Vogelschuss will take place on the Volksfestplatz Niederwerrner Straße. The Schweinfurt Marksmen's Guild 1432 opens the festival with a parade and the first shot at the festival tent, followed by the beer tapping by the 'Vogelkönig' and the grand opening fireworks around 10 p.m.
Over the ten festival days, the event attracts visitors from the entire Lower Franconia district. The festival tent, around 50 showman businesses, a Ferris wheel, dodgems, and family rides make the site one of the largest spring funfair grounds in Bavaria.
Programme Vogelschuss Schweinfurt 2026
Friday, April 10 — Opening Day
- Afternoon: Parade of the Marksmen's Guild from the shooting range to the Volksfestplatz
- First shot by the 'Vogelkönig' at the festival tent
- Beer tapping ceremony
- From 10 p.m.: Grand opening fireworks
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 19
- Daily festival tent with catering
- Around 50 showman businesses: Ferris wheel, dodgems, carousels, food stalls, candy stands
- Shooting competitions by the Marksmen's Guild
Wednesday, April 15 — Children's Day
- Up to 50% discount on rides
Sunday, April 19 — Festival Finale
- Last shot and crowning of the new 'Vogelkönig'
- Family Day
Detailed program and festival hosts will be published in spring 2026 on schweinfurt.de.
Highlights Vogelschuss Schweinfurt 2026
- Opening fireworks on April 10 around 10 p.m.
- Traditional Vogelschuss by the Marksmen's Guild 1432
- Children's Day on April 15 with up to 50% discount
- 239th edition since 1787 — uninterrupted
Prices Vogelschuss Schweinfurt 2026
Free admission to the festival grounds. A Maß of beer in the festival tent costs approx. 12 to 13 EUR (previous year's price). Rides are charged at showmen's prices; up to 50% discount on Children's Day. Parking around the Volksfestplatz is free.
Practical information — Vogelschuss Schweinfurt
Getting There
Schweinfurt is located on the A 70 and A 71 motorways. From Schweinfurt main station to Volksfestplatz Niederwerrner Straße is about a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride. Additional buses are deployed during the Vogelschuss. Free parking is available on site, but often fills up quickly.
Opening Hours
Thursday to Saturday from 2 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. Festival tent open late into the night.
Admission
Free admission to the festival grounds. Rides are charged at showmen's prices.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Vogelschuss Schweinfurt
Volksfestplatz Schweinfurt
Niederwerrner Straße, 97421 Schweinfurt