Long Island Pizza Fest moves to Nassau Coliseum for 2026

The maiden voyage of Long Island Pizza Fest last September was such a success that its organizers are taking it out for another spin — and this time the event will be twice as big. Organizer Frank Antonetti said that he and his partners, Corey Gluckstal and JB Woodworth, expected about 1,000 people to attend the 2025 event at Mill Dam Park, "but we got over 2,500."

And so, the festival grew. The second Long Island Pizza festival will take place Sept. 19 in the plaza at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. "We’ll be able to accommodate 30 pizzerias this time," Antonetti said, "and 26 have already committed." The committed include an A to Z of top pizzerias: Americano of Syosset, Anna Pizza + Wine of Woodbury, Donatina of Patchogue, Dough & Co of Huntington and Oyster Bay, Galleria of Merrick, Grotta di Fuoco of Long Beach, Onion Tree of Sea Cliff, Serpico’s Bread Co. truck, Taglio of Mineola and Massapequa Park, Tori T’s of Malverne, Uncle Frank’s of Wantagh, Via Cuma of Valley Stream and Oceanside and Zozo's of Bayville.

Like last year, there will be two tasting sessions (noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.). A $75 ticket entitles the bearer to unlimited pizza during one session. It’s $25 for kids ages 7 to 12. Parking is not included, nor are the various beverage options.

Hang around before or after your session and take in professional demos, a vendor village, crafts for kids and live music. At 7 p.m., Michael DelGuidice (Billy Joel band stalwart and a performer in his own right) will cap the day’s activities with a set.

Antonetti, who is an owner at 1653 Pizza Company and The Rust & Gold, both in Huntington, as well as a founder of the Long Island Bartenders League, said tickets will go on sale this summer.