Get ready to celebrate America’s favorite food! October marks National Pizza Month, a monthlong tribute to the beloved dish that brings people together around tables, at parties, and during late-night cravings. Whether you’re a casual pizza lover or a devoted enthusiast, this month offers the perfect excuse to explore new flavors, support local pizzerias, and dive deep into pizza culture.
From coast to coast, pizzerias roll out special deals, creative menu items, and unique events that showcase the artistry behind every slice. But National Pizza Month isn’t just about eating more pizza—it’s about appreciating the craft, celebrating the community, and discovering what makes this simple combination of dough, sauce, and cheese so universally loved.
Ready to make October your most delicious month yet? Let’s explore everything you need to know about National Pizza Month, from its fascinating origins to creative ways you can join the celebration.
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What is National Pizza Month?
Official National Pizza Month Logo
National Pizza Month is an official monthlong celebration of pizza that takes place every October across the United States. This observance honors America’s favorite food while spotlighting the pizzerias and passionate people who craft these culinary masterpieces.
The celebration has impressive roots. Pizza Today’s founder Gerry Durnell created National Pizza Month in 1984 to mark the debut of the first issue of Pizza Today magazine. The movement gained serious momentum when the U.S. Congress officially designated October as National Pizza Month in 1987, cementing its place as a nationally recognized food holiday.
At its heart, National Pizza Month celebrates the diversity of pizza culture. From New York’s thin crust to Chicago’s deep dish, from Detroit’s square pies to California’s innovative toppings, this month showcases the regional styles and creative expressions that make American pizza so dynamic. Pizza lovers use this time to try new toppings, explore different pizzerias, and share their passion for this versatile dish.
Why Celebrate National Pizza Month?
While, yes, every month is PIZZA MONTH, pizza deserves a month-long celebration for countless reasons. Americans consume an astounding three billion pizzas per year, with the average person eating 180 slices annually. These numbers reflect more than just hunger—they represent pizza’s role as a cultural cornerstone.
Pizza brings people together like few other foods can. It’s the go-to choice for birthday parties, office gatherings, family dinners, and late-night study sessions. The act of sharing a pizza creates connections and memories that last long after the last slice disappears.
The pizza industry also plays a vital economic role in American communities. With over 75,000 pizzerias operating across the country these businesses provide jobs, support local economies, and often serve as neighborhood gathering places. California leads the nation with the most pizzerias, followed by New York and Texas. Return to Pizza Today each day in October as we profile how pizzerias are impacting their communities all month long.
National Pizza Month also celebrates the incredible diversity within pizza culture. The top five pizza styles in America—New York, Traditional American, Sicilian, Deep Dish, and Neapolitan—each tell a story of immigration, innovation, and regional pride. Detroit-style pizza, currently the biggest trending style, shows how pizza continues to evolve and capture new audiences.
Explore hot pizza styles in Pizza Today’s Guide to the Top 10 Pizza Styles in the United States Immersive Experience.
Key Dates and Moments in National Pizza Month
While National Pizza Month spans all of October, certain dates hold special significance for pizza lovers and the industry.
October 1st traditionally kicks off the celebration with pizzerias launching their special promotions and limited-time offerings. Many establishments use this date to unveil new menu items or announce their month-long campaigns.
The origins of modern pizza celebration trace back to key historical moments. In 1889, Don Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita Pizza—topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil—in honor of Italian Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanni. This classic combination remains one of the most beloved pizza varieties today.
American pizza history includes several milestone moments worth celebrating during National Pizza Month. Lombardi’s became the first officially licensed pizzeria in the United States in 1905 at 32½ Spring Street in New York. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza made its debut in 1941, adding a distinctly American chapter to pizza’s story.
The 1980s brought California-style artisan pizza to the scene, with Chef Ed LaDou and Wolfgang Puck pioneering the movement that emphasized fresh, innovative ingredients and creative combinations.
How Pizzerias Celebrate National Pizza Month
Pizzerias across America transform October into a month of special experiences, limited-time offerings, and community engagement. Many establishments create exclusive menu items that showcase seasonal ingredients or pay tribute to classic styles with modern twists.
Special promotions run throughout the month, from discounted family meals to buy-one-get-one deals that encourage customers to try new varieties. Some pizzerias offer “pizza passport” programs where customers can sample different styles and earn rewards for their culinary adventures.
Community engagement takes center stage during National Pizza Month. Pizzerias host events like pizza-making classes, dough-tossing demonstrations, and themed trivia nights featuring pizza facts and history. These gatherings create memorable experiences while building stronger connections with their neighborhoods.
Social media campaigns flourish during October, with pizzerias sharing behind-the-scenes content, featuring customer stories, and showcasing their unique pizza-making processes. Many use the official hashtag #nationalpizzamonth to connect with the broader celebration and share their contributions to pizza culture.
Contest and giveaways become common, from naming-your-own-pizza competitions to ultimate pizza fan challenges. These interactive elements engage customers while celebrating the creativity and passion that defines pizza culture.
How You Can Celebrate National Pizza Month
Your National Pizza Month celebration can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Start by supporting local pizzerias—visit different establishments throughout the month to experience the variety your area offers. Each pizzeria has its own personality, techniques, and specialties worth discovering.
Challenge yourself to try new styles or toppings you’ve never experienced. If you’re a pepperoni traditionalist, October is the perfect time to venture into gourmet combinations like prosciutto and arugula or unusual pairings like pineapple upside-down pizza.
Get social with your pizza adventures. Share photos of your favorite slices, write reviews of new places you discover, or create pizza-themed content for your social media channels. Use #nationalpizzamonth to connect with other pizza enthusiasts and see how people celebrate across the country.
Consider hosting your own pizza-themed gathering. Organize a pizza tasting party with friends, where everyone brings a different style or topping combination. Create pizza trivia games using fun facts—did you know the largest pizza commercially available measures 8 feet by 2 feet 8 inches and costs $299.95?
For the ambitious, try making pizza at home. October provides motivation to master dough techniques, experiment with sauce recipes, or perfect your cheese blending. Whether you attempt New York thin crust or Detroit-style squares, the process offers a deeper appreciation for the craft.
Get ideas for your pizza creations! Check out 31 Pizza Recipes to Celebrate National Pizza Month in October.
Engage with pizza history and culture. Read about different regional styles, learn about the origins of your favorite toppings, or discover the stories behind iconic pizzerias. The most varieties of cheese ever used on a single pizza was 1,001—a record set in France in 2023.
Make October Your Most Delicious Month
National Pizza Month represents more than just an excuse to eat more pizza—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the simple joy that comes from sharing great food with others. Whether you’re discovering a new neighborhood spot, perfecting your home pizza skills, or simply savoring your longtime favorite slice, October offers countless ways to deepen your appreciation for this beloved dish.
The beauty of National Pizza Month lies in its inclusivity. Pizza culture welcomes everyone, from the devoted enthusiast who can distinguish between different dough fermentation techniques to the casual fan who simply loves a good pepperoni slice. Every pizza preference is valid, every local pizzeria has something unique to offer, and every shared pizza creates connections.
So grab your friends, explore your local pizza scene, and make October a month filled with delicious discoveries. After all, with over 75,000 pizzerias across America and countless ways to celebrate, your perfect pizza adventure is waiting to be discovered. The only question left is: where will your first slice take you?
If you like our National Pizza Month celebration, check out:
Guide to the 2025 National “Best Pizzas” Lists
2025 Pizza Industry Trends Report
Troubleshooting Your Pizza Dough — A Guide to Making Pizza Better
