National Calzone Day

National Calzone Day is observed annually on November 1. This day invites people to delight in the folded‑pizza wonder known as the calzone—whether savouring one at a pizzeria, making it at home, or sharing the joy with others.

History of National Calzone Day

The dish itself traces back to Naples, Italy, where calzones emerged as a practical street‑food variation of pizza—easy to eat on the go and folded for portability. In the United States, the day was established in 2016 by Minsky’s Pizza in Kansas City on the occasion of their 40th anniversary, choosing November 1 as the date to honour this culinary favourite.

Why is National Calzone Day important?

When I think about this day, I realise it’s more than just an excuse to eat something delicious—it’s a nod to how food travels, adapts and becomes part of culture. The calzone started as a simple fold of dough in Naples and now stands alongside beloved favourites in pizza culture. Recognising it gives us a moment to appreciate not only taste, but tradition, creativity and community.
It also gives a platform to celebrate small businesses, pizzerias and the craft of good food. Many independent pizza shops make calzones with thoughtful combinations of fillings, often inspired by local flavour. On this day, choosing a calzone means supporting the hands and ovens behind it.

• It honours a distinctive Italian‑American food tradition rooted in Italy’s pizza culture
• It encourages us to experiment with flavours and combinations inside the calzone
• It highlights local and family‑owned pizzerias that craft these from scratch
• It reminds us that food celebrations can be fun, communal and unpretentious
• It provides an opportunity to share food, stories and moments around a folded pocket of goodness

How to Celebrate National Calzone Day

Celebrating this day can be as simple or as inventive as you like. Head to your favourite pizzeria and order a calzone—or a few different ones to sample. Ask about their signature combinations or what fillings they suggest you try.
Or bring the celebration home: roll out dough (store‑bought or fresh), choose your fillings—classic mozzarella/pepperoni, veggie deluxe, or an entirely custom mix—fold, seal and bake. Make it a shared activity with friends or family: everyone picks a filling, the oven works, and you eat together. The key is enjoying something handmade and shared.

• Visit a local pizzeria, order a calzone you haven’t tried and savour it slowly
• Make your own calzone at home: pick dough, choose fillings, fold and bake with friends or family
• Try something new inside the calzone—perhaps a local ingredient, a vegetarian mix or a sweet‑dessert version
• Share a photo of your calzone experience on social media with the tag #NationalCalzoneDay
• Support a local pizza shop by buying extra or recommending them to someone else

National Calzone Day Dates Table