Chicago’s Pizza Obsession, All in One Place
Chicago’s pizza scene isn’t just varied—it’s obsessive, celebratory, and, this weekend, all hands on deck. From August 22–24, Pizza City Fest takes over 430 N. Rush Street in River North for three days of live-dough action, live music, and even guided pizza tours.
Dough You Know the Lineup?
Each day, you'll get to sample from 14 rotating pizzerias—not a meaningless number, but the real deal. On Friday, expect vendors like Alla Vita, Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza, Labriola, and Nancy’s. Saturday brings back heavy hitters like Bonci and Home Run Inn, plus newcomers like Middle Brow and Paulie Gee’s. Sunday rounds off with favorites such as Bonci and Leona’s, plus My Pi, Suparossa, and The Beer Temple’s Middle Brow collab. Smoky enough yet?
More Than Just Pizza
This isn’t lunch in a parking lot. There’s a full lineup of live music (Sunfallen, Sixteen Candles, Trippin’ Billies…), panels like “What is ‘Chicago Style’ Pizza?” and “Making Pizza at Home,” and even a guided Pizza City Tour with “doughcents” showing you four iconic styles and their stories.
VIP Life is Twice-Baked
For those who’d rather avoid the crowds, VIP perks include early entry, reserved seating (and bathrooms), two drinks, swag, artisan gelato—you know the drill.
Civic Slice: Keepin’ It Charitable
Pizza indulgence meets charity thanks to Doughnate Pizza, which ensures a portion of proceeds helps get hot pies to local shelters.
Summary: Why It’s Worth It
No frills, no fluff—just a concentrated dose of Chicago pizza culture in one place. Whether you’re deep-dish or thin-crust loyal, Pizza City Fest delivers not just slices, but stories, rhythms, and a taste of what makes Chicago’s pizza scene perennially magnetic.
