National Pizza Day Event In Waldorf To Feature Children’s Book Launch

WALDORF, Md. — Families from across the region are invited to celebrate National Pizza Day with a free, family-friendly community event and children’s book launch on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Regency Furniture Stadium.

The National Pizza Day Celebration and “I Only Eat Pizza” Book Launch, hosted by Tattoon Kids, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and is designed to feel big, joyful and memorable for children and families, with an evening built around stories, courage and plenty of pizza.

The event marks the official launch of “I Only Eat Pizza,” a children’s book that follows a pizza-loving character as he learns about bravery and trying something new. The story uses familiar food experiences to encourage confidence, curiosity and positive conversations around picky eating in a fun, low-pressure way.

Written by local children’s author Benita L. Gibson of Charles County, the book is inspired by a real-life story and introduces young readers to Harrison, a child who believes he has found the perfect food for every meal. When his routine is challenged, Harrison is guided by a supportive cooking teacher and the adults in his life as he begins to explore new experiences, emphasizing communication, patience and small steps rather than pressure or fear.

Local pizzerias donating pizzas for the event include Napoli’s Pizzeria, Burnt Box Pizza, Galazio Restaurant, Ledo Pizza–La Plata and Ledo Pizza–Waldorf on Billingsley Road, with additional restaurants expected to join.

Planned activities include read-aloud moments, kid-friendly games, photo opportunities and a “Brave Bite Corner,” where children can explore new foods at their own pace. A hands-on mini-pizza cooking activity will be offered, with limited spots available, and led by Akilah Parris, the real-life cooking teacher who inspired the character Ms. Akilah in the book. Learning centers and activity tables will be set up throughout the evening, along with a kid DJ helping create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for families.

Community partners scheduled to participate include the Charles County Health Department, which will host an educational table, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Youth Engagement Unit, which will engage with children and families during the event.

Raffle prizes and giveaways from local businesses are planned throughout the evening, along with appearances by community partners offering family-focused resources and interactive engagement.

National Pizza Day History

National Pizza Day is celebrated annually on Feb. 9. The unofficial food holiday began gaining popularity in the early 2000s, though its origins are unclear. Pizza itself dates back to Naples, Italy, where it emerged as a simple flatbread dish in the 10th century before evolving into a global favorite.

Pizza arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, with the country’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opening in New York City in 1905. Since then, pizza has become one of the most popular foods in America. According to industry data, Americans consume about 3 billion pizzas each year, averaging roughly 46 slices per person annually, with pepperoni consistently ranking among the most popular toppings.

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