The Phoenix Pizza Festival is back for its ninth year, ready to bring a slice of excitement to the Valley. On November 16 and 17, the festival – which takes place at Hance Park – promises a weekend packed with endless pizza, drinks and live entertainment.
The festival is a foodie’s dream, transforming Hance Park into a pizza paradise for two full days. About 7,000 attendees are expected to attend the event, during which 15 to 20 pizza makers from across Arizona will offer samples to attendees.
“The festival started in 2014 because of a love of pizza. We (my festival partner, Lisa Duffield, and I) wanted to celebrate our local pizza scene and host the event in Phoenix,” Co-Founder David Tyda said “We chose downtown so the event could have a kind of ‘picnic, afternoon in a city park’ vibe.”
The duo called a couple local craft beer makers, and bands that lean towards rock, bluegrass, and folksy Americana, and created a really fun atmosphere that “seems to work year after year.”
This year’s lineup features Otra Pizzeria, Re Di Roma, Moon Pie, and Dough Riders. A few exciting Tucson newcomers, Gabeesh Italian Eats and Lumbre Pizza a La Lena, will also appear – and fan-favorites Floridino’s famous pizza muffins and White Mountain’s pizza fries.
Slices aren’t the only item on the menu. Attendees can also treat themselves to dessert from local food trucks, refreshing beverages from bars serving local craft beer and wine, and a wide array of additional bites like pasta, meatballs, and French fries.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket, kick back on the lawn and enjoy the live music. This year’s lineup includes eight local bands: Gnarwhal Jrz, The Deadbeat Cousins, The Blood Feud Family Singers, Casey Ryan, Chrome Rhino, The Lonesome Wilderness, Metropolis Man, and Tayrona Reggae.
The festival’s kid-friendly activities make this event ideal for families – fill up on pizza while youngsters enjoy arts and crafts and lawn games – which, of course, grown-ups can also participate in.
The Phoenix Pizza Festival is more than just a celebration of meat, cheese, and dough; it also aims to make a difference. The event has partnered with Downtown Phoenix Inc., a nonprofit focused on enhancing the city’s urban core by supporting local events and businesses. Proceeds help fund Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s initiatives to boost and revitalize the community.
“The Pizza Festival is a great chance to try pizza places that only do farmer’s markets, private catering, and pop-ups. It’s rare to have an opportunity to try all these unique pizza places in one spot,” Tyda said. “This year, we have the iconic Pizzicletta coming in from Flagstaff, and newer pizza maker Lumbre a La Leña from Tucson – they blend Mexican and Italian flavors. I’m also excited about Moon Pie, they’re a neighboring pizza restaurant in Phoenix with cracker thin Tavern-style crust.”
The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 17. Tickets are $16 and are available exclusively online. For more, visit phoenix.pizza.
