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Sydney hosts sold-out Cake Picnic gathering
A global phenomenon that began as a small cake-sharing meetup in San Francisco has arrived in Australia, drawing over 500 participants to Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden this weekend. The event, founded by Google employee Elisa Sunga, requires attendees to bring a homemade or store-bought cake measuring at least 20 cm wide and 7.5 cm tall.
From humble beginnings to international craze
Sunga, 35, launched Cake Picnic two years ago after moving from the Philippines to California at age 12. What started as an online invitation for a dozen friends ballooned into an unexpected success when nearly 200 people arrived with 180 cakes. Since then, the event has sold out in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, London, and Mexico City.
"I had no idea thousands of people worldwide would share my excitement," Sunga told the BBC. "It feels surreal to tour for cake-something so whimsical and joyful."
A feast of creativity and community
This weekend's Sydney event showcased an eclectic array of confections, from a metre-high swan cake to a bouquet of cupcakes. Flavours ranged from classic coffee pecan torte to innovative creations like jackfruit and palm sugar cakes, reflecting Southeast Asian influences. A savoury focaccia cake with roasted tomato and pesto icing also made an appearance, much to Sunga's delight.
Attendees included home bakers, professional pastry chefs, influencers, and even non-bakers like six-year-old Matilda, who helped decorate a store-bought cake. "I'm a good eater, not a baker," she admitted.
"There's no judgment here-just people and cakes of all shapes and sizes."
Eunice Lim, Sydney-based influencer
Late-night baking and shared joy
Many participants stayed up late preparing their cakes. Hilary Lindgren, 54, and her daughter baked a carrot cake into the early hours, describing the process as "a big mess, flour and sugar everywhere, but lots of fun."
Reg Leones, a 40-year-old lawyer, spent three days crafting a towering koala cake infused with Filipino flavours like ube and leche flan. "Baking is my release from the demands of my day job," he said.
Families also embraced the event. Tanya Mouchawrab, 37, and her daughters, Lily (13) and Ivy (11), baked three cakes together-lemon, red velvet, and rainbow. "We just love cake," Ivy said.
Why cake brings people together
Associate Professor Lindsay Kelley, who studies food and technology, noted that cakes are uniquely designed for sharing. "Unlike muffins or biscuits, cakes are meant to be sliced and enjoyed collectively," she explained. "That shared experience is central to Cake Picnic's appeal."
Sunga, who balances her tech career with baking, sees the event as a way to foster real-world connections. "AI can't bake a cake-yet," she joked. "Cake Picnic forces people to step outside, spend time on the grass, and connect."
A celebration of diversity and creativity
The event attracted a wide demographic, from older women who bake together to Gen Z friends and college students. Sunga, who grew up in a savoury-focused Filipino household, described her love for cake as a form of "maximalism" and creative expression.
"I want to have my cake and eat it, too."
Elisa Sunga, Cake Picnic founder
With Sydney's event complete, the next stop for Cake Picnic remains unannounced-but given its global popularity, demand is sure to outpace supply once again.
