Toronto’s sweetest outdoor gathering is returning this September, bringing hundreds of cake lovers together for an afternoon of baking, sharing and plenty of dessert.
The third annual Cake Picnic Toronto will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a secret downtown Toronto location, with the exact venue to be revealed to ticket holders. Organised by Toronto’s Le Dolci Culinary School and sponsored by CityPlace and Fort York Business Improvement Area (BIA), the event is expected to attract more than 400 guests and, appropriately, about 400 homemade cakes.
The concept is simple: everyone who attends brings a homemade cake to share. Guests then gather for a giant picnic, sampling slices from other bakers while swapping recipes, decorating ideas and stories behind their creations.
For founder Lisa Sanguedolce of Le Dolci Culinary School, the event is as much about bringing people together as it is about cake.
“Cake Picnic brings people together, in person, for a joyful celebration of the love of baking, cake decorating and sharing with others,” said Sanguedolce. “It’s such an uplifting and cheerful experience.”
The previous events have attracted cake enthusiasts from across the country, with attendees travelling from Vancouver and Montreal as well as throughout Toronto and the GTA. The cakes themselves are just as varied, ranging from a samosa-inspired cake and a two-tier mango cake to a peach coulis cake finished with romantic Lambeth-style piping.
Beyond the flavours and decorations, Sanguedolce says some of the most memorable cakes are the ones connected to personal and family stories.
“What makes Cake Picnic extra special are the emotions and stories behind the cakes,” she said. “We’ve had a cake recipe from someone’s sister who had passed, those who use multi-generational family recipes, bakers who incorporate flavours from their culture in unexpected ways.”
And, of course, there is plenty of cake for everyone to enjoy.
More Than Just a Cake Potluck
While the cakes will be the main attraction, this year’s picnic will offer plenty of other entertainment and activities throughout the afternoon.
Guests can expect live DJ sets, glam and henna stations, alcohol-free cocktails, a coffee bar and a cake-inspired photo booth, along with other sprinkle-filled activities.
The event is open to everyone, from professional bakers and experienced cake decorators to people who simply enjoy making something sweet at home.
CityPlace and Fort York BIA Executive Director Mary Fragedakis said the event also provides an opportunity to showcase the downtown neighbourhood to visitors from across the GTA.
“Cake Picnic is exactly the kind of event that brings a neighbourhood to life,” said Fragedakis. “It creates opportunities for people to gather, meet new friends, celebrate creativity, and enjoy a shared experience together.”
The BIA expects the event to welcome visitors to the CityPlace and Fort York area while also supporting local businesses.
With hundreds of cakes, picnic blankets, music and a community of people who clearly do not need much convincing to eat dessert, Cake Picnic Toronto offers a distinctly sweet way to spend a September Saturday.
Cake Picnic Toronto
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Downtown Toronto, with the exact location provided to ticket holders
Tickets: On sale Friday, August 14
Organiser: Le Dolci Culinary School
Sponsors: CityPlace and Fort York BIA
Tickets: ledolci.com/pages/cake-picnic
Guests should come prepared with a homemade cake to share and an appetite for trying a little bit of everything.
