Celebrated on February 9 each year, National Pizza Day invites everyone to enjoy pizza in all its forms, flavors, and toppings, from classic Margherita to inventive new varieties. Pizza has become a daily staple in the United States, found everywhere from neighborhood pizzerias to school cafeterias and home kitchens. National Pizza Day recognizes not only how widely pizza is enjoyed across the country, but also the long journey it took to become a defining part of American food culture, shaped by immigrant traditions and regional styles over time.
🍕If you are looking for more pizza holidays, we have compiled this fantastic list of pizza holidays, celebrating everything from classic cheese and sausage pizzas to unique regional styles like deep dish.
A Quick Slice of Pizza History
Pizza as we know it began in Naples, Italy, where the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil was crafted to mimic the Italian flag. This “pizza Margherita” is often considered the first true pizza, dating back to the late 1800s. However, forms of flatbreads topped with ingredients have existed since ancient times, from Greek to Middle Eastern and Roman culinary traditions. Pizza’s journey to fame took off in the United States, especially after World War II, when American soldiers returning from Italy sought to recreate this memorable meal.
The versatility of pizza has helped it remain one of the most popular dishes worldwide, leading to a variety of similar food celebrations. For example, National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5) spotlights the classic, cheese-only variety, while National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11) celebrates one of the most popular toppings. Pizza lovers also indulge in National Deep Dish Pizza Day on April 5, an ode to Chicago-style pizza.
When is National Pizza Day Celebrated?
Circle February 9 on your calendar, because that’s when National Pizza Day arrives each year—a day devoted to appreciating one of the world’s most popular foods. From deep-dish enthusiasts to thin-crust purists, everyone can join in the pizza celebration. Here’s a list of upcoming dates so you can plan your slice-worthy festivities:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | February 9, Monday |
| 2027 | February 9, Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 9, Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 9, Friday |
| 2030 | February 9, Saturday |
Fun Facts for National Pizza Day
Pizza’s place in American life goes beyond menus and mealtimes. As it spread across the United States, it quietly shaped habits, traditions, and even local rules in ways many people never notice. These fun facts highlight some of the more unexpected chapters in pizza’s American story.
- The first documented U.S. pizzeria opened for immigrants, not tourists. Lombardi’s began operating in New York City in 1905 as a grocery store selling tomato pies mainly to Italian factory workers, often wrapped in paper and eaten on the job.
- Frozen pizza is an American invention. The first commercially successful frozen pizzas were developed in the U.S. in the 1950s, helping pizza move from restaurants into home freezers nationwide.
- The famous Margherita pizza was named after Italy’s Queen Margherita, who loved this simple but flavorful dish during her visit to Naples in 1889.
- School lunch programs played a major role in pizza’s popularity. Pizza became a cafeteria staple in the 1960s and 1970s, shaping childhood food memories and reinforcing pizza as everyday American food rather than an ethnic specialty.
- In 2023, YouTuber Airrack and Pizza Hut created the world’s largest pizza, covering 13,990 square feet. Made with tons of dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, this giant pizza was donated to charities in Los Angeles after setting the record!
- An estimated 3 billion pizzas are sold in the United States each year, proving pizza’s widespread appeal in the country.
Ways to Celebrate National Pizza Day
Get ready to celebrate National Pizza Day with a fresh spin on this classic favorite. From exploring diverse flavors to creating your own unique combinations, there are countless ways to enjoy pizza like never before.
- Try a New Style: Explore different regional styles like New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, or Detroit square pizza.
- Create Your Own: Host a pizza night at home, where friends or family can create their personalized pizza with various toppings.
- Visit a Local Pizzeria: Support local businesses and try a pizza from a neighborhood restaurant that might offer unique flavors or family recipes.
- Explore New Toppings: Step out of your comfort zone and sample pizza topped with unique ingredients like truffle oil, figs, or burrata for an adventurous twist.
