National Pizza Party Day, set for May 16 in 2025, turns a casual Friday staple into a national spotlight event. Observed every third Friday of May, the day underscores just how deeply pizza has woven itself into American culture. It’s a time when coworkers bond over a shared box in the break room, families turn dinner into a hands-on activity and friends gather around to swap stories while waiting for the cheese to bubble.
A slice of history
Pizza’s roots stretch back long before it became a Friday-night tradition. Ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans baked flatbreads topped with oils, herbs and cheese — an early version of what would become pizza. The dish, as we know it today, took shape in 18th-century Naples, where affordable, handheld pies topped with tomato, cheese and anchovies were sold as street food to workers.
When Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it quickly gained popularity in cities like New York and Chicago. In 1905, Gennaro Lombardi opened the first licensed pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi’s, still operating today in Manhattan’s Little Italy. Since then, pizza has evolved into a symbol of American comfort food with countless regional interpretations.
Celebrating National Pizza Party Day
Most holidays don’t involve cheese, sauce and dough — but this one is an exception. Part of the fun on National Pizza Party Day is choosing how to celebrate it, whether you’re rolling out dough in the kitchen or dialing in an order from your go-to spot. Here’s a closer look at how people across the country are getting creative with their slices.
Make-your-own pizza night
One of the most personal ways to celebrate is by setting up a homemade pizza bar. With store-bought or homemade dough, sauces, cheeses and toppings laid out buffet-style, everyone builds their own dream pie. For families or roommates, this hands-on experience often becomes a new Friday tradition.
Pizza deals and deliveries
Many national chains offer deals in honor of Pizza Party Day. Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Domino’s often roll out limited-time discounts, including group deals, delivery promos or Friday-only pizzas. These deals encourage gatherings and large orders, with some brands offering free sides or drinks when customers hit a minimum spend.
Local spots may roll out special menu items or limited-time pizzas to mark the day. Websites like RetailMeNot or Offers.com typically round up the latest deals for food holidays, making it easier to plan ahead and save a few bucks.
Pizza parties at school or work
Schools and offices are no strangers to Pizza Party Day. Teachers use it as a classroom incentive, rewarding students for good behavior or academic achievements with a shared lunchtime treat. In the workplace, team leads and managers turn it into a casual morale booster, swapping out formal meetings for slices and small talk.
It’s simple, inclusive and reliably brings people together in low-pressure environments. For many, it’s a chance to strengthen relationships without needing an agenda.
Community and charity events
Beyond homes and offices, some towns turn National Pizza Party Day into a full-blown local event. Community centers and nonprofits host pizza nights with proceeds supporting local programs.
In past years, events like the Slice Out Hunger benefit in New York have raised funds to fight food insecurity through pizza-driven initiatives. On the other hand, military community events like the NAS Oceana MWR Liberty Pizza Party offer free pizza and drinks to single sailors ranked E-1 to E-6, encouraging camaraderie in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
When the last slice is gone
As Pizza Party Day unfolds across the country on May 16, it highlights just how ingrained pizza is in American culture. The day now features coordinated events, corporate deals and grassroots gatherings, all centered around a universally loved meal. For many, it’s a cultural ritual that cuts across age, setting and background. And with participation growing each year, this once-niche observance is securing its spot on the national calendar.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., a unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites, and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.