When is the Indianapolis Pizza Festival?
The Indianapolis Pizza Festival is Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Where is the festival?
The festival will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in and around the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.
What are the Pizza Fest session times?
There are two Pizza Fest sessions:
Session 1: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Your ticket determines which session you can enjoy pizza samples.
What does my Pizza Fest ticket include?
Your ticket includes admission to your selected Pizza Fest session and the opportunity to sample pizza from participating restaurants throughout the festival.
Is pizza included with my ticket?
Yes! Pizza samples from participating Pizza Fest vendors are included with your admission during your designated session.
How much are tickets?
Pizza Fest General Admission: $30 + fees 
Pizza Fest + World Food Championships Combo Ticket: $40 + fees 
Tickets are limited for each session, and last year's festival sold out.
What is the World Food Championships Combo Ticket?
The Combo Ticket gives you access to both the Indianapolis Pizza Festival and the World Food Championships happening at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
What is included with VIP?
VIP guests get early admission at 11:30am, all day festival access, VIP Lounge featuring TVs, a private bar, and exclusive pizza samples you won't find in general admission. 
This year's VIP-exclusive pizza lineup includes a Futuro x HotBoys collaboration along with Byrne's Pizza.
Can I stay after my Pizza Fest session ends?
Yes. Your designated session determines when you can receive Pizza Fest samples. Depending on your ticket type, you may continue enjoying other event areas, drinks, entertainment, and World Food Championships activities after your pizza sampling session ends.
How much pizza should I expect?
This is a tasting festival, so participating restaurants will be serving sample-sized portions rather than full slices. With dozens of pizza makers participating, you'll have plenty of opportunities to find a new favorite.
Can I go back for more pizza?
Yes. You can continue sampling during your designated session while supplies last.
Will there be drinks?
Yes! Drinks will be available for purchase throughout the festival, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. VIP guests will also have access to a private bar in the VIP Lounge.
Is there seating?
There will be designated areas to sit, eat, relax, and enjoy the festival. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the festival indoors or outdoors?
Both! The 2026 Indianapolis Pizza Festival will utilize indoor and outdoor areas at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
What happens if it rains?
The festival is rain or shine. A significant portion of the event is indoors, giving us much more weather protection than in previous years.
Are kids allowed?
Absolutely. Pizza Fest is a family-friendly event.
Do children need a ticket?
Children over 3 years old need a ticket. 
Will there be vegetarian options?
Yes, we expect participating restaurants to offer a variety of pizzas, including vegetarian options. Individual offerings will vary by vendor.
What about gluten-free or other dietary restrictions?
Some vendors may offer gluten-free or specialty options, but we cannot guarantee availability or prevent cross-contact. Guests with severe food allergies should speak directly with participating vendors before sampling.
Where do I park?
Parking is available at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We recommend arriving early and following event signage and parking staff when you arrive.
Do I need to bring my ticket?
Yes. Have your digital ticket ready on your phone when you arrive. Turning your screen brightness up before reaching check-in can help speed up entry.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets are limited by session, so we strongly recommend purchasing in advance. If a session sells out, tickets may not be available on event day but tickets will be available to purchase.
Does Pizza Fest support a charity?
Yes! The 2026 Indianapolis Pizza Festival is proud to support Indiana Wish, helping make wishes come true for Indiana children facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
Will there be raffles or giveaways?
Yes! Keep an eye out for special giveaways, prizes, and charity fundraising opportunities throughout the festival. Some winners will be selected during the event.
Are tickets refundable?
Unless otherwise stated by the ticketing provider, tickets are non-refundable. The Indianapolis Pizza Festival is a rain-or-shine event.
Where can I get festival updates?
Follow @IndyPizzaFest on social media for vendor announcements, giveaways, festival updates, important event-day information, and plenty of pizza.