October is a great month for pizza lovers, as it features several pizza-related holidays and celebrations! Here’s a rundown of the most popular pizza holidays in October:
1. National Pizza Month (All of October)
National Pizza Month is celebrated throughout October, making it the perfect time for pizza lovers to indulge in their favorite food. This celebration was founded in 1984 by Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today magazine, as a way to promote pizzerias and celebrate the craft of pizza-making. Pizzerias often offer special deals, discounts, and events during this month, allowing people to enjoy various types of pizza, from classic Margheritas to creative gourmet versions.
Pizza Month also encourages people to explore different pizza styles, from New York-style and Chicago deep-dish to Neapolitan and Sicilian, making it a fun culinary journey for pizza enthusiasts.
2. World Pizza Makers Day (October 25)
This holiday honors the skilled artisans who create the pizza masterpieces we love. World Pizza Makers Day is a tribute to pizzaiolos (pizza makers) across the globe. These chefs often spend years perfecting their craft, from kneading dough to mastering the balance of ingredients. On October 25, pizza lovers are encouraged to give a shout-out to their favorite pizzeria and recognize the hard work and creativity of pizza makers.
3. National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11)
October 11 is National Sausage Pizza Day, celebrating one of the most popular pizza toppings. Sausage pizza is a favorite among many for its savory and flavorful meat topping, and this day encourages pizza lovers to enjoy a slice (or more) of this classic variation. Whether it’s spicy Italian sausage, crumbled pork sausage, or even plant-based sausage, this day is all about indulging in sausage-topped pizza goodness.
4. National Pizza and Beer Day (October 9)
National Pizza and Beer Day on October 9 brings together two of the most beloved pairings—pizza and beer. Pizza’s rich, cheesy, and savory flavors match perfectly with the refreshing, hoppy, or malty taste of a cold beer. Many pizzerias or breweries host special events, offering pizza and beer deals, pairing suggestions, or even tastings to help pizza fans find their favorite beer to enjoy with a slice.
5. National Mushroom Pizza Day (October 22)
National Mushroom Pizza Day celebrates a topping beloved by vegetarians and mushroom enthusiasts alike. On October 22, pizza fans celebrate the earthy, umami flavor that mushrooms bring to pizza, either as the star topping or paired with other ingredients like sausage, peppers, or onions. This day is a perfect excuse to try creative combinations like truffle mushrooms or wild varieties for a gourmet twist.
These pizza-related holidays make October a fantastic month for pizza aficionados to indulge in different styles, flavors, and toppings. Whether you’re enjoying a classic cheese pizza or something more adventurous, October offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate and savor pizza in all its delicious forms!
Here are some additional pizza-themed holidays that you can celebrate in October or throughout the year:
National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)
While technically not in October, National Cheese Pizza Day is a precursor to the fall pizza festivities. Cheese pizza is the foundation of many pizzas, loved for its simplicity and universal appeal. This day is all about enjoying a classic, cheese-covered slice, whether it’s mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of multiple cheeses.
National Pepperoni Pizza Day (September 20)
Another pre-October holiday, National Pepperoni Pizza Day is a celebration of the most popular pizza topping in the U.S. This day is perfect for indulging in pepperoni-topped pies, whether it’s traditional or with gourmet twists like spicy or artisanal pepperoni.
National Calzone Day (November 1)
Kicking off November, National Calzone Day is the perfect continuation of pizza celebrations. Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, filled with cheese, meats, and other ingredients, making them a favorite among pizza lovers. This day is a nod to this Italian favorite, offering another excuse to enjoy pizza flavors in a different form.
National Pizza Party Day (3rd Friday of May)
National Pizza Party Day falls on the third Friday in May and encourages people to gather with friends and family for pizza parties. It’s a fun, social holiday where people come together to enjoy slices, share their favorite toppings, and celebrate pizza’s universal appeal.
National Deep Dish Pizza Day (April 5)
National Deep Dish Pizza Day is celebrated on April 5 and honors Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza. Known for its thick, buttery crust, rich layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, this style of pizza has become legendary. This day is perfect for those who love indulgent, hearty pizza.
National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day (November 12)
National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day is a quirky holiday on November 12 for those who love loaded pizzas but aren’t big fans of anchovies. It celebrates pizzas topped with all sorts of ingredients, from veggies to meats—just no anchovies!
International Pizza Day (February 9)
Celebrated worldwide, International Pizza Day is one of the biggest pizza holidays of the year. It takes place on February 9 and is a global celebration of pizza’s popularity and diversity, from thin-crust Italian pizzas to stuffed-crust creations.
If you ask us… You don’t need a holiday to eat pizza – Just eat pizza everyday!
Photo by Sinan Helfenstein on Unsplash
