General Information
What exactly is the Festival of Cake?
It’s Dubai’s ultimate celebration of all things cake. From masterclasses and tasting sessions to pop-up bakeries, cake competitions, and exclusive creations by world-renowned pastry chefs, all happening under the stunning Al Wasl Dome.
When and where is it happening?
The festival runs from November 28th 2025, to December 2nd 2025, at Expo City Dubai, Expo Road, Dubai South Jebel Ali, Dubai UAE.
What are the event hours?
The event will run from 4PM to 12AM daily. Specific timings for the full line up, including masterclasses and demonstrations will be announced nearer to the event, visit the Festival of Cake website for details.
Is entry to Festival of Cake included in the Al Wasl Season Pass?
Entry is not included in the Al Wasl Season Pass, however VIP Season Pass holders enjoy unlimited free entry to Festival of Cake.
How much do tickets cost?
We offer single day passes for adults at AED 75 and children AED 40.
How can I get tickets?
Yes. Tickets are available on Platinumlist and can be purchased in advance or at the venue on the days of the event. Box office opens at 4pm.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! Kids of all ages are welcome. We have family-friendly zones, activities for little bakers, and plenty of cake to go around.
Is this only for professional bakers or dessert lovers too?
Both! Whether you’re a baking pro, a baking enthusiast, or just love to eat cake, there’s something for you.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, Expo City Dubai offers plenty of parking. We also encourage using public transport; it’s convenient and better for the planet. But should you wish to drive, please see below for the available parking sites that you could use:
· Sustainability Parking
· Terra Public Parking
What if I have food allergies?
We take allergies seriously. Each vendor will list allergens clearly, but if you’re unsure, please ask before tasting.
Will there be vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free options?
Yes! We’re making sure everyone can join the fun. Look for the dietary icons at each booth or ask the staff on-site. We also have Keto Kartel, offering sugar-free and keto-friendly desserts, and Pavlova Café, which serves gluten-free desserts.
How can I become a vendor or sponsor?
If you’d like to showcase your brand, product, or baked goods at the Festival of Cake, email us at hello@festivalofcake.com and our team will be in touch.
How do I stay updated?
Stay in the know by following us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook via https://linktr.ee/festivalofcake or signing up on our website to be the first to know when chefs are announced, and cake surprises unfold.
Are there bathrooms at the event?
Yes. Multiple clean and family-friendly restrooms are available near the festival area, including accessible toilets and baby-changing stations.
Is there a mosque for prayers near Al Wasl Plaza?
Yes. There are mosques located within walking distance of Al Wasl Plaza, offering convenience for prayers before, during, or after events.
What is included in my General Admission ticket?
Your ticket includes:
· Access to 30+ dessert brands
· Free talks and live chef demonstrations
· Discovery of thousands of desserts
· Four complimentary cake samples with your Cake Passport (guess the flavors as you explore)
· Free slices of cake during chef giveaways, including the famous 24-layer “Bertha” chocolate cake by UK chef icon Rich Myers
What can I Expect
What can I experience at the festival?
You'll discover live cake decorating demonstrations by internationally renowned pastry chefs, hands-on workshops, dessert tastings, edible art installations, a giant sprinkles pool plus 1000’s of cakes and bakes to try. It’s Dubai’s ultimate celebration of all things cake.
Can I meet famous pastry chefs?
Yes! We have confirmed appearances from Michelin-starred pastry chefs, social media sensations, and regional stars. Meet-and-greet sessions, book signings, and photo opportunities are scheduled throughout the event.
Will you be celebrating National Day?
The 2nd of December 2025 will be our Grand Finale with an exclusive debut from CAKE PICNIC all the way from the USA. Tickets can be purchased online for AED 150.
Can I purchase ingredients and equipment at the event?
Most of our retailers are selling finished products but there will be exclusive festival merchandise available.
Will there be free cake sampling?
Yes, absolutely! Free cake sampling is included with your admission ticket.
Your general admission ticket comes with a complimentary Sugar Rush Cake Passport, which provides four free bitesize samples (while stocks last). Additionally, there will be numerous other cake giveaways and samples throughout the day, including specialty creations like celebrity chef Rich Myers's 24-layer Bertha cake.
Will we be provided with an ingredient and allergen card for the Bake-Off?
On the day of sign-on, each participant will receive a standardized card to record any allergens. All cards will follow the same format to ensure consistency and a neat presentation.
Participating
What is the Bake-Off Competition and can anyone enter?
It’s a chance to show off your baking skills, win prizes and have your bakes judged by our panel of experts. If you’re a baker – professional, amateur or junior simply choose the category you want to be enter and submit your entry. Learn more about the different categories here: https://festivalofcake.com/pages/bake-off. Entries close November 20th, 2025. We’d love to see your bakes!
Will my Bake-Off Competition entries be handled with care and stored in the fridge?
All participants will be responsible for delivering their entry to the venue, and it will remain in an air-conditioned room.
What time do I drop off my Bake-off entry?
All entries must be dropped on the day of the event between 9am-11am.
Are there other competitions I can enter?
We're hosting social media challenges with exciting prizes so follow us on socials for all the latest updates.
Can I join any of the workshops or classes?
Yes and trust us, you’ll want to. The Cake Canvas café will be available to book on the day.
Accessibility
Is the Festival accessible?
Yes, Expo City Dubai is designed with accessibility in mind. All entrances are step-free and wheelchair accessible. The venue offers accessible pathways, lifts, and wheelchair-accessible buggies.
Can I bring my pets inside the festival grounds?
While Expo City Dubai is generally pet-friendly, pets are not permitted inside the ticketed areas of the Festival of Cake. Only service animals are allowed within the festival grounds.
CAKE PICNIC Questions.
Does the CAKE PICNIC ticket include the General Admission ticket?
Yes, the CAKE PICNIC ticket does include General Admission ticket for 2nd December so you can access the festival at any time.
Can I get an entry without bringing a cake?
No, to enter CAKE PICNIC, you must bring a cake and purchase CAKE PICNIC ticket priced at AED 150.
Can I bring my kids to CAKE PICNIC?
Yes, children are welcome to join. Those aged 5 and below has free entry. (Children over 5 are eligible to buy a ticket)
Can I bring a friend or my family?
Yes, you can but everyone joining CAKE PICNIC must bring their own cake and purchase their own ticket.
Alternatively, they can purchase a General Admission ticket to the festival if they prefer to attend without joining CAKE PICNIC.
What kind of cakes can I bring?
Anything that feels special to you, homemade or from a local bakery. We’ve seen everything from chiffon cakes, upside-down cakes, meringue cakes, trifles, buttercream-layered cakes, to family recipes passed down for generations. The cake you bring becomes part of the story we share that day. The most popular cakes have been: pistachio, chocolate, strawberry, passion fruit, guava, black sesame, Russian honey cake, and savory cakes. Several stunning cakes featured at the event have gone viral!
Important: We want to eat well. Please only bring cakes that you are absolutely excited about and would be proud to share with others. If you have never baked a cake before, you should practice baking several cakes before the event to prepare. If you aren’t inspired to bring the best cake that you can, this event is not for you.
Are there any guidelines for the cakes?
All cakes must be a minimum of 8 inches wide and 3 inches tall. Do not bring cakes in aluminium / tin pans. All cakes served on the cake tables must be on cake boards for display and decorated beautifully. Cakes can be homemade or store-bought (please, please support our local bakeries).
Should I bring a picnic blanket?
The picnic blanket will take place within the iconic Al Wasl Dome, you can sit on the bleachers as there are seating pads, but we’d encourage a blanket to create that picnic feel!
Can I bring a store-bought cake, or does it have to be homemade?
While we won’t be checking, we strongly encourage homemade cakes. CAKE PICNIC is designed as a community gathering for passionate bakers to share their creations, and store-bought cakes defeat the purpose of the experience.
What happens to the cakes after the picnic?
Attendees will be encouraged to take cake home with them! Anything left will be disposed of in accordance with Dubai Municipality rules and regulations.
Is there a competition element or judging?
No, CAKE PICNIC is not a competition. It's a community experience focused on sharing, connection, and celebration. Don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket!
What is the latest I can arrive at the event?
You must be in line by 5:45PM. After 5:45PM, we will no longer accept anyone in the queue. If you miss this time, you will not be able to participate in the event.
I am buying tickets for me and my family but I will be arriving first. Can they check in after me?
The entire group must check in together for entry.
Can I buy more than 1 ticket at a time?
Yes, you can purchase more than 1 ticket at a time. Please note that everyone you are buying a ticket for also needs to bring a whole cake.
Can I come if I don’t know anyone?
Absolutely! Many attendees come solo and leave with new friends. CAKE PICNIC is designed as a welcoming space for everyone — whether you’re a baker, cake enthusiast, or simply curious.
What is the agenda and schedule?
All ticket holders will receive detailed instructions, maps, and guidance several days before the event to help prepare for CAKE PICNIC. Please make sure to check your spam to make sure you’re getting all of the event details.
Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?
Tickets are final sale, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
