PLUM FEST 2026
AUG 22-23
**MEDIA RELEASE**
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – July 1, 2026
31st Annual Plum Festival Returns to Old World Huntington Beach
A Sweet Celebration of Tradition, Family, and German Heritage
For one special weekend each year, Old World Huntington Beach celebrates the arrival of one of summer's most treasured fruits—the plum. Join us for the 31st Annual Plum Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as Old World Village transforms into a delicious celebration of German baking traditions, family heritage, and community.
This beloved annual event showcases the famous Pflaumenkuchen (German Plum Cake), made with fresh Italian plums that ripen for only a brief window each summer. Guests can indulge in an incredible variety of plum-inspired treats, enjoy authentic German food and beverages, and dance to the lively sounds of traditional German music performed by Da Stube Buben.
Festival Highlights
Since its debut in 1995, the Plum Festival has become one of Old World's most cherished traditions. Visitors can enjoy:
Sweet Plum Creations
Fresh-baked German Pflaumenkuchen (Plum Cake)
Plum Strudel
Homemade Plum Jam
Plum Juice
Plum Berliners (German jelly-filled donuts)
Plum Schnapps
Plum Martinis
Additional seasonal plum-inspired desserts and beverages
Authentic German Cuisine
Old World's famous bratwurst on a roll
Black Forest ham and cheese sandwiches
Giant Bavarian pretzels
Seasoned roasted chicken
German potato salad and traditional sides
A large selection of imported and domestic German beers
Live Entertainment
Traditional German music by Da Stube Buben
Authentic folk dancing performances
Family-friendly festival atmosphere throughout the village
Free Family Fun
FREE admission
FREE parking
Browse unique shops and boutiques
Explore Huntington Beach's historic Bavarian village
Enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon with family and friends
The Plum Festival was created as a tribute to Dolores Bischof, the beloved matriarch of Old World Village and wife of founder Josef Bischof.
The inspiration for the festival reaches back generations. Dolores's mother, Elly Schwarzer, baked a traditional Pflaumenkuchen every year for her daughter's birthday—even during the difficult years of World War II in Germany. The cherished tradition continued throughout Elly's remarkable life until her passing at 103 years old.
In the mid-1990s, inspired by Southern California's fruit festivals, the Bischof family decided Huntington Beach deserved a celebration of its own. The result was the Plum Festival, honoring both the family's German heritage and the treasured recipe that had brought generations together around the table.
Today, each slice of plum cake represents more than a dessert—it tells a story of family, resilience, tradition, and love.
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Looking Ahead to Oktoberfest
The celebration doesn't end with plums. Just weeks later, Old World will launch its 48th Annual Oktoberfest, running September 12 through November 8, 2026.
Guests can enjoy:
Authentic German bands direct from Germany
Marko the One-Man Band
MC Thommy Kazoo and Kane
Traditional German food and beer
Shot Girls and festive entertainment
Stein-holding competitions
Beer-drinking contests
Family nights and special events throughout the season
Bis nächstes Mal! (Until next time!)
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Plan Your Visit
WHERE:
The Biergarten @ Old World Huntington Beach
7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
WHEN:
2026
Saturday - Sunday
August 22 - 23
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
TICKETS & INFO:
Visit: https://www.oldworldhb.com/plum-fest
WEBSITE:
Visit www.OldWorldHB.com
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Contact Us
For press inquiries, interviews, or media access, please contact Cyndie Kasko at: info@oldworldhb.com
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About Old World Village
in Huntington Beach, CA
Old World Village in Huntington Beach
Founded in 1978 by German immigrant and entrepreneur Josef Bischof, Old World Village brings the charm and traditions of Bavaria to Southern California. The nine-acre village features unique shops, restaurants, bakeries, markets, entertainment venues, and the famous Biergarten, all nestled among cobblestone streets and European architecture.
Today, the village continues under the leadership of Josef's children, Bernie Bischof and Cyndie Kasko, along with the next generation of the Bischof family, preserving and sharing German culture with visitors from across the country.