A Slice of San Francisco: CAKE PICNIC Takes Over Treasure Island

San Francisco’s sweetest event made its way to the Bay last weekend as CAKE PICNIC transformed the newly opened Cityside Park on Treasure Island into a sprawling celebration of cake, creativity, and community.

What began as a small gathering among friends has evolved into a worldwide sensation. Founded by Elisa Sunga, CAKE PICNIC began in 2024 at Potrero del Sol Park with just a few dozen cakes and has since expanded to cities across the United States, including Los Angeles and London. Its October return to San Francisco sold out in less than a minute and marked the largest Bay Area edition yet, bringing together thousands of guests and more than a thousand cakes. 

The event followed its beloved rule—no cake, no entry—and the result was a massive 580 foot tasting table that showcased the region’s imagination. There were heirloom family recipes, flavor experiments like ube swirls and mango yuzu chantilly, and intricate designs that could have belonged in a pastry gallery. 

This year’s celebration also featured two San Francisco icons: Ghirardelli and Guinness. Ghiradelli highlighted its  170-year chocolate-making legacy, while Guinness offered slices of its crowd-favorite Guinness Chocolate Cake paired with small pours of stout. Together they carried the event’s “golden” theme—a nod to the Bay’s creative energy and to simple pleasures shared in good company. 

The afternoon wrapped with tables cleared and frosting-streaked plates packed away as guests lingered on the grass. Cityside Park proved an ideal setting for it all—wide lawns, Bay Bridge views, and a skyline that sparkled just beyond the frosting.