CAKE & BAKE 2026

CAKE & BAKE in Dortmund has rapidly grown into one of Germany’s most vibrant celebrations of artistic baking and cake decoration. Since its founding in 2018, the event has transformed Messe Dortmund’s congress center into a colorful hub where creativity, craftsmanship, and community intersect. What began as a specialized fair has developed into the largest event of its kind in the country, drawing visitors not only from across Germany but also from abroad. The atmosphere each year reflects the diversity and enthusiasm of the international baking community, making the fair a highly anticipated annual highlight. At its core, CAKE & BAKE is a stage where passionate bakers and sugar artists can display their talent, celebrate innovation, and connect with others who share a love for detailed, imaginative work.

The event’s location at Messe Dortmund GmbH strengthens its appeal. Known for its spacious halls and modern infrastructure, the congress center provides the ideal environment for workshops, competitions, and large-scale exhibitions. Its accessibility allows families, hobby bakers, professionals, and international guests to gather effortlessly. With every edition, the fair expands its offerings to include more interactive activities, more learning opportunities, and more ways to explore the fast-evolving world of cake art. The fair has become a dynamic space where creativity feels limitless and where visitors can immerse themselves for hours in colors, flavors, textures, and techniques.

A Creative World of Competitions, Workshops, and Live Demonstrations

One of the signature features of CAKE & BAKE is its annual competition, which showcases extraordinary cakes, sugar sculptures, and detailed decorative pieces created by ambitious bakers and confectionery artists. These displays, often meticulously planned and executed over many weeks, attract photographers, amateurs, and professional decorators alike. The competition not only honors outstanding craftsmanship but also inspires participants to push their artistic boundaries. Observing the variety of entries from whimsical themed cakes to lifelike sugar figurines gives visitors a vivid sense of the skill and imagination that characterize this event.

In addition to the competition, the fair offers workshops, demonstrations, and interactive areas that cater to every skill level. Visitors can learn directly from renowned sugar artists, pastry experts, and popular online creators who bring fresh trends from YouTube, blogs, and social media. These sessions often go beyond simple step-by-step tutorials and dive into broader themes such as color planning, structural stability, flavor pairing, and modern design aesthetics. The interactive zones provide hands-on experiences, allowing attendees to experiment with tools, try new techniques, or simply enjoy the playful spirit that defines the fair.

Highlights that visitors frequently enjoy at CAKE & BAKE

• Live demonstrations by well-known cake designers and confectioners
• Workshops covering fondant modeling, airbrushing, chocolate art, and more
• Opportunities to meet influencers and online cake personalities
• A wide selection of baking and decoration supplies from international exhibitors

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International Exhibitors and the Global Language of Cake Art

The international nature of CAKE & BAKE sets it apart from many other creative fairs. Exhibitors from numerous countries bring with them a broad palette of styles, tools, and products that enrich the visitor experience. Whether it is new decorating equipment, innovative materials, high-quality ingredients, or emerging trends in patisserie and chocolate work, the fair allows visitors to explore global influences in a single location. For many, the chance to interact directly with manufacturers and artisans is one of the most valuable aspects of the event. It creates a bridge between creators and suppliers, facilitating a direct exchange of knowledge, feedback, and inspiration.

This global orientation also encourages collaboration. Artists often meet peers from other countries who share similar passions but bring different cultural approaches to baking and decoration. Through these encounters, attendees gain new ideas, encounter unfamiliar techniques, and discover creative philosophies that might not appear in traditional training. The fair thus becomes a platform for mutual enrichment, where borders fade and artistic expression becomes the universal language.

The diversity of exhibitors also supports the business side of the baking industry. Start-up companies, established brands, boutique chocolate makers, and specialized tool manufacturers all find an audience eager to explore the latest innovations. The wide range of offerings ensures that both hobby enthusiasts and professional decorators leave the event with fresh inspiration and practical tools to apply in their own work.

Reasons why exhibitors and visitors value the international aspect

• Exposure to global trends and cross-cultural decorating styles
• Access to specialized tools and ingredients not commonly found in local shops
• Direct communication with manufacturers and product developers
• Opportunities to build international networks and collaborations

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CAKE & BAKE and CREATIVA: A Powerful Synergy of Creativity

A unique advantage of CAKE & BAKE Dortmund is its synergy with CREATIVA, Europe’s largest creative fair. The simultaneous scheduling of the two events, combined with the convenience of a shared ticket, offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a vast and varied world of craftsmanship and creativity. While CAKE & BAKE focuses on edible artistry, CREATIVA embraces everything from painting and textile design to handicrafts, DIY culture, and innovative art forms.

This combination broadens the experience for both hobbyists and professionals. Many visitors enjoy starting their day absorbing the techniques of cake decoration and then moving on to diverse creative zones where they can explore completely different artistic disciplines. The cross-pollination of ideas often leads to exciting results: cake decorators may discover new color palettes or structural ideas from other craft forms, while creative enthusiasts from CREATIVA might find inspiration in the impressive edible displays next door.

The collaboration between the two fairs also enhances the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the event. The shared creative energy fills the halls with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a sense of community that resonates long after the fair has ended. Because both events attract visitors from all over Europe, the combination lets guests enjoy a multifaceted cultural experience in one dynamic location.

A Celebration of Artistry, Community, and Creative Possibilities

Since its inception, CAKE & BAKE Dortmund has proven that cake decoration is more than a hobby it is a form of art that blends imagination, skill, and technical understanding. The fair continues to expand its reach by offering a platform that embraces both professionals and beginners, encouraging them to explore their potential through learning, competition, and shared passion. Its international orientation, strong educational components, and synergy with CREATIVA make it one of the most vibrant events in Germany’s creative calendar.

For visitors, CAKE & BAKE is an annual opportunity to immerse themselves in a joyful, colorful world where ideas come to life in sugar, chocolate, and dough. For exhibitors, it is a place to showcase products, meet new audiences, and shape trends within the industry. In every edition, the fair reaffirms its role as a hub of inspiration one where artistry grows, connections form, and creative possibilities are as endless as the imagination itself.