By Mary Ann Bourbeau
RED BANK – When Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the early part of the 20th century, they never could have imagined how it would evolve into so many different styles. Come sample all the different types of pizza the city has to offer at the Second Annual Red Bank Pizza Fest Saturday, April 25.
Pizza enthusiasts who take part in the city-wide event will spend an afternoon tasting slices from an array of local pizzerias. The selections run from thin crust to deep dish, from basic mozzarella and red sauce to those with more adventurous toppings. It’s like a bar crawl, but with pizza.
“It’s a great way for people to explore the town,” said Adam Smith, CEO of the Lokel Group, which organizes pizza crawls and other walkable food fests throughout New Jersey. “They’ve probably walked by many of these restaurants 400 times. This is a good way for them to explore the town and stop in some of the other shops in between.”
The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. During that time, participants will sample half a slice at participating locations, each time having their ticket – or “pizza passport” – stamped. General admission tickets also include a sweet treat from Coney Waffle, a free sample of Hive House Hot Honey and 25% off Good Times Vapes and Gummies at Canopy Crossroad. VIP tickets include a Red Bank Pizza Fest event T-shirt, skip-the-line option, a sweet treat from Jersey Cookie Girl, and a sample of Good Times Gummies from Canopy Crossroad (must be 21 years old and possess a valid photo ID).
There are two check-in locations where participants can pick up their pizza passports. From there, they’ll head to participating restaurants in any order and at their own pace. The event guidelines ask that patrons only sit at a restaurant if purchasing additional food or beverages, dispose of trash inside restaurants or in public trash cans, and be patient as wait times can vary.
In addition to pizza, there will be local vendors selling artisanal products and pizza-themed merchandise. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank.
“People love pizza more than anything, and the fact that this event benefits a local charity is a bonus,” said Smith, a Christian Brothers Academy graduate who grew up in Colts Neck and Fair Haven. “Red Bank is an incredibly walkable town, and the businesses are very community-oriented. It’s a great central hub in Monmouth County.”
Participating locations and their offerings to date include Gianni’s Pizzeria (plain, Sicilian, chicken vodka pizza); Sally Boys (margherita pie); Urban Coalhouse (sweet heat, burrata); Via Sposito (margherita); Neapoli Italian Kitchen (traditional, margherita, tie dye, Brooklyn); Brothers Restaurant (TBD); Pazzo (margherita, vodka); New Corner Ristorante Italiano (gramma, Siciliana, margherita, chicken bacon ranch); The Bistro at Red Bank (spicy grandma); Mr. Pizza Slice (plain, pepperoni) and B2 Bistro (margherita, mushroom, spicy Italian).
Last year’s event took place on a rainy day, but 350 people still came out to enjoy the pizza crawl. This year, Smith is expecting at least twice as many participants.
“We’re really excited,” he said. “The weather will be good. It can’t be bad two years in a row.”
At the end of the event, pizza lovers can scan the QR code on their passports and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Last year’s winner, Via Sposito, received a plaque for the honor.
“We’ll see if they can defend the title this year,” Smith said.
The Lokel Group will present other walkable food events in the city this year, including the Red Bank Food and Wine Walk Aug. 15 and the Red Bank Mac and Cheese Festival Sept. 26.
“For 12 years, our business’ mission has been to help people have fun while also giving back to the local organizations that make an impact in the community,” Smith said. “People spend too much time with their heads down in their phones. This is a chance to experience the best of Red Bank and support a great cause.”
The Red Bank Pizza Fest will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $22.22 to $75.22 and are available at lokelgroup.com/pizza-fest. Follow on Instagram @JerseyShoreHappyHours_ for updates and future events.
The article originally appeared in the April 16 – 22, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
