In brief
The Cake Picnic has taken Sydney by storm, attracting over 500 cake enthusiasts to the Royal Botanic Garden. Founded by Elisa Sunga, the event encourages community participation and celebrates the art of baking. From whimsical confections to savory offerings, the picnic showcases a diverse array of cakes while fostering social connection.
Welcome to Cake Picnic, Sydney edition.
It's the viral event that's already sold out dates in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Tickets in Dubai, London and Mexico City were harder to come by than a double-yolk egg.
And now it's landed on Australian shores, with a Melbourne event earlier this month boasting 1,600 cakes in one sitting.
I had no idea that I could ever go on tour for cake, laughs Cake Picnic founder Elisa Sunga, part-time hobby baker and full-time Google employee. People go on tour for music and whatnot, but for cake? It just seems so whimsical and delightful to be able to do that.
The concept is simple. Two years ago, Sunga - who moved to San Francisco aged 12 from her hometown of Baguio City in the Philippines - posted an online invitation for a small gathering with one request: everyone must bring a cake.
The 35-year-old figured maybe a dozen or so people might turn up and brought seven cakes to make sure everyone would get a taste. To her amazement, close to 200 people came with more than 180 cakes devoured.
Her simple, sugar-laden summons has since caused ripples of the buttercream variety across the foodie world. It feels unreal, Sunga tells the BBC. I had no idea that thousands of people all over the world would be as excited as I am.
As the Sydney event attracts more than 500 participants at the Royal Botanic Garden, attendees line up with cakes that must be 20cm in diameter and 7.5cm tall. The excitement is palpable as cake enthusiasts share their creations, showcasing everything from traditional flavors to innovative and whimsical designs.
The highlight of the picnic is a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie, with families, friends, and strangers gathering on the lawn to bond over their cakes. Assorted treats range from coffee pecan torte to a life-sized swan creation, reflecting the creativity and passion of the bakers.
It's so vibrant and inclusive, shares Eunice Lim, a Sydney-based influencer. There's no judgment here – just people and cakes of all shapes and sizes. The event has become a beautiful celebration of community, featuring bakers of all skill levels and flavors from around the world.
With the backdrop of Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge, the Cake Picnic is not just an event; it's a unique gathering that blends enjoyment, artistic expression, and the connection of shared experiences.
