Las Vegas will once again become the center of the pizza universe later this month when the International Pizza Expo arrives in town. But while the massive industry trade show is largely closed to the public, locals can still get in on the action at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo Tailgate Party.
Hosted by the nonprofit Slice Out Hunger, the annual event returns Monday, March 23, taking over Third Street in front of Pizza Rock downtown for an outdoor celebration of pizza and community. More than two dozen pizza makers from Las Vegas and around the country will serve slices during two 75-minute sessions, with all proceeds supporting hunger relief efforts.
A Public Slice of Pizza Expo Week
The tailgate traditionally serves as the unofficial public kickoff to Pizza Expo week, when thousands of pizza professionals from around the world descend on Las Vegas for the industry’s largest gathering.
For Dani White, owner of Yukon Pizza in Las Vegas, the event offers a rare chance for everyday pizza fans to experience the camaraderie she sees every year at the Expo.
“The reason the tailgate happens when it does is that it’s during International Pizza Expo week, which brings tens of thousands of people from all over the world — all the pizza nerds together,” White said during an interview on the March 6 episode of the Food and Loathing podcast. “It’s really our opportunity to hang out with these pizza makers from all over and share ideas and make pizza together.”
White says the tailgate gives the public a glimpse into that global pizza community.
“This event is open to the public, and it’s a chance to see all these pizza makers together.”
Pizza for a Cause
This year’s event will also celebrate Women’s History Month, with participating pizzaioli collaborating on specialty pies honoring women who helped shape pizza history. White will be representing both Yukon Pizza and the industry group Women in Pizza, which supports mentorship, education and connection among women working in the pizza world.
Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door, and 100% of ticket sales will be used to buy pizza for hunger relief organizations like shelters & soup kitchens through Slice Out Hunger’s Pie it Forward initiative.
For Las Vegas pizza fans, it may be the easiest way to taste a little bit of Pizza Expo week.
SEE OUR COVERAGE OF THE 2024 PIZZA TAILGATE IN THE EMBEDDED TIKTOK VIDEO
