Bring on the cake: Explore this unique picnic experience in Mumbai

Cake, sunshine, and good company — perfect for a summer day; (right) Preeth Sanghvi and Pooja Dhingra. Pics/@cakepicnictour Instagram

A cake picnic is the latest whimsical trend to sweep across parks and social feeds in the US. What's not to like? It combines the charm of outdoor gatherings with the joy of communal cake tasting. It was started by Elisa Sunga, a creator based in New York, who hosted the first official cake picnic in 2023. Tired of the city's fast-paced social scene and craving something more whimsical and communal, Sunga invited a few friends to a local park with a straightforward rule: bring a whole cake to share. What unfolded was a dreamy afternoon of cake sharing, laughter, and picnic blankets covered in confections that looked like they belonged in a Wes Anderson film.

Sunga documented the event on TikTok, showing off the cakes, the guests' creative outfits, and the laid-back, joyful atmosphere. The video quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and inspiring others to host their versions. The hashtag #cakepicnic exploded, and within months, similar events were being organised in New York's Central Park, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and even as far away as London and Sydney.

And now it comes to Mumbai with Le15 Patisserie and Gourmet Tales Co teaming up for a first-of-its-kind celebration of cakes, community, and creativity. Kicking off on May 18 at Gallops, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the sold-out event brings together 110 bakers, 110 kg of cake, and more than 250 cake lovers from across Mumbai, Bangalore, Gujarat, and Delhi.

This Indian twist transforms the concept into a curated, ticketed experience. Chef Pooja Dhingra says, "Over the last couple of years, we've seen a global rise in beautifully curated, food-led community experiences - from outdoor picnics to themed dessert gatherings. What stood out to both of us was how these moments brought together food, people, stories, and shared joy. That's when we knew we had to co-create something that celebrated this spirit, and what better way than with cakes."

The founders wish to create a travelling format that welcomes bakers and dessert enthusiasts from all over. "For this first edition alone, we have participants coming in from Gujarat, Pune, and Bangalore - it's already turning into a national cake movement," smiles Dhingra.

Preeth Sanghvi of Gourmet Tales Co tells us, "We're creating a dreamy sundowner setting with over 110 baking enthusiasts showcasing their cakes in an immersive, picnic-style setup, layered with thoughtful design and experiences in collaboration with our table decor partner Freedom Tree. Every detail has been consciously planned, from the crockery to the tasting flow. Gallops gave us the perfect canvas - a mix of heritage charm and expansive lawns that allowed us to build the warm, welcoming vibe we envisioned. It let us bring the idea of a ‘cake party' to life - elegant, fun, and set under the open sky, all while being in the heart of Mumbai. There's also a meet-and-greet, photo ops, fun activities, and tons of cake tasting with a cake dash! It's as much about celebrating the bakers as about building a dessert-loving community."

With 250 total attendees confirmed and a long waitlist, it reflects just how hungry people are (literally and emotionally) for experiences that bring joy and
creativity together.

WHEN: May 18, 5.30 pm to 9 pm
WHERE: Gallops, Mahalaxmi
TO BOOK: www.skillboxes.com/events/cake-party