Extra large pizza fest serves up slices from 40 different spots in LA this weekend

Downtown Los Angeles is about to get seriously cheesy this weekend as Pizza City Fest returns for its fourth year, running Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Founded by three-time Emmy and 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky, the festival has expanded into a three-city operation covering Chicago, Nashville and Los Angeles.

This year’s LA edition brings 40 pizzerias together in one place with unlimited tastings.

Tickets are $99 for general admission and $199 for VIP at the LA LIVE Event Deck.

The lineup stretches across Southern California, from Orange County and the Inland Empire to the San Fernando Valley, the Westside and Santa Barbara.

Eleven of the participating pizzerias are making their festival debut this year.

Saturday’s menu of heavy hitters includes Angel City Pizza (Venice), Emmy Squared (DTLA), Joe’s Pizza (Southern California), Riip Beer & Pizzeria (Huntington Beach), and Tribute Pizza (San Diego). Newcomers include Bub & Grandma’s Pizza (Highland Park), Colossus (Long Beach, San Pedro), Bianca Sicilian Trattoria (mobile truck, Arts District), and Thunderbolt Pizza (Long Beach).

Dessert options include Lei’d Cookies (Culver City) and Uli’s Gelato (Los Angeles).

Sunday keeps the ovens hot with Bettina (Santa Barbara), Pizzana (Southern California), Prime Pizza, Prince St. Pizza, and LaSorted’s (Silver Lake and Chinatown).

Newer names include PiiZaa (mobile truck, Torrance), Due Fiori (Long Beach), and Detroit Pizza Depot (Hollywood).

Dessert comes from Wanderlust Creamery and Levain Bakery across Los Angeles locations.

What sets Pizza City Fest apart is the sheer variety of styles on display.

Detroit, New York, Neapolitan, tavern-style, grandma slices and experimental artisan pies all share the same space.

Unlike cities where one style dominates, Southern California’s pizza identity is built on variety.

The lineup reflects that mix.

There are New York-style contenders like Esco’s, Detroit Pizza Depot representing its namesake style, and experimental spots like Bub & Grandma’s that do not fit neatly into one category.

One standout is Colossus, based in Long Beach and San Pedro, which earned praise from the Los Angeles Times for its 100 percent sourdough crust.

It is part of a broader artisan movement shaping the region’s pizza scene.

Another attention-grabber is PiiZaa, a mobile concept from the Torrance Farmers Market. 

The name reflects Vietnamese pronunciation, and the team is serving a bánh xèo-inspired pizza with turmeric, shrimp and pork.

Beyond the food, the festival also features live programming.

Saturday begins at 2 p.m. with “The Dough Whisperers,” featuring Nancy Silverton and Aaron Lindell of Quarter Sheets discussing dough craftsmanship.

At 3 p.m., Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow of Flour + Water lead a home baker masterclass, followed by a Silverton book signing.

Sunday programming includes a backyard pizza oven demonstration from Daniele Uditi of Pizzana at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., Esteban Gutierrez, Sean Lango, and Vito DeCandia take part in a discussion on New York-style pizza outside New York, moderated by KTLA Morning anchor Chris Schauble.

Pizza City Fest runs Saturday and Sunday at the Event Deck at LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles.

Tickets are available at the event’s website.

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