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.