International Cake Show Australia

Brisbane is staging the ultimate sweet comeback, with the International Cake Show Australia (ICSA) celebrating its historic 10th anniversary from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

What started a decade ago as a humble, not-for-profit industry gathering has defied global retail trends to become a massive public phenomenon. Described by The Courier-Mail as a cross between a culinary college, an edible art gallery, and a Willy Wonka factory, the 2026 event will transform Exhibition Hall 2 into a high-octane, fun-filled carnival atmosphere!

This year, the event cements its global powerhouse status by attracting elite competitors from 28 different countries, all flying into Queensland to battle for international honours.

The three-day public extravaganza features high-density entertainment, high-stakes competition, and world-class education, with highlights including:

Held on the Superstar Stage on Friday and Saturday, this extreme live battle pits Australia’s elite cake artists against the absolute best from India, Japan, and Taiwan. Hosted and head-judged by celebrity pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, alongside multi-award-winning, world-acclaimed pastry chef Serdar Yener (Yener’s Way), teams will build mind-blowing, gravity-defying cake sculptures standing at least 1 metre high and 1 metre wide to claim the title of "World's Best Extreme Cake Sculptors".

An elite zone where competitors’ truck in monstrous, boundary-breaking exhibits to fill massive 3m x 3m footprints. Jaw-dropping highlights include "The Sweetest Smash" (a 2.5m tall edible Hulk packed with colourful sweet treats), an immersive "Enchanted Forest", and the pièce de résistance—a hypnotic, museum-grade masterpiece titled "Sanctum & Internum" by a master cake artist from Taiwan.

Forget rugby league—this is edible, high-stakes state rivalry! The absolute best decorators from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia will face off live to see which state rules not only the kitchen, but Australia!

The ultimate battleground for home-based hobby and professional decorators, bakers, pastry chefs, and chocolatiers from across Australia and 28 nations. Registrations are officially open for those ready to showcase their skills on the world stage. 
28 categories tailor designed for all experience levels. If you’ve always wanted to get into cake decorating, the beginners’ classes are a great place to start the journey! 

A rare opportunity to get hands-on training from global superstars like Carlos Lischetti (Spain), Noelle Le (Vietnam), and 3 times global world title holder, Prachi Dhabal Deb (India). Full-day workshop tickets include a complimentary 3-day show pass valued at $75. For those short on time or on a budget, fast-paced 1-hour "Learn, Make & Take" mini-classes run throughout the weekend.

A breathtaking "Winter Wonderland" showcase featuring mammoth statement designs from ten of the world's top international wedding cake designers. Visitors can also watch Australia’s best wedding artists battle the clock and each other live in "Wedding Cake Wars".

Other must-do's include:

La Fete Fantastic: Walk through a nostalgic edible vintage country fair. Created by sugar artists across the globe and shipped to Australia

Florals & Fairies (Botanical & Mystical): Guaranteed to enthral children of all ages. This walk-through exhibit is another global sugar art collaboration.  

The Edible Fashionista Catwalk – where fashion merges with edible art: Locally based global superstar Ekat Salinger will strut her stuff in a key stage catwalk demonstration 12 – 1pm each day. 

Non-Stop Learning: Three separate live entertainment stages will be hosting completely free, professional demonstrations on the hour, every hour.

The Ultimate Shopping Spree: A powerhouse retail floor featuring Australia's most popular cake decorating shops, sweet treats, and massive international manufacturers from China and India looking to secure exclusive Australian distribution partnerships.

Good to know - Most activities, except the paid classes, are free with ticket entry, and children 12 and under are free.

Need to know - You can also compete in Australia’s largest cake and cookie decorating competition, with entries open now! There are 27 classes so something suitable for absolutely everyone from kids to beginners to superstars. There's $27K in prize money up for grabs plus every competitor receives a gift bag packed full  to the brim with trending industry tools and products. Entries close on July 22. ENTER HERE 

International Cake Show Australia is hosted by the Australian Cake Artists and Decorators Association (ACADA).

International Cake Show Australia is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com