Cake in the Garden

Join 60 talented bakers for an evening of cake tasting, community, and beautiful gardens at MSU Horticulture Gardens.
About this Event

🎂🌸 CAKE IN THE GARDEN 🌸🎂

Join us for an evening of cake, community, and creativity at the beautiful MSU Horticulture Gardens!

Cake in the Garden is a unique community cake tasting event bringing together local bakeries, cottage food businesses, hobby bakers, and cake lovers for a sweet summer evening surrounded by the beauty of the gardens while helping support the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 MSU Horticulture Gardens
East Lansing, Michigan

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🍰 BAKER REGISTRATION 🍰

Only 60 Baker Spots Available!

Baker Ticket: $10

Each baker will provide one 8-inch cake to share with attendees.

Home bakers, cottage food businesses, and licensed bakeries are all welcome to participate.

Your Baker Ticket Includes:

✔ Entry to the event

✔ One commemorative pizza box for collecting cake samples

✔ Opportunity to showcase your cake

✔ Recognition of your bakery/business (if applicable)

✔ Up to 8 cake samples from participating bakers

✔ An evening spent with fellow bakers and cake lovers

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🌷 PUBLIC TICKETS 🌷

Public Admission: $20

Your Public Ticket Includes:

✔ Entry to the event

✔ One commemorative pizza box for collecting cake samples

✔ Up to 8 cake samples from participating bakers

✔ Access to the beautiful MSU Horticulture Gardens during the event

✔ An evening of cake, community, and creativity

Public ticket sales will open after baker registration closes to ensure plenty of cake is available for all attendees.

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🎂 CAKE REQUIREMENTS

Each baker must provide:

• One 8-inch cake

• Cake transported in a food-safe box or container

• Cake ready for display upon arrival

Required Baker Information:

• Full Name

• Bakery/Business Name (if applicable)

• Email Address

• Phone Number

• Cake Name

• Complete Ingredient List

• Major Allergens

Home bakers are welcome. A licensed bakery is not required.

Baker Information form: (MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 3RD)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZEJqjVo03lDmmVH4aTvZDpuKPXwPHL9XMNPZ6IYqatRfBVw/viewform?usp=dialog

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⚠️ MICHIGAN COTTAGE FOOD LAW REQUIREMENTS

All cakes must comply with Michigan Cottage Food Law.

Items requiring refrigeration or temperature control are NOT permitted, including:

• Cream cheese frosting

• Custard fillings

• Cheesecake

• Pastry cream

• Whipped cream frosting

• Mousse fillings

• Refrigerated fillings

• Any product requiring refrigeration for food safety

Event organizers reserve the right to refuse any cake that does not comply with Cottage Food regulations.

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🍰 HOW THE TASTING WORKS

Each attendee will receive a commemorative pizza box upon check-in.

Guests will be divided into groups to ensure everyone has an opportunity to sample a variety of cakes.

ROUND ONE

When your group is called, you may select up to 4 cake samples from participating bakers and place them in your pizza box.

Once all groups have completed Round One, Round Two will begin.

ROUND TWO

Guests may select up to 4 additional cake samples.

Each attendee may collect up to 8 total cake samples during the event.

This system helps ensure fair distribution and allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of cakes.

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⏰ EVENT DAY SCHEDULE

Baker Check-In & Setup:
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Public Check-In:
6:00 PM

Cake in the Garden Begins:
6:15 PMish

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🌿 EVENT PROCEEDS

Cake in the Garden is a community-driven event created to bring local bakers and cake lovers together in a beautiful and unique setting.

Ticket proceeds will first be used to cover event expenses, including:

• Table rentals

• Table coverings

• Pizza boxes

• Cake knives and serving supplies

• Event materials and logistics

Any remaining proceeds after event expenses have been covered will be donated directly to the MSU Horticulture Gardens as a thank-you for graciously allowing us to host this event in their beautiful gardens.

By attending, you're not only supporting local bakers and our cake-loving community, but also helping support one of the Lansing area's most beautiful public spaces. 🌷🍰

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📅 IMPORTANT DATES

Baker Registration Opens:
June 18, 2026

Baker Registration Closes:
June 30, 2026
(or when all 60 spots are filled)

Ingredient Lists Due:
July 3, 2026

Public Tickets Go On Sale:
July 5, 2026

Cake in the Garden:
July 19, 2026

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📋 ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

• A baker waitlist will be available once all 60 baker spots have been filled.

• Bakers are responsible for accurately disclosing all ingredients and allergens.

• Participants consume products at their own risk.

• No alcohol is permitted at the event.

• Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.

• Photographs and video may be taken during the event and used for future event promotion.

• Event organizers reserve the right to make adjustments as necessary for safety and event operations.

• Rain plan information will be announced if needed.

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Whether you're a professional baker, hobby baker, or simply someone who loves cake, we hope you'll join us for this sweet summer evening in the gardens.

Come enjoy beautiful gardens, incredible cakes, talented bakers, and a wonderful community of cake lovers.

We can't wait to see you there! 🍰🌸

All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another attendee prior to the event. If the event is canceled by the organizers, ticket holders will receive a full refund.