The secret is out: Los Angeles has officially claimed its title as a premier “Pizza City.” For its fourth consecutive year, Pizza City Fest is returning to the iconic L.A. LIVE on April 25-26, 2026. This two-day celebration will be held atop the 100,000 square foot special events deck, a centerpiece of the vibrant, 4 million square foot entertainment destination that truly captures the essence of the city’s lively atmosphere.
Founded in 2022 by three-time Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky, the festival continues to unite aficionados with its three core objectives: showcasing unsung artisans, educating the public, and giving back to the community.
“We’re so excited to be returning to L.A. for our fourth annual event. The pizza scene in SoCal is as robust as ever,” says Dolinsky. “We’ve added nearly a dozen new options this year… From Santa Barbara to the Inland Empire and down to San Diego, we’re saving pizza fans from spending hours in their cars to try the best pizzas.”
The Ultimate Pizza Buffet
Photo courtesy Pizza City Fest
The festival highlights the region’s vast landscape and diverse talents, offering guests the exclusive opportunity to taste unlimited offerings from 20 premier artisans each day. Since everything is baked fresh on-site, the experience is just like eating in the pizzeria. Attendees can explore a variety of styles including Neapolitan, L.A.-style, Chicago Tavern-style, New York-style, Detroit-style, New Haven Apizza, Artisan, and Grandma Pies. Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, L.A. LIVE—developed by AEG—is known as the nation’s most active “live content and event campus,” making it the perfect backdrop for such a massive culinary undertaking.
The 2026 Lineup
The roster features a mix of returning fan-favorites and 10 first-timers. On Saturday, April 25, featured pizzerias include Angel City Pizza, Anna Pizza*, Bub & Grandma’s Pizza*, Emmy Squared, Esco’s New York Style Pizza, Fat Lip Pizza & Beer, Fat Nattys*, Joe’s Pizza, Mievè*, Mike’s Firestone Pizza*, Mexiforno, Old Gold Tomato Pies*, Riip Beer & Pizza, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Thunderbolt Pizza*, Tribute Pizza, Triple Beam Pizza, Truly Pizza, Wallflour Pizza*, and Woodstock Farina. Sweet treats will be provided by Lei’d Cookies and Uli’s Gelato.
The feast continues on Sunday, April 26 with Apollonia’s Pizzeria, Bettina, Chi-Pie, Detroit Pizza Depot, Due Fiori*, Little Dynamite, LaSorted’s, Nonna Mercato, Ospi, Ozzy’s Apizza, Naughty Pie Nature, Petramale Pizza, Pie Trap Pizza, PiiZaa*, Pizzana, Prime Pizza, Prince St. Pizza, Secret Pizza, Speak Cheezy, and Two Doughs. Dessert features Wanderlust Creamery and Levain Bakery. (*Indicates a new participating pizzeria in 2026).
Education and Entertainment
Beyond the buffet of slices, the event features discussion panels, demos, book signings, a pizza box folding contest, and live entertainment. On Saturday, Nancy Silverton of Pizzeria Mozza will join the “Dough Whisperers” panel, followed by a home baker’s masterclass by Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow. Sunday features a demo on portable pizza ovens with Daniele Uditi and a panel titled “It’s Not the Water! NYC Pizza Exists in L.A.” These educational sessions take place just steps away from world-class music venues and the GRAMMY Museum, all part of the L.A. LIVE campus centered around Peacock Place.
Giving Back and Tickets
Pizza City Fest is proud to partner with the Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP), a nonprofit providing skills to over 25,000 underserved students and adults. General admission tickets are $99 (1–5 p.m.) and include unlimited tastings, beverages, and demos. VIP tickets are $199 and include one-hour early entry (12 p.m.), VIP Lounge access, preferred seating, and a swag bag.
Tickets for children ages 4-10 are $59.
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets starting February 18, with public sales opening Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. PST at lalive.com/pizzacityfest.
