Frosting, sprinkles and layers of fun: Giant cake picnic hits Sydney

Over 500 attendees gathered in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens this weekend to partake in a unique culinary experience. The event, inspired by a viral phenomenon, had previously sold out in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Even in Dubai, London, and Mexico City, securing tickets proved as challenging as finding a double-yolk egg. Now, the concept has reached Australia, with a Melbourne gathering earlier this month showcasing an astonishing 1,600 cakes in one location.

Elisa Sunga, the founder of Cake Picnic, admits she never anticipated her baking journey would take such a global turn. A part-time hobby baker and full-time Google employee, Sunga moved to San Francisco at age 12 from her hometown of Baguio City in the Philippines. Two years ago, she posted an online invitation for a small gathering with a simple request: bring a cake. Initially expecting a dozen participants, she prepared seven to ensure everyone had a sample. Instead, nearly 200 people showed up, devouring over 180 cakes.

The event’s charm lies in its simplicity and spontaneity. Participants place their creations on tables spread across the grassy knoll, with Sydney’s Harbour Bridge as a scenic backdrop. While the crowd admires the architectural feats of sponge and buttercream, the real spectacle is the diversity of desserts. From a life-sized swan made of cake to a flower arrangement composed entirely of cupcakes, the displays are as creative as they are colorful.

Attendees share a mix of flavors and textures, including coffee pecan torte, spiced pear sponge with miso caramel, and a Persian baklava adorned with golden filo shards. Savory delights also make an appearance, such as a focaccia cake topped with roasted tomato, pesto, and feta icing. “When surrounded by thousands of sweet treats, the craving for something salty becomes unavoidable,” Sunga remarks.

For Sunga, the event is more than a celebration of baked goods—it’s a reflection of her upbringing. Growing up in the Philippines, her home was “very savoury,” with desserts limited to sticky rice and fruit. “I didn’t know what a cake or a doughnut was until I started after-school parties in California,” she explains. The maximalism of Cake Picnic, she suggests, stems from her desire to connect with others through shared creativity.

Sunga’s workweek is immersed in AI development, but the event offers a tangible escape. “It’s almost meditative to create something with my hands,” she says. The picnic also emphasizes real-world social interaction, a contrast to the digital realm. “AI can do amazing things, but it still can’t bake a cake,” she jokes. By bringing people outdoors, the event fosters a sense of community and joy.

At the Sydney gathering, participants engage in a friendly competition to devour as much cake as possible within five minutes. Some rush to sample a matcha-strawberry creation, while others make their way to the tres leche dessert. Eunice Lim, a Sydney-based influencer from Singapore, balances her haul of treats in a pizza box while taking a selfie with Sunga. “It’s vibrant and inclusive—no judgment, just people and cakes of all sizes,” she says.

Marcus Ehrlich, 42, stands out as one of the few men in the crowd. Under a nearby fig tree, he enjoys the sweet indulgence with a smile, embodying the event’s spirit of fun and connection. As the sun rises, the grassy knoll buzzes with laughter, the scent of frosting, and the joy of sharing something as simple as a cake.