Travel Itinerary
Pizza festivals bring friends, families, and hungry crowds together over one of the world’s favorite foods. They offer slices from local shops, creative toppings, and plenty of music. New York may get most of the pizza spotlight, but nearby Connecticut and New Jersey host their own flavorful celebrations. These events mix food with culture, creating lively weekends worth planning around. Here are 15 pizza festivals ready to feed both your appetite and your calendar.
1. A-1 Toyota Apizza Feast
This New Haven festival highlights the city’s beloved apizza tradition. Dozens of vendors line the streets, offering slices cooked in coal-fired ovens. Families stroll with plates in hand while live bands set a festive rhythm. The aroma of garlic and charred crust fills the air.
Local businesses join in, adding beer tents and dessert stands. Games and rides make it family-friendly, keeping kids entertained. Visitors sample pies from classic thin crust to inventive toppings. It’s a feast for every sense.
2. New Haven Largest Pizza Party On The Green
The town green becomes one huge pizza table for this community event. Long rows of booths serve slices from across the city. Volunteers work alongside pizzerias to create a record-setting gathering. The shared experience makes the city’s pride visible.
Live entertainment keeps crowds energized between bites. The event doubles as a fundraiser for local organizations. Photographers capture long lines of smiling faces holding pizza boxes. It’s a party rooted in local love.
3. Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest
Craft beer and hot pizza share the spotlight here. Local breweries pour pints that pair perfectly with cheesy slices. Vendors serve wood-fired pizzas, each showcasing unique styles. The air hums with conversation and clinking glasses.
Cooking demonstrations teach visitors how to master their own pies. Competitions add excitement as judges crown festival favorites. Lawn games and music make it easy to linger. The combination feels effortlessly fun.
4. Hey Stamford! Food Festival
This multi-day festival covers every kind of food but pizza is always a star. Regional pizzerias fire up ovens to serve the crowds. Tents stretch across the park filled with hungry visitors. The setting feels like a summer block party.
National music acts bring energy to the stage. Craft beer gardens give adults a place to relax. Families fill picnic tables between performances. The pizza keeps everyone coming back.
5. That’s Amore Italian Fest
Traditional Italian culture defines this festival. Pizza joins cannoli, pasta, and espresso as part of the celebration. Red, white, and green banners decorate the streets. Music drifts from accordions and guitars.
Booths highlight Old World recipes alongside New World creativity. Local chefs show off new flavors. Dancing in the square adds to the atmosphere. The pizza ties every detail together.
6. Danbury Feast Of San Gennaro
This Italian feast brings pizza into the heart of Danbury’s downtown. Vendors honor tradition with classic margheritas and pepperoni pies. Crowds gather around long communal tables under twinkling lights. The city buzzes with energy.
Carnival rides keep children laughing into the evening. Street performers wander between stands, adding color. The pizza keeps lines busy all night. Faith and flavor mix seamlessly here.
7. Amerigo Vespucci Lodge Italian Festival
Hosted by an Italian-American lodge, this event blends heritage with food. Pizza ovens join sausage and peppers stands. The atmosphere feels both intimate and vibrant. Families reconnect over shared plates.
Cultural displays highlight Italian crafts and traditions. Local musicians perform songs that add nostalgia to the evening. Volunteers run the booths with pride. Pizza makes the celebration unforgettable.
8. Jersey City Pizza Fest
This New Jersey festival gathers the best slices in town under one roof. Attendees purchase tickets to sample from every vendor. Lines move quickly, keeping the focus on flavor. DJs and bands keep spirits high.
Competitions decide which pizzeria takes home bragging rights. Craft beers and cocktails enhance the atmosphere. Visitors debate favorites while trying another slice. It’s a one-day pizza marathon.
9. Red Bank Pizza Fest
Downtown Red Bank hosts this festival with live music and family fun. Pizza trucks park along the main streets. The scent of tomato sauce and melted cheese fills the air. Shoppers wander into boutiques between slices.
Games and raffles raise money for local charities. Regional restaurants showcase their skills to new audiences. The mix of music and pizza feels timeless. It’s small-town charm with serious flavor.
10. Seaside Heights Pizza Fest
Held along the famous boardwalk, this festival combines ocean breezes with hot pizza. Vendors stretch from the sand to the amusement rides. Families snack on slices between roller coasters and arcade games. The salty air mixes with smoky ovens.
Concerts and contests keep energy levels high. Local businesses benefit from the extra visitors. Carnival fun and pizza create the perfect pairing. It feels like summer condensed into a weekend.
11. Hoboken Pizza Fest
This festival takes the form of a citywide crawl. Ticket holders explore pizzerias across Hoboken. Each stop offers a sample slice, creating a day-long adventure. Streets fill with laughing groups comparing notes.
Local breweries and shops join in, adding more variety. The event highlights both old favorites and new spots. Walking between slices adds charm. The format keeps discovery at the center.
12. NJ Pizza Festival At Monmouth Park
Monmouth Park racetrack transforms into a pizza arena for this event. Vendors set up along the grandstand concourse. Attendees place bets between bites of pizza. The smell of horses mixes with wood-fired ovens.
Bands perform as families enjoy open lawns. Craft beer tents complete the lineup. The combination of racing and pizza feels unique. It’s a playful twist on tradition.
13. History In The Baking
This festival focuses on New Jersey’s long pizza heritage. Exhibits highlight the evolution of recipes and ovens. Local pizzerias demonstrate how tradition meets modern taste. Talks from chefs add depth.
Workshops let attendees try their hand at dough-making. Kids’ activities keep families engaged. Tasting stations encourage exploration. It’s a festival built on learning and eating.
14. Woodbridge 5K And Pizza Extravaganza
This event combines fitness with flavor. Runners complete a 5K, then refuel with slices from local vendors. The park fills with energy and laughter. Music keeps the celebration going.
Pizza contests add fun for those not running. Families enjoy both active play and indulgent food. The pairing creates balance and joy. It’s a community event in every sense.
15. Asbury Park Restaurant Tour
This tour highlights the city’s dining scene, with pizza at the forefront. Restaurants along the boardwalk open their doors for tastings. Live music drifts from patios. The ocean sets the perfect backdrop.
Each stop offers different takes on dough and toppings. Attendees discover new spots while supporting old favorites. The tour mixes culture, food, and seaside charm. Pizza shines throughout the experience.