How to Plan a Pizza Crawl for National Pizza Day
Plan a memorable pizza crawl for National Pizza Day. Get tips on routes, invites, and capturing the cheesy memories with friends.
Short answer: A pizza crawl is a progressive food tour where your group visits multiple pizzerias in one outing. Pick 3-4 spots within walking distance, invite friends with a fun theme, order slices at each stop, and capture the adventure with photos.
- Choose 3-4 pizzerias within a walkable route
- Send themed invitations 2 weeks ahead
- Order one slice per person at each stop to pace yourselves
- Create a shared photo album so everyone can contribute their shots
- End with a group vote on the best slice
Who This Is For
This guide is perfect for:
- Friend groups looking for a unique outing
- Pizza lovers celebrating National Pizza Day (February 9, 2026)
- Anyone who wants an alternative to a typical dinner reservation
- Organizers who enjoy themed events
How to Plan Your Route
Start by mapping pizzerias in your area. Look for spots within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. Three to four stops is the sweet spot. Any more and your group will be too full to enjoy the last slices.
Mix up the styles. Include a New York-style spot, a Neapolitan option, and maybe a local favorite with unconventional toppings. Variety keeps the crawl interesting and gives everyone something to look forward to.
Call ahead if your group is larger than 8. Most pizzerias can handle a small group ordering slices, but a heads-up prevents surprises for the staff and keeps your timing on track.
Getting People to Show Up
Send invitations at least two weeks in advance. Use a group chat, a simple Evite, or even a playful poster image. Give the event a name like “The Great Pizza Crawl” or “Slice Quest 2026.”
Make it easy to commit. Set a clear start time and meeting spot. Include the route so people know what to expect. Mention the vibe: casual clothes, comfortable shoes, empty stomachs.
Making It Fun
Turn the crawl into a friendly competition. Hand out scorecards at the start and have everyone rate each slice on crust, sauce, cheese, and overall taste. Tally the votes at the end and crown a winner.
Add photo challenges along the way. Ask everyone to snap a shot of their favorite slice, the group at each stop, or the cheesiest pull. These moments make the best memories and give you content to look back on.
Consider matching t-shirts or pizza-themed accessories. A little silliness goes a long way toward making the day memorable.
Capturing the Memories
Photos from a pizza crawl are priceless. The problem is that they end up scattered across a dozen phones. One person has the group shot, another has the action photos, and half the pictures never get shared.
Gather Shot solves this. Create an event, share the QR code at the first stop, and everyone can upload their photos to one shared gallery. No app downloads, no group text chaos. At the end of the night, you have a complete album of the entire adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pizzerias should we visit? Three to four is ideal. You want enough variety without overstuffing your group.
What if someone has dietary restrictions? Check menus ahead of time. Most pizzerias offer gluten-free or vegetarian options.
How long does a pizza crawl take? Plan for 2-3 hours depending on how long you linger at each stop.
Can we do this with kids? Absolutely. Kids love pizza, and shorter walking distances keep them engaged.
Next Steps
Pick a date, scout your route, and send those invites. National Pizza Day falls on February 9, 2026, so you have time to plan the perfect crawl. Use Gather Shot to collect everyone’s photos in one place and make sure no slice goes undocumented.