National Pizza Month – Oct. 1, 2026

National Pizza Month
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National Pizza Month takes over the calendar every October, inviting everyone to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved foods. From classic pepperoni to gourmet vegetarian, there’s a slice for every palate. Preheat your oven, order from your favorite local spot, or try crafting your own masterpiece to celebrate!

Want to sponsor National Pizza Month? Learn how

Expected National Pizza Month Deals

National Pizza Month in October is a prime time for pizzerias and grocery stores to roll out enticing promotions. While we await official 2027 announcements, history shows major chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s will offer discounts on large pizzas, combo deals, and loyalty program bonuses. Look for Little Caesars to feature its Hot-N-Ready specials, while fast-casual spots like Blaze Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen might introduce limited-time menu items or special pricing on custom pies. Even grocery brands like DiGiorno and Red Baron often run sales on frozen pizzas, making it easy to celebrate at home. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pizza Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPizzaMonth. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite slices or homemade pizza creations.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPizzaMonth. Film quick tutorials for unique pizza recipes or review local pizzerias.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPizzaMonth. Poll your community on their go-to pizza toppings or share local deals.

Social Media Tips for National Pizza Month

Individuals

Dedicate each week of October to a different pizza style, from New York thin crust to Chicago deep dish. Document your pizza journey and share your top picks with friends and family.

Creators

Host a virtual pizza-making challenge, inviting followers to submit their most creative pies. Showcase unique ingredient combinations or regional pizza variations, engaging your audience with interactive content.

Brands

Run a 'Pizza Month Passport' promotion, encouraging customers to try different menu items for a chance to win prizes. Partner with local charities for a 'pizza for a cause' initiative, donating a portion of sales.

Top Brands for National Pizza Month

  1. Domino's

    Founded in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, by Tom Monaghan, Domino's is one of the largest pizza delivery chains worldwide. Known for its innovative delivery methods and extensive menu, it serves millions of pizzas annually, making it a staple for pizza lovers.

  2. Pizza Hut

    Established in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, by brothers Dan and Frank Carney, Pizza Hut is famous for its pan pizza and iconic red roof. It operates thousands of restaurants globally, offering a diverse menu from stuffed crust to WingStreet wings.

  3. Papa John's

    Founded in 1984 by John Schnatter in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Papa John's built its brand on the slogan 'Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.' The chain emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and has grown to be a major player in the pizza delivery market.

  4. DiGiorno

    Launched in 1995 by Nestlé, DiGiorno revolutionized the frozen pizza market with its 'It's not delivery, it's DiGiorno' campaign. It offers a wide range of frozen pizzas designed to bake up fresh and crispy in home ovens, making pizza night convenient.

  5. Ooni

    A Scottish company founded in 2012 by Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland, Ooni produces high-quality portable pizza ovens. Their innovative designs allow home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality pizzas in their backyards, perfect for pizza enthusiasts.

  6. California Pizza Kitchen

    Founded in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California, CPK is known for its innovative, gourmet pizzas like the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. It pioneered the concept of upscale, casual dining centered around unique pizza creations and fresh ingredients.

  7. Little Caesars

    Founded in 1959 in Garden City, Michigan, by Mike and Marian Ilitch, Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain in the United States. Famous for its 'Hot-N-Ready' pizzas and 'Pizza!Pizza!' slogan, it offers affordable and convenient options.

National Pizza Month Hero

Gennaro Lombardi

Gennaro Lombardi immigrated from Naples, Italy, and opened a grocery store in New York City in 1897. By 1905, he received the first business license to operate a pizzeria in the United States, transforming his Spring Street shop into a full-fledged restaurant. Lombardi's is often recognized as America's first pizzeria, laying the groundwork for pizza's immense popularity across the nation. His pioneering efforts cemented pizza's place in American culinary history.

National Pizza Month timeline

​October 1984
America celebrated the first National Pizza Month

​Indiana pizza shop owner Gerry Durnell published a magazine called "Pizza Today" and declared October as National Pizza Month.

​1905
​Lombardi's opened in New York City

America got its first pizzeria when Lombardi's opened a joint on Spring Street in Manhattan. It's still there.

​997 AD
​Say the name, say the name

​​The word "pizza" first appears in a Latin text written by someone in what is now central Italy.

10th Century BC
It's all Greek (pizzas) to me

The ancient Greeks were known to bake bread, dunk it in oil, then top it with herbs and cheese.

​10,000 BC
​There's a proud pre-pizza history

Humans have been using toppings to flavor baked bread since the Neolithic Age, which spans many thousands of years, beginning about 10,000 BC.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pizza Month

Local pizzerias can celebrate National Pizza Month throughout October by offering weekly specials, new limited-time menu items, or ‘pizza of the day’ deals. Partner with local breweries for pizza-and-beer pairings or host a ‘build-your-own-pizza’ night for families. Retailers can feature pizza-making kits, gourmet ingredients, or themed merchandise, while grocery stores can run sales on frozen pizzas and fresh dough. Encourage customer engagement through social media contests for the best homemade pizza creations.

National Pizza Month FAQs

When is National Pizza Month?

National Pizza Month 2026 runs throughout October, from Thursday, October 1, to Saturday, October 31. It’s a full 31 days dedicated to enjoying slices of cheesy goodness.

How many pizzas are eaten in the U.S. each year?

Americans consume approximately 3 billion pizzas annually, with roughly 350 slices eaten every second. This staggering figure highlights pizza’s status as a beloved staple in the American diet.

Who invented pizza?

While flatbreads with toppings have existed for millennia, modern pizza as we know it originated in Naples, Italy. Raffaele Esposito is often credited with creating the Margherita pizza in 1889 for Queen Margherita of Savoy.

What are the most popular pizza toppings?

Pepperoni consistently ranks as the most popular pizza topping in the United States, followed closely by plain cheese, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. These classic choices dominate menus nationwide.

National Pizza Month Activities

  1. Make your own pizza pie

    Pizza is fun to eat and to share. So why not share in the fun of making one together with family or friends? It will be fresh and tasty — and right out of the oven!

  2. Tip your pizza delivery person

    They work hard to get our pizzas to us fast, fresh and delicious. If you open the box and the cheese is still a-bubblin,' then be sure to give the delivery person a solid tip for the swift and stellar service.

  3. Treat the team!

    One of America's most cherished traditions is going out for pizza with the kids' sports team. Your local pizza place will appreciate it, and the kids will have a good ol' time!

​5 Chewy Pizza Facts

  1. ​Americans eat a whole lotta pizza

    ​According to Pizza.com, 94 percent of Americans eat pizza at least once a month. That adds up to about 45 slices per person per year.

  2. ​That sssoundsss like a ssstrange pizzsssa

    ​In 2009, Mamma Mia! Pizza Kitchen in Levelland, Texas, created a Rattlesnake Pizza in honor of National Pizza Month.

  3. ​Just one slice for me, please

    The world's largest pizza was baked in 2012 in Rome, Italy. It measured 13,570 square feet.

  4. ​None for me, please

    ​Nino's Bellissima pizzeria in New York City is known for selling a caviar pizza that costs $1,000.

  5. ​Eat pizza everyday

    A survey released by California Pizza Kitchen found that 20 percent of Americans would choose pizza if they were forced to eat just one food for the rest of their lives.

Why We Love National Pizza Month

  1. Pizza is ridiculously, deliciously yummy

    Few foods offer the kind of delectable dining experience as pizza. Keep your fancy-schmancy restaurants with their hoity-toity menus. Give us a real treat — a melty slice of hot, cheesy pizza!

  2. National Pizza Month is for all of us

    One of the great things about pizza culture is that it inspires competition. Every town from Cheyenne to Cherbourg has a whole host of pizza joints. There's something for everybody!

  3. Pizza dining is communal

    Unlike other dining experiences in which people order different things form the menu, pizza dining requires cooperation. Pepperoni or pineapple? Extra mozzarella or a thin layer of Parmesan and Romano? Let's vote. Then let's eat!

National Pizza Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 1 Thursday
2027 October 1 Friday
2028 October 1 Sunday
2029 October 1 Monday
2030 October 1 Tuesday