Stadtfest Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock — 500 Years of Stukenbrock

500 Years of Stukenbrock — Half a Millennium of Name History

In 2026, the district of Stukenbrock celebrates a special birthday: exactly 500 years ago, the name “Stukenbrock” was first documented. The current twin town of Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock was only formed in 1970 through the merger of the two villages of Schloß Holte and Stukenbrock — both, however, look back on their own centuries-old history. Stukenbrock is located in the district of Gütersloh, in the southeastern Münsterland, on the border with Ostwestfalen-Lippe, a good 20 kilometers southwest of Bielefeld.

When: April 24 to 26, 2026

The festival weekend spans three days:

• Friday, April 24, 2026: Festival kickoff, receptions, concerts
• Saturday, April 25, 2026: Grand Parade
• Sunday, April 26, 2026: Town festival in the REWE parking lot

Saturday 04/25 — Grand Parade

The main event is the Grand Parade on Saturday, April 25, 2026:

• 12:30 PM: Assembly of parade groups
• 2:00 PM: Start of the parade
• Route through Stukenbrock with music bands, decorated floats, historical reenactments of the 500-year history
• Clubs, schools, kindergartens, carnival clubs, sports groups from the entire twin town
• Heimatverein Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock marches in full force

Sunday 04/26 — Town Festival in the REWE Parking Lot

On Sunday, the actual town festival opens:

• 11:00 AM: Festival opening with a small ceremony
• Over 40 stalls around the REWE parking lot and St. Johannes Church
• 12 stage programs spread throughout the day — from local music groups and dance ensembles to club presentations
• Heimatverein stand with coffee and cake — a traditional festival component
• Catering and food stalls (bratwurst, fries, cakes, specialties)
• Stage and sound system in the vicinity of the historic St. Johannes Church
• Until 6:00 PM

Heimatverein Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock

The Heimatverein Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock e.V. plays a central role, driving forward the historical research of the 500-year history of Stukenbrock. The association documents on its website: “The Heimatverein is participating and serving coffee and cake.” Throughout the year, the Heimatverein organizes city tours, special publications, and exhibitions for the 500th anniversary — the town festival is the highlight of the anniversary calendar.

St. Johannes Church — Historic Landmark

The St. Johannes Church in Stukenbrock is the historical focal point of the festival. The Catholic parish church shapes the townscape and is at the center of the Sunday celebrations. Festival masses, concerts, and church tours complement the secular festival program.

Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock — Gateway to the Senne

Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock, with around 27,000 inhabitants, is a small town in the Gütersloh district, on the border of the Senne — a nature-protected sandy landscape southwest of Bielefeld. Known for the Wasserschloss Holte (today a restaurant), the Safariland Stukenbrock (large amusement and animal park), and the Holter Wald forest as a local recreation area. Visitors to the town festival can ideally combine their stay with a family day at Safariland or a hike in the Senne.

Getting There and Tips

By train: Schloß Holte station (RB 74), 15-minute walk to the REWE parking lot. By car: A33 exit Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock, parking available in the surrounding area. Tip for the parade on Saturday: Secure a spot early along the main street — assembly starts at 12:30 PM, parade starts at 2:00 PM. Tip for the town festival on Sunday: Combine your visit with coffee and cake at the Heimatverein stand and a church tour at St. Johannes.