Soester Bürgerschützenfest
The traditional Bürgerschützenfest of the Hanseatic city of Soest with the 'Wippen' into the Great Pond
About Soester Schützenfest
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Marksmen Tradition in the Westphalian Hanseatic City
The Hanseatic city of Soest, with its green and red sandstone churches, its completely preserved medieval city center, and the world's largest concentration of Romanesque buildings, is one of Westphalia's most beautiful cities. In summer, it becomes the stage for one of the region's most traditional Schützenfeste: the Soester Bürgerschützenfest, organized by the Bürger-Schützen-Verein Soest e.V. The date is the last full weekend in June — the Johanni weekend, named after the feast day of John the Baptist on June 24th.
'Wippen' into the Great Pond
A Soest peculiarity found nowhere else: the 'Wippen in den Großen Teich'. In the week leading up to the Bürgerschützenfest, established marksmen gather at the romantic Great Pond in the old town and ceremoniously 'whip' new members into the cool water — a humorous initiation ritual that attracts thousands of onlookers, even those without ties to the marksmen's guild. The event has long become a tourist magnet and a typical photo opportunity for the Soest marksmen season.
Parade, King's Balls, and Funfair
The actual Bürgerschützenfest spans several days around Saturday, June 27, 2026. The grand parade through the old town with all companies of the Bürger-Schützen-Verein, accompanied by music bands and drum corps, is the traditional highlight. Beforehand, there is the assembly of the companies, the 'Vogelschuss' (bird shooting) to elect new monarchs, a festive mass, the King's Ball in the Soest festival tent, and of course, a funfair with carousels, food stalls, and beer stands.
2026: Bürgerschützenfest Meets Christopher Street Day
A special constellation marks 2026: The Soester Bürgerschützenfest falls on June 27th, coinciding with the Soester Christopher Street Day (CSD). While the marksmen march in uniform through the old town, the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates its Pride Day in the same city — a situation that is met with a wink and mutual respect in Soest. Both events converge, both communities celebrate, and the Soest old town experiences a memorable Saturday in June.
Soester Schützenfest — edition 2026
Soest's most traditional Schützenfest opens its gates in 2026 on the Johanni weekend — the main festival day falls on Saturday, June 27, 2026. In the preceding week, the marksmen gather at the Great Pond for the legendary 'Wippen', where new members are tossed into the cool water. On the festival weekend itself, the 'Vogelschuss', assembly of the companies, and the grand parade through the medieval Soest old town are on the agenda. King's Balls and festival tent events complement the festival, which in 2026 takes place simultaneously with the Soester Christopher Street Day — both communities celebrate in the same city on the same weekend.
Programme Soester Schützenfest 2026
The detailed program for 2026 will be published at buerger-schuetzen-verein.de/schuetzenfest.
Typical Schedule of the Bürgerschützenfest
- Preceding Week: 'Wippen' into the Great Pond (initiation ceremony for new members, date on the association's website)
- Friday Evening: Assembly of the companies, Grand Tattoo
- Saturday, June 27, 2026: 'Vogelschuss', grand parade through the old town, King's Ball in the evening
- Sunday, June 28, 2026: Festive mass, morning pint, marksmen's breakfast
Special Feature 2026
Simultaneously, the Soester Christopher Street Day takes place in the Soest city center — both events shape the cityscape on June 27, 2026.
Highlights Soester Schützenfest 2026
- 'Wippen' into the Great Pond — Soest marksmen's specialty
- Grand parade through the medieval old town
- King's Balls in the Soest festival tent
- 2026 simultaneously with Soester CSD — unique constellation
- Johanni weekend, annual highlight
Prices Soester Schützenfest 2026
Free entry to the parade, 'Wippen', and the 'Vogelschuss' area. King's Balls and festival tent events: admission fees vary by event — tickets via the Bürger-Schützen-Verein Soest e.V.
Practical information — Soester Schützenfest
Getting There
Soest is located in the district of Soest, about 30 km east of Dortmund and 50 km west of Paderborn. By train: Soest station (RE1 Hamm–Aachen, RE6 Cologne/Düsseldorf–Minden), from there about a 10-minute walk to the old town. By car: A44 exit Soest, then B229 into the city. Parking in the multi-storey car parks on the outskirts is recommended.
Admission
Free entry to the parade and the 'Wippen' at the Great Pond. King's Balls and festival tent events: admission fee per event, tickets via the Bürger-Schützen-Verein Soest. Funfair area freely accessible, rides charged individually.
Good to Know
June 27, 2026 — the Bürgerschützenfest coincides with the Soester CSD in 2026. Program and detailed dates at buerger-schuetzen-verein.de. The 'Wippen in den Großen Teich' takes place in the preceding week — date on the association's website.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Soester Schützenfest
Soester Altstadt und Großer Teich
Soester Altstadt, 59494 Soest
Contact Soester Schützenfest
Soester Schützenfest at a glance
History of Soester Schützenfest
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