This boutique getaway was designed for beginner through intermediate decorators who want focused instruction, hands-on support, and unforgettable experiences. Over the course of the weekend, you’ll learn from celebrated cake artist Katelyn Allen (Sweet Kate Bake), enjoy thoughtfully planned outings, and connect with cakers who love creating as much as you do.
This isn’t a cookie-cutter trip. It’s an intimate weekend where beginner through intermediate decorators learn, create, and connect in a small group setting designed for real growth. Together, you’ll:
Katelyn Allen, known to her sweet online community as Sweet Kate Bake, is a joyful content creator, cake artist, and baking educator whose mission is to make beautiful baking as fun to do as it is to eat. Known for her bright energy, heartfelt teaching style, and irresistible cake designs, Katelyn brings both skill and spirit to every sweet creation.
“Katelyn’s enthusiasm is infectious. I left feeling confident and ready to try things I never thought I could do.”
Morning: Buttercream & Building Basics with Katelyn Allen
(at Fennel Cooking Studio)
Afternoon: Hands-On Technique Work with Katelyn Allen
(at Fennel Cooking Studio)
Evening: Artisan Chocolate Shop Takeover at Kakao Chocolate
(at Fennel Cooking Studio)
Afternoon: St. Louis Bakery Bus Tour led by Amanda E. Doyle
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Floriole: French Elegance in Every Bite
Step into the heart of French-inspired baking at Floriole, where rustic pastries, seasonal Midwestern ingredients, and world-renowned croissants take center stage. Floriole’s owner, Sandra Holl, will welcome us with a light lunch and share her journey from a humble Green City Market tent to a celebrated brick-and-mortar bakery. David Liebovitz declares this is the only place he will stop for true croissants when he visits the US from Paris!
Sweet Mandy B’s: Celebrations in Every Slice
Experience the joy of desserts that have been bringing smiles to Chicagoans since 2002. At Sweet Mandy B’s, renowned pastry chef Sherrie Tan will showcase her incredible custom cakes and give us a peek into the artistry and care behind her celebration-worthy treats. From buttercream flowers to towering confections, you’ll leave inspired to create your own showstoppers.
Panaderia Nuevo Leon: A Mexican Baking Legacy
Step into the rich history of Panaderia Nuevo Leon, a beloved bakery in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood. From hand-crafted breads to traditional Mexican pastries, this family-owned bakery has been thriving for over 50 years. We’ll meet the bakers, see vintage equipment in action, and enjoy refreshments next door at Mi Corazon Café, a charming storefront run by the third generation of this baking dynasty. While in Pilsen, we’ll also take a brief walk to admire the stunning murals that line the streets, making this stop a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
This isn’t your typical bakery tour—it’s a journey into the heart of St. Louis’s baking culture, crafted just for this retreat. You’ll taste the passion, hear the stories, and experience the magic behind every loaf, pastry, and cake. Each stop on our tour offers something truly special and unforgettable.
To reserve your room as part of our block, make sure you book via this link.
If you choose to stay elsewhere in St. Louis, please note that it will be your responsibility to meet the group either at The Chase Park Plaza or at the designated destinations on time for each event. Our transportation services will only be available for those departing from and returning to The Chase Park Plaza, so staying in our group hotel is the most convenient option to fully enjoy the experience without the worry of arranging additional logistics.
For those arriving by plane, the easiest way to get to The Chase Park Plaza from Lambert International Airport (STL) is by car, with a ride-share or taxi taking approximately 20-30 minutes (depending on traffic). We recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for a convenient and direct journey from the airport to the hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, you can leave the rest of the transportation planning to us. Throughout the getaway, all transportation will be covered, including ride shares and a private charter bus for our group excursions. Whether we’re heading to dinner, Fennel Cooking Studio, exploring St. Louis’s best bakeries, or heading out for a chocolate experience, everything has been arranged to ensure that the logistics are stress-free. Your only job is to enjoy the journey and experience everything our baking getaway has to offer!
All Meals
Exclusive Hands-On Classes
Artisan Chocolate Shop Takeover at Kakao Chocolate
Stress-Free Transportation
Deposit & Payment Details
Refund Policy
Transfers and Resales
If you find you are unable to attend after signing up, you may transfer or resell your spot to another participant. Please contact us at hello@thebakefest.com for help facilitating the transfer. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure everything is taken care of.
Trip Insurance Recommendations
We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Trip insurance can help cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel disruptions that may affect your participation in the getaway.
How to Purchase Trip Insurance
Recommended Providers
For more details or to purchase trip insurance, you can visit the provider’s website directly, or use comparison sites to help ensure you get the coverage that best fits your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at hello@thebakefest.com.
The getaway will take place from February 20-22, 2026. We’ll meet in the lobby of The Chase Park Plaza at 5:45 PM on Friday, February 20, and our activities will conclude by 5 PM on Sunday, February 22. If you are leaving Sunday evening, you will need to check out of the hotel earlier in the day, but the hotel can hold your bags while we finish up our activities.
We are keeping this event intimate, with a cap of 20 participants. This small group size ensures a personalized and engaging experience for everyone.
Yes, we require a minimum of 15 participants for the getaway to proceed. If we do not reach this minimum by the designated date, we will cancel the getaway and provide a full refund to all who have signed up. We recommend booking early to help ensure the event takes place and to secure your spot!
No, airport transfer is not included. Participants will need to arrange their own transportation to The Chase Park Plaza.
Yes, you are welcome to stay elsewhere. However, please note that if you choose to do so, it will be your responsibility to meet the group at The Chase Park Plaza or at our designated destinations on time. All getaway transportation will depart from and return to The Chase Park Plaza.
Yes, overnight parking is available at the hotel for $40 per night when using self parking or $50 per night when using valet parking. All overnight parking includes in and out privileges.
The getaway package includes:
Yes, alcoholic beverages will be included Friday night and Saturday night. Alcoholic drinks during other activities, however, will need to be purchased separately.
No, the group will be together the entire weekend.
There will be very minimal walking during the bakery tour. If you have concerns about mobility, please let us know, and we can provide more details as they become available.
A $550 deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining $2,050 is due by January 15th.
The deposit is non-refundable. The final payment is refundable until January 15th. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover unforeseen changes in your plans.
Yes, participants can transfer or resell their spot if they are unable to attend. Please let us know if this situation arises, and we will help facilitate the transfer.
We will send a detailed packing list closer to the event to help you prepare. Plan to bring comfortable clothing for baking, casual attire for our group activities, and comfortable shoes for the entire weekend. We’ll get more dressed up for the welcome dinner.
The getaway weekend will be jam-packed with activities, so there won’t be much structured free time. However, if you would like to explore St. Louis on your own, we suggest arriving earlier on Friday or extending your stay into Monday to make the most of your trip.
